Update1: Pricing for the Levante is reported to be from $72k, and up to an $83k base for the Levante S.
A full and immersive look at the upcoming Maserati Levante tonight — and things are looking quite hot and slinky!
The look, for one thing, is damn hot from dead ahead. And those slimline headlights are far more unique and striking than the current Ghibli of QP. Or even the GranTurismo, really.
They preview a meaner next-gen look for the whole line. Up front, this is defined by the carved-out inner intake and grille in vertical form just below the pointy hood’s edge.
Expressive, wild fender muscles bulge around the nose and tail, with a cut and lean body-color lower body. The sills and the closely-wrapped tires say Cayenne and Macan loud and clear — and will be stout competition for the new F-PACE, GLE Coupe and X6.
The powertrains are three: Diesel, Levante and Levante S. 270HP for the TD, 350HP for the standard truck and 430HP for the S model. All feature the latest eight-speed automatic from ZF, active exhaust and 50/50 weight distribution.
Arrivals are as soon as July to the USA, with no pricing yet available. Sprint times are out tho: 6.0-seconds for the Levante, and 5.2-seconds to 100-kph for the S.
Will be very rapid and shoutier than any other 4×4! Thoroughly Italian, the taut tuning and lux cabin will make fast friends among $80k super-truck fans.
The Levante S is shown in grey in a few of these photos versus the white of the 450HP model, but not exclusively. We hope they go for a darker wheel style for the USA… but besides that the trucks look like big, much-deserved winners for the trident marque.
2017 Maserati LEVANTE S – Dynamic Photos
Levante S 430 hp
- V6 engine manufactured by Ferrari in Maranello
- 3.0 V6 twin-turbo GDI petrol engine with 430 hp
- Best in class specific power and torque
- 0-100 in 5.2” and 264 km/h top speed
- Based on the evolution of the Maserati sedan platform
- Levante name inspired by a warm Mediterranean wind
- Manufactured in the refurbished Mirafiori factory
- Coupé style SUV with best in class interior space
- Cx = 0.31, best in class aerodynamic coefficient
- Extensive use of aluminium in chassis, body and suspension
- Ideal 50:50 weight distribution
- Lowest centre of gravity in SUV class
- Intelligent Q4 AWD system with standard Torque Vectoring
- Maserati Stability Program developed for on-road and off-road use
- Double wishbone front and five-link rear suspension
- Standard Air Spring Suspension with 6 ride height levels
- Electronically controlled Skyhook shock absorbers
- Best in class 100-0 km/h in 34.5 m for 430 hp version
- New Human Machine Interface with 8.4” Touch Screen
- Sumptuous leather interior as standard
- Sport and Luxury specific packages offered from launch
- Standard Air Quality Sensor on all variants
Equipped with the most performant V6 engine Maserati has ever produced, the top of the range Levante S 430 hp makes it to 100 km/h in 5.2” and has a top speed of 264 km/h.
The 430 hp version of the twin turbo V6 engine has already made its mark in the Ghibli, and has now been improved even further to deliver an extra 20 hp.
With 321 kw (430 hp) of power @ 5,750 rpm and 580 Nm flat torque in “sport” mode between 1,750 and 5,000 rpm, it delivers a powerful driving experience.
2017 Maserati Levante – Geneva Debut Photos
The specific torque of the V6 engine is at 194 Nm per litre; this figure is actually the best in the luxury SUV class as is the specific power of the Italian unit (144 hp/l).
Whilst it is the most performant engine in its class, the 430 hp V6 is in line with its competitors in terms of fuel consumption – 10.9 l/100 km on the NEDC test cycle – and CO2 emissions (253 g/km).
With the Levante a new wind is blowing through the SUV segment, guaranteeing the passion, the flair and the exclusivity that have distinguished all Maserati models for over a century.
The Maserati Levante is a turning point in Maserati’s history. The brand new model, which made its World Premiere at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show, enables the Trident to access the largest luxury segment in the world. The Levante significantly contributes to the creation of the most complete product line-up in Maserati’s history.
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 Maserati SUV.
The Maserati SUV is based on the evolution of the sedan platform, designed exclusively by Maserati. The car chassis has been specifically developed to offer unique on-road drivability and competitive off-road capability, with day-to-day comfort and practicality. The top notch 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 most valuable aesthetic elements of Italian style. A central asset, its 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.
2017 Maserati Levante – Interior Photos
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. Features that deliver unparalleled agility in the luxury SUV class.
The aluminium “double wishbone – five link” suspension layout is comprised of standard Air Springs and electronically controlled Skyhook shock absorbers. In conjunction with the intelligent Q4 All-Wheel-Drive system and the newly introduced Torque Vectoring system which deliver GT on-road behaviour and surprising – for a Maserati – off-road capabilities: the Levante was designed to deliver best in class comfort on rough roads and handling on snow and ice.
On a par with this, the off-road equipment completes a product made to surprise avid travellers and adventure lovers as well.
Engine-wise, the Levante S 430 hp is equipped with the most powerful Maserati 3-litre V6. The twin-turbo engine is globally acclaimed for its unique Maserati signature sound and for its exceptional performance.
Maserati Levante adopts 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”, I.C.E., “Sport” and “Off-road”. Each one constitutes a distinct car character intelligently altering engine, transmission, suspension and electronics features.
The Levante introduces several innovations to the current Maserati line-up; from safety to convenience options and through to the brand new Human Machine Interface and the dedicated cargo solutions. The range of equipment options is wider and more complete than ever.
The Levante has entered the SUV segment with a marked advantage in terms of new content. The innovative features of the car include: Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go function, Forward Collision Warning and Brake Assist System, Lane Departure Warning, Surround View camera, capacitive 8.4″ Touch Screen display with brand new rotary control, plus the AHA function, an addition to the Maserati Touch Control Plus which extends the AM, FM and DAB digital radio with a network connection option: the AHA function dialogues with the user’s network-connected mobile device to give access to on-line services (radio stations, programmes, etc.) while on the move.
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.
2017 Maserati Levante – Studio Photos
Top performance 3-litre V6
Maserati’s new V6 engines have been a great success since they were introduced in the Ghibli and Quattroporte models.
The V6 petrol engine is twin turbo with the latest GDI technology developed by the Maserati Powertrain in conjunction with the Ferrari Powertrain development team. This new generation of Maserati engines is more powerful, more exciting to drive and more eco-friendly than ever.
The high efficiency Maserati V6 petrol engine features high efficient fluid-dynamic and combustion, low inertia parallel twin turbos, double continuous cam phasers for each cylinder head and high-pressure (200 bar) fuel injection.
Maximum torque is available well below 2,000 rpm ensuring superb day-to-day drivability. In the “sport” driving mode, the exhaust by-pass system provides a unique Maserati sound experience.
The 430 hp version of the twin turbo V6 engine has already made its mark in the Ghibli, and has now been improved even further to deliver an extra 20 hp.
With 321 kw (430 hp) of power @ 5,750 rpm and 580 Nm flat torque in “sport” mode between 1,750 and 5,000 rpm, it delivers a powerful driving experience. In “normal” driving mode, the torque rises to 500 Nm in the lower rev range reaching 550 Nm threshold @ 5,000 rpm.
The V6 engine features advanced valve control technology with hydraulic roller finger followers and four cam phasers, twin turbocharging and direct injection-ignition system.
The specific torque of the V6 engine is at 194 Nm per litre; this figure is actually the best in the luxury SUV class as is the specific power of the Italian unit (144 hp/l).
The Levante S 430 hp accelerates to 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds and has a top speed of 264 km/h. The 430 hp engine is in line with its competitors in terms of fuel consumption – 10.9 l/100 km on the NEDC test cycle – and CO2 emissions (253 g/km).
In the best Maserati tradition, the petrol engine’s exhaust system is controlled by pneumatic valves to maintain the rich aural signature of the brand. In the default driving mode, the bypass valves are closed for a comfortable and discreet engine sound.
By selecting the “Sport” mode, not only do the car’s handling parameters change, but the exhaust valves are opened, providing the shortest possible way to the exhaust gases. This gives the Levante its maximum engine performance and the unique Maserati engine sound. Beneath the rear bumper, the exhaust gas
es emerge through two double tailpipes in polished steel.
LEVANTE 350 hp |
|
Engine Layout | Petrol 600 V6, twin-turbo – direct injection (GDI) |
Displacement (cc) | 2,979 |
Max. Power (kW / hp @ rpm) | 257 / 350 @ 5,750 |
Max. Torque (Nm @ rpm) | 500 @ 4,500-5,000 |
Fuel consumption l/100 km (NEDC) | 10.7 |
CO2 (g/km) | 249 |
0-100 km/h (sec) | 6.0 |
Top speed (km/h) | 251 |
Gearbox | 8-speed automatic ZF AT8 – HP70 |
Transmission | Q4 All Wheel Drive with rear limited slip differential |
Suspension Front | Double Wishbone, adjustable Air Springs, Skyhook shock absorbers |
Suspension Rear | Multi Link, adjustable Air Springs, Skyhook shock absorbers |
Length/width/height (mm) | 5,003 / 1,968 / 1,679 |
Wheelbase (mm) | 3,004 |
Tyres (standard) | 255/60 ZR18
|
LEVANTE S 430 hp |
|
Engine Layout | Petrol 600 V6, twin-turbo – direct injection (GDI) |
Displacement (cc) | 2,979 |
Max. Power (kW / hp @ rpm) | 316 / 430 @ 5,750 |
Max. Torque (Nm @ rpm) | 580 @ 4,500-5,000 |
Fuel consumption l/100 km (NEDC) | 10.9 |
CO2 (g/km) | 253 |
0-100 km/h (sec) | 5.2 |
Top speed (km/h) | 264 |
Gearbox | 8-speed automatic ZF AT8 – HP70 |
Transmission | Q4 All Wheel Drive with rear limited slip differential |
Suspension Front | Double Wishbone, adjustable Air Springs, Skyhook shock absorbers |
Suspension Rear | Multi Link, adjustable Air Springs, Skyhook shock absorbers |
Length/width/height (mm) | 5,003 / 1,968 / 1,679 |
Wheelbase (mm) | 3,004 |
Tyres (standard) | 265/50 ZR19 front
295/45 ZR19 rear |
Tom Burkart is the founder and managing editor of Car-Revs-Daily.com, an innovative and rapidly-expanding automotive news magazine.
He holds a Journalism JBA degree from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Tom currently resides in Charleston, South Carolina with his two amazing dogs, Drake and Tank.
Mr. Burkart is available for all questions and concerns by email Tom(at)car-revs-daily.com.