The Levante SUV is the most important Maserati of all time
Maserati Levante made quite a splash when it was unveiled in Geneva. It's arguably the most important vehicle the company has ever built.
For car companies, luxury SUVs are veritable cash cows. They offer high profits margins and sell in large volumes. (Large volume is relative to the exclusivity of the brand.)
In a market that craves SUVs, the Levante finally allows Maserati to compete with luxury off-roaders from rival brands, such as ...
... the Porsche Cayenne ...
... BMW X5 ...
... Range Rover Sport and...
... Jaguar's stunning F-Pace.
Like most of its rivals, the Levante is not a pure SUV. Rather, it's a crossover that's based on the Maserati's Ghibli sedan.
The Levante comes in three trim levels with three different available powertrains.
Like the Ghibli sedan on which it is based, the Levante will be available with a 350 horsepower and a 430 hp version of the company's stellar 3.0 liter, twin-turbo V6. There is also a 3.0 turbodiesel available as well. All engines are paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Drivers can also choose from several on-road and off-road drive settings.
The Levante can be optioned with Maserati's "Q4" all-wheel-drive system.
Styling wise, the Levante retains many of the trains found across the Maserati family of models. The Trident logo sits prominently in the middle of a menacing, Ghibli-derived front grille and headlight assembly.
The Levante sleek side-profile is features a cut rear roof line similar to the Jag F-Pace and Lexus RX crossovers.
The rear of the Levante is punctuated by large quad-exhausts and a partially integrated spoiler.
Up top, there's a large panoramic roof.
Inside, the Levante shares a similar interior with the company's luxury sedans. There are a variety of options available ranging from fine, soft touch leather to silk accented interiors.
Naturally, it's got embroidered Maserati logos.
The Levante comes equipped with Maserati's version of Fiat Chrysler's well-received touchscreen infotainment system.
The Maserati Levante has entered production at Fiat Chrysler's Turn factory. It is expected to launch worldwide later this year with a price of around $72,000.
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