2017 Maserati Levante

The Maserati Levante is a turning point in Maserati's history. The brand new model, which made its World Premiere at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show, enables the Trident to access the largest luxury segment in the world. The Levante significantly contributes to the creation of the most complete product line-up in Maserati's history.

The name Levante was inspired by a warm, Mediterranean wind that can change from mild to gale force in an instant, mirroring the character of the first Maserati SUV.

The Maserati Levante is based on the evolution of the saloon platform, designed exclusively by Maserati. The chassis has been specifically developed to offer unique on-road drivability and competitive off-road capability, with day-to-day comfort and practicality. The premium Italian SUV was conceived around three main pillars: Design, Exclusivity and Performance. It represents the optimum blend of these three elements in the SUV world.

The Maserati Levante's design is distinctive and attractive, embracing the aesthetic elements of Italian style. The design brings a new concept to the SUV world, combining spaciousness and coupé lines while achieving the best aerodynamic efficiency in its segment with a Cx coefficient of just 0.31.

Its exclusivity stems from technical features like Air Suspension and the Q4 AWD system, which come as standard equipment, and the high level of customisation that includes two cutting-edge packages, Sport and Luxury. The result is a driving experience that is as unique as the Maserati brand and its customers.

The thoroughbred on-road handling typical of all Maserati cars and the solid off-road capabilities, as demanded in the SUV segment, describe the car's overall ethos. The Levante is here to excite any sports car driver counting on performance-oriented features, such as the extensive use of lightweight materials, ideal 50-50% weight distribution and its lowest in class centre of gravity. Features that deliver unparalleled agility in the luxury SUV class.

The aluminium "double wishbone - five link" suspension layout is comprised of standard Air Springs and electronically controlled Skyhook shock absorbers. In conjunction with the intelligent Q4 All-Wheel-Drive system and the newly introduced Torque Vectoring system which deliver GT on-road behaviour and surprising - for a Maserati - off-road capabilities: the Levante is designed to deliver best in class comfort on rough roads and handling on snow and ice.

The off-road equipment completes a product made to surprise avid travellers and adventure lovers as well.

Engine-wise, the Levante is equipped with the latest evolution of the Maserati 3-litre V6 engines. The two versions of the twin-turbo petrol engine and the economical turbodiesel are globally acclaimed for their unique Maserati signature sound and for their exceptional performance.

The petrol Maserati V6 engine with latest GDI and twin-turbo is available in two versions: the top of the range 430 hp and the exciting 350 hp. The most powerful Levante makes it to 100 km/h in 5.2" and has a top speed of 264 km/h, while the figures for the 350 hp version are 6.0" and 251 km/h respectively.

The Levante is also available with a common-rail, direct injection turbodiesel V6 with reduced dwell time injectors. The 3-litre engine is capable of 275 hp and delivers 0-100 km/h in 6.9 seconds and a 230 km/h maximum speed while keeping the fuel economy as low as 7.2 litres/100 km under the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC).

Both petrol and diesel versions of the Maserati Levante use the eight-speed automatic ZF gearbox that provides seamless comfort and fast gear shifting, depending on the selected drive mode. The Levante driver can choose between four drive modes, "Normal"

I.C.E., "Sport" and "Off-road". Each one constitutes distinct characteristics intelligently altering engine, transmission, suspension and electronics features.

The Maserati Levante introduces several innovations to the current Maserati line-up; from safety to convenience options and through to the brand new Human Machine Interface and the dedicated cargo solutions. The range of equipment options is wider and more complete than ever.

The Maserati Levante has entered the SUV segment with a marked advantage in terms of new content. The innovative features of the car include: Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go function, Forward Collision Warning and Brake Assist System, Lane Departure Warning, Surround View camera, capacitive 8.4" Touch Screen display with brand new rotary control, plus the AHA function, an addition to the Maserati Touch Control Plus which extends the AM, FM and DAB digital radio with a network connection option: the AHA function dialogues with the user's network-connected mobile device to give access to on-line services (radio stations, programmes, etc.) while on the move.

A new state-of-the-art production line was set up exclusively for the Levante in the historic Mirafiori plant, where high quality standards in every area, from design to development and from process controls to fabrication, are applied in full.

Maserati's more than 100-year tradition of craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology guarantees outstanding quality right down to the tiniest of details.

Exterior Design

The Maserati DNA is clearly visible everywhere you look, ensuring that the Levante stands out among its competitors. The imposing grille is inspired by the sensational Alfieri concept and is destined to be a signature feature of all Maserati cars from now on.

The Maserati Levante is immediately recognisable as a Maserati, even from a distance. The muscular shape of the rear haunches gives it a distinctive and attractive Italian style.

The signature concave grille pays homage to historical Maserati models like the Tipo 60 Birdcage. It is accentuated by the flow of the front wings, which emphasize the shape of the engine compartment lid and run into the headlight surrounds at the front. The particularly effective headlights featuring Bi-Xenon and LED technology then converge with the Trident symbol at the centre of the grille.

The silhouette of the Levante moves from its feline-inspired headlights along the side of the car to the characteristic Maserati rear pillar, resulting in a coupé look that is enhanced by the frameless doors, a feature of every modern Maserati.

The rear pillar is refined by the insertion of the characteristic "Saetta" logo, first seen on the iconic Quattroporte in 1963, and seamlessly follows the shape of the side windows.

The side profile is defined by a swaged line that runs the entire length of the car. It departs from the signature side vents at the front and fades over the rear wing, defining its muscular shape and emphasizing its underlying strength.

The profile view is completed by a wide choice of alloy wheels, lightweight and sporty and coherent with the Maserati design language, with the Trident design neatly integrated into the spokes.

The 5-metre long Levante is the longest car in its segment and its 3-metre wheelbase is 6-10 cm longer than that of its major competitors. As a result, the car is one of the roomiest in its class and also boasts the sportiest and most elegant design in the luxury SUV segment.

Best in class aerodynamics

The Maserati Levante has best in class aerodynamic efficiency thanks to a Cx coefficient of 0.31. This is the result of meticulous simulations in a virtual environment and extensive tests in the Turin wind tunnel. Maserati invested in advanced measuring methods for the aerodynamic tests on the Levante in order to simulate real life conditions in the best possible way.

During the lengthy aerodynamic testing the Maserati engineers concentrated on optimising the air flow around and inside the car. They worked hard to maximise the air flow in the concave grille and in the area of the wheel arches.

In addition to the car's technical sophistication and inspired design, the final result was also shaped by active aerodynamics in the form of an electric Air Shutter that was included in the front grille for the first time in a Maserati.

The Air Shutter is located between the front air vents and the engine's radiator. Thanks to the continuous, electronically controlled movement of the blades, the shutter controls the air flow to the engine compartment with multiple benefits in both engine and aerodynamic efficiency.

The Air Shutter provides optimal control of the engine temperature, reduces the aerodynamic drag of the car and subsequently reduces fuel consumption and emissions.

Intelligent Bi-Xenon & LED lights

The Maserati Levante's front lights are elegantly styled and especially effective as they feature Bi-Xenon headlights with optional AFS and LED technology for the Daytime Running Lights, the indicators and the standard fog lights.

The LED DRL offer maximum visibility day and night and add to the sporty and elegant look of the car.

During daytime driving, when the low/high beam is off, the DRL's are at maximum brightness and they dim automatically when the low/high beam is on or when an indicator is activated.

The LED tail lights are also highly innovative, providing excellent visibility but also emphasising the style and safety features that are essential in a car of this class.

Adaptive Front-lighting System

The AFS (Adaptive Front-lighting System) can be integrated in the front lights as an optional extra. Thanks to the automatic adjustment of the headlamp beam, the AFS provides an outstanding view of the road in all driving conditions along with high levels of efficiency in terms of safety, without dazzling oncoming drivers. The AFS features different beam modes for driving on motorways, country roads, city roads and for adverse weather conditions.

When the optional AFS is fitted, thanks to a video camera mounted in the rear view mirror housing, a motorway driving beam control system automatically maximises the depth of the beam without any need for manual high-beam activation.

The uniform, intense beam, combined with automatic adjustment of the headlight depth and width, ensures an outstanding view of the road in all conditions. The system completely avoids blinding oncoming traffic.

The camera constantly monitors the road ahead to detect the lights of other cars. Sensors connected to the ECU register the driving style and speed and, if the road is clear, the beam is varied to offer the greatest depth and width of view, combined with the rotation of the headlights themselves. In addition to the intelligent control of the beam's depth and width, there are different automatic lighting modes with each one programmed to satisfy different driving conditions such as driving in a city, on country roads, on the motorway or in adverse weather conditions. There is also the possibility of setting the adaptive lighting for driving in countries where one drives on the other side of the road.

Each of the adaptive lighting modes automatically employs a strategy to best illuminate the road ahead. For example, the Motorway Mode sets the beam to a moderate position between high and low, ideal for high speeds. The Town Mode shortens and widens the beam and deactivates the beam rotation according to the steering angle so as not to disturb pedestrians and oncoming drivers. As for the Adverse Weather Mode, this is activated when the wipers are set to continuous and provides a wider and higher beam on the pavement side and a wider and lower beam on the inner side of the road to reduce reflection and prevent dazzling oncoming traffic.

Colours, Wheels & Customisation

In line with Maserati's traditions, there is a wide array of options and a variety of colours and materials for the Levante. There are thirteen colours available with three of them exclusive to the model.

The exterior colour range features two solid colours, Nero and Bianco, three metallic colours, Grigio Metallo, Grigio and the new Verde Ossido, two "metallescent" colours, Grigio Maratea and Champagne, and five in mica, Nero Ribelle, Blu Passione, Blu Emozione, and the new Rosso Rubino and Rame. There is also one pearlescent colour, Bianco Alpi.

At launch, the Levante is equipped with alloy wheels that are not only lightweight and sporty but which also reflect the Maserati design style, with a Trident design neatly integrated into the spokes.

The Maserati Levante 350 hp and 275 hp diesel are equipped with 18" tyres as standard with a wide range of options - 19", 20" and 21". The front and rear tyres have the same dimensions (standard 255/60 ZR18).

IDue to the increased performance levels, the top 430 hp S version is equipped with 19" wheels as standard and uses wider sized tyres at the rear axle (295/45 ZR19 with 265/50 ZR19 at the front).

All Maserati Levante wheels are produced using flow-forming technology in order to obtain reduced core thickness and therefore greater lightness, with uncompromising rigidity and strength. All wheels, except the 21" versions, are available with optional All Season tyres.

As an optional extra, the Levante can be equipped with silver-finish roof rails. Black Gloss roof rails are available in combination with the Sport pack.

Protective skid plates are integral design features of the Levante. They are available in two different colours: Black Gloss, which comes as part of the Sport Pack, and Silver Finish for the other versions. They are designed to protect the lower ends of the car, especially during off-road use, and they also give the car an even more distinctive look.

Interior Design

The whole interior is characterised by horizontal tension lines, highlighted by real material elements to create a feeling of absolute harmony between the front and rear passenger compartments.

The interior of the Levante feels like a first class lounge thanks to the standard leather seats. It can be further enhanced with the optional dual-colour leather and, in line with a long Maserati tradition, customers can personalise the interior according to their individual taste. A total of 28 interior colour combinations are available at launch.

The dashboard and the central console are designed in order to accommodate the 8.4" Touch Screen, the cluster of drive mode buttons, the brand new rotary knob and the air suspension switch.+

The instrument panel follows the classic Ghibli/Quattroporte layout and is backlit with white light that contrasts nicely with the warm cabin lighting. The classic Maserati analogue clock is located in the centre of the dashboard. It features a blue background dial with white backlighting. The interior finish is in aluminium with a chrome surround.

In terms of interior roominess, the car is towards the top of its class. The rear seats comfortably accommodate three passengers thanks to the long wheelbase and the wide body. The two outer seats are designed to offer maximum comfort and lateral restraint. The headroom is among the best in class thanks to the ergonomic configuration of the seats.

The luggage compartment of the Levante has been designed to provide a large and versatile load space of 580 litres. With its regular shape, it can easily accommodate large luggage items. There is a 12V power socket in the luggage area plus three more sockets in the cabin.

The standard power tailgate opens and closes automatically without anyone having to physically lift or pull it down. The system has a special anti-pitching function that immediately stops the closing procedure when an obstacle is detected. The electric system can be activated by the buttons on the tailgate, by the car's key fob and by a button on the dome light panel.

The standard equipment, also includes, in all markets: leather upholstery (upgraded for the 430 hp), Maserati 8.4" Touch Screen, Base Audio System with 8 speakers, cruise control, Hill Descent Control, dual zone climate system, wipers with rain sensor, keyless entry (front doors) and power lift tailgate.