We got a sneak peak at the Maserati Levante
It was only a matter of time wasn’t it? All the other premium manufacturers were doing it (think Jaguar F-Pace) so it makes sense that Maserati would follow suit and also offer a premium SUV.
Directly competing with the Porsche Cayenne, the Levante is Maserati’s first ever SUV. But has Maserati managed to keep its brand DNA while entering in to an unknown territory? We only got to see it in the metal and not actually drive it, but we think it has.
So what’s with the name? Well, the name was inspired by the warm, Mediterranean wind that can change from mild to gale force in an instant which Maserati feels mirrors this SUV.
At first glance, we think it’s pretty striking. It is based on the evolution of the sedan platform; so the Quattroporte and Ghibli platforms. It’s got that whole coupé style SUV thing down.
Inside is obviously as luxurious as you can expect from Maserati. I wasn’t thrilled with the red leather on the unit we got to see, but some people will probably love it! From the few seconds I sat in it, I could feel the comfy seats. They really are so comfortable! Even the rear seats.
The instrument panel follows the classic Ghibli/Quattroporte layout and is backlit with white light that contrasts nicely with the warm cabin lighting. And I was very happy to see the classic Maserati analogue clock located in the centre of the dashboard.
The Levante is powered by a 3,0-litre V6 turbo engine but with a claimed low fuel consumption of 7,2-litres/100 km. Obviously we shall be testing this out the minute we get our hands on one. And we will of course tell you all about the drive, the handling, the features and all the important things you will want to know about.
But for now, all you need to know is that it is here! It is one of the highest specced Levante’s, as compared to the rest of the world’s, and it will cost you R1 650 000. And because it is so highly specced with standard features the options won’t take you over the R2 million mark. Thank goodness for that, otherwise I wouldn’t be able to afford one. ;)
Look out for our full review later this year or early next year. But for now, enjoy these pics: