Update March 1, 2016, from here.
This morning at the Geneva International Motor Show, Maserati introduced their first ever SUV. The all new Levante, named for a warm Mediterranean wind. This is going to be a performance-style SUV, closer in target to a Porsche Cayenne than a Land Rover.
The Levante will be available with a pair of 3.0L twin-turbo V6 engines, producing 345 hp in the base trim or 424 hp in the ‘S’. Both come equipped with Maserati’s Q4 all-wheel drive system and a mechanically locking rear differential. The Levante S will do 0-100 km/h in 5.1 seconds on the way to a top speed of 266 km/h. The base model will reach 100 km/h in a still impressive 5.9 seconds.
Underneath, the suspension is double wishbones in the front and multi-link in the rear. With Maserati’s Skyhook electronically controlled dampers, air springs all around, and six position adjustable ride height. Maserati claims a class leading low center of gravity for improved handling and performance.
Inside, Maserati is providing a high level of luxury, including available premium leather and silk . There is also an 8.4-inch touch screen with a redundant rotary control knob in the center console. Driver assistance features include stop/start, forward collision warning, brake assist, lane departure warning, park assist, and surround view cameras. Interior personalization choices will be optional as well.
The 2017 Maserati Levante is expected to be available in dealers this summer, with Canadian pricing not yet available.
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The Geneva auto show is just around the corner and for the occasion, Italian manufacturer Maserati will be officially introducing their first sport utility vehicle to the world, the all-new Levante.
Though this new Italian stallion receives a more muscular treatment than the rest of the family, it remains true to its origins with a chrome clad front grille sporting the famous saetta logo, feline headlights and the brand's iconic trio of side air vents. Based on the Kubang concept, the living proof that the idea of a utility vehicle has been on Maserati engineers' mind for over a decade, the Levante is destined to combine the existing lineup's handling to a more rugged package meant to take the concept of luxury performance off the beaten paths.
The Levante will feature electronic suspensions with controlled damping and air springs, the Q4 intelligent all-wheel drive system and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The manufacturer promises a selection of gasoline and diesel engines, but further details regarding the performance and the specs will have to wait until after the model's Swiss unveil. Maserati has announced that the new Turin-built Levante will go on sale in Europe in the spring before going global later in the year.
