The Maserati Levante is a turning point in the company’s history as the new model, which made its World Premiere at the Geneva Motor Show, enables the Trident to access the largest luxury segment in the world. The Levante name was inspired by a warm, Mediterranean wind that can change from mild to gale force in an instant, mirroring the character of the first ever Maserati SUV.

The 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 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. These are features that deliver unparalleled agility in the luxury SUV class.

Engine-wise, the Levante is equipped with the latest evolution of the Maserati 3-0 litre V6 engines. The economical turbodiesel engine and two versions of the twin-turbo petrol engine are globally acclaimed for their unique Maserati signature sound and for their exceptional performance. The diesel engine is capable of 275bhp and delivers 0-62mph in 6.9 seconds and a 143mph maximum speed while keeping the fuel economy as low as 39.2mpg. All 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, ICE, Sport and Off-road. Each one constitutes distinct characteristics intelligently altering engine, transmission, suspension and electronics features.

The car has entered the SUV segment with a marked advantage in terms of new content. The innovative features of the Levante include Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go function, Forward Collision Warning and Brake Assist System, Lane Departure Warning, Surround View camera, capacitive 8.4-inch touchscreen display with brand new rotary control. 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.