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| Photo Credit: Maserati |
Spending over a century gaining a reputation for building finely-crafted sport coupes, roadsters and sedans, Italian brand Maserati is set to give rise to a new era for the 2017 model year. Giving hints at a production luxury crossover utility since 2003, Maserati formally declared their entrance into the competitive market by debuting the Levante at this year’s Geneva International Motor Show.
Badged with the Italian word translating to English as “rising’, the Levante tall stature embodies principles already explored through the Quattroporte and the Ghibli (this crossover vehicle shares its platform with both sedans). Maserati’s luxury design as well as the brand’s performance properties such as a low center of gravity, 50/50 weight distribution and the company’s Skyhook adaptive suspension.
Expected to arrive in Canada for this September, two versions of the new Maserati Levante can already be ordered from Maserati dealerships. According to the company’s Canadian website, Maserati’s presence refers to seven locations with three in the province Ontario, two in Quebec as well as locations in Vancouver, British Columbia and Calgary, Alberta. Potential buyers of Maserati’s newest creation can choose the $89,900 Levante or the $98,600 Levante S.
Propelled by 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged engine power, the Maserati Levante powerplant is offered in two output levels specific to the base and S model. The base Maserati Levante comes with 345 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque allowing the vehicle to accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour (0 to 96.56 km/h) in 6 seconds. On the Levante S model, horsepower is boosted to 424 horsepower while torque is bumped to 428 pound-feet. Capable of 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62-mile per hour) acceleration in 5.2 seconds, the Levante S is also advantaged with a higher top speed of 164 miles per hour (263.9 km/h). Top speed for the base Maserati Levante is 156 miles per hour (251.06 km/h). Both Maserati Levante models will function with speed and handling benefits of Q4 all-wheel drive technology. A twin-turbocharged V-8 powered version of the Maserati Levante is rumoured for the 2018 model year with an expected output of at least 520 horsepower.
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| Photo Credit: Maserati |
The base Maserati Levante comes as a remarkable well-equipped luxury product. Standard features such a 8.4-inch navigation system, eight-speaker stereo, dual-zone climate control and power tailgate details just some of the premium items found to provide comfort for occupants. The Levante also incorporates an entry & exit system for the driver that automatically moves the seat backwards and the steering wheel up to deliver remarkable ease of access. Another unique feature on the Maserati Levante is a locking glove box that can be opened electronically using a four-digit password through Maserati Touch Control Plus screen. Upgraded with a heightened level of performance feel, the Levante S includes an upgraded leather trim. Front and rear parking sensors as well as Blind Spot Assist with integrated Rear Cross Path insures advanced luxury is complemented with advanced safety.
Pricing for the Maserati Levante does not reflect a series of optional appearance and premium equipment. A heated windshield washer nozzle is a $110 add-on while Adaptive Bi-Xenon headlights can be equipped for $550. Pricier packages can also be included on the Levante. At the top-end of the premium crossover options list is the $7,030 Luxury Zegna package featuring a high-range of enhanced luxury touches.
Canadian buyers are presented with 13 exterior color choices and 11 interior color combinations to configure their Maserati Levante sport utility vehicle. Priced just under the six-figure range in Canada, the Levante’s competition will be the Range Rover Sport and higher-end versions of the Porsche Cayenne and Mercedes-Benz GLE.
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