Maserati Levante 350 Overview
Maserati Levante 350 – Maserati Levante allowed Maserati to join the ranks of prestige manufacturers that had an SUV in their model line-up. It has proved successful, especially as over 90% of worldwide sales are buyers that are new to the brand.
Now with three models in the range the 350 hp Levante enters the Australian market under the existing Levante S and Turbo Diesel models.
The Maserati Levante 350 also comes in three trim levels, The Levante, priced from $125,000* RRP and the higher trim GranSport and GranLusso with a price from $159,990*RRP
First impressions are that I actually like the look. Style is subjective and I know others are not as impressed, but the Levante carries itself in such a way that disguises its size. It looks much smaller than it actually is.
From the front it is unmistakably a Maserati, with the grill and famous Saetta logo through to the long sleek design. The bonnet slopes away which helps with both visibility for the driver and maintaining a sleek proportion.
There are also muscular, arching front wings bearing the iconic triple air vents. And there’s the ever-present Saetta logo in the steeply tapered, coupé-like rear section. Such details, along with frameless door windows, the subtle spoiler and quad tailpipes, 19 inch alloy wheels all make an emphatic design statement.
Proportion is the key word for the Levante. The overall design is well proportioned.
Maserati Levante 350 Interior
A key element of buying a car like the Maserati Levante is that the feeling is important. Everything is tactile and the visual language screams sports car, even though it is a SUV. Even the key is heavy and feels great to hold. The Italians understand the passion that cars evoke and the Maserati carries this through the entire vehicle design.
There is a definite feeling of sitting in a sports car, with the electronically adjustable handcrafted leather seats, through to the small sports instrument binnacle, the ambiance is sport luxury.
The interior is richly leather lined and hand stitched, from the seats to the steering wheel, while the front seats are heated and boast 12 way electrically operation with memory.
The dashboard is finished in a piano black, something that I’m not usually a fan of, but it works in the Levante. The small instrument panel gives the driver everything they need with two large outer dials with a customizable 7” TFT display.
Leather steering wheel is superb and provides excellent feedback. The interior of the Levante is built around a driver interface that is intuitive, uncluttered and simple to use. The driver is the priority, without sacrificing the other occupants.
Major dynamic functions are incorporated into the buttons alongside the gearshift, while other on-board settings can be set using the Maserati Touch Control Plus (MTC+) infotainment system at the centre of the dashboard, or the steering wheel controls for the 7” TFT display.
So the front occupants are well taken care of. As are the rear occupants. Given its long wheelbase, the rear passengers have ample room for head, shoulder, and knee and foot placement. The sloping roofline doesn’t impede the feeling of space at all.
There are rear air conditioning vents and 12v outlets as well. The seats fold in a 60/40 configuration and the boot space is a handy 580 / 1,625L capacity
A couple of quick highlights. The entry level is feature rich, the audio system provides deep clear exquisite sound and everywhere you look or touch exudes luxury.
Maserati Levante 350 Features
The base Levante 350 features:-
• 19 inch polished alloy wheels,
• Powered rear door,
• Leather interior
• Maserati MTC+ which has SatNav and Digital Radio as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
• Cruise control,
• Blind spot alert, rear camera with a dynamic grid guide and parking sensors front and rear.
• Keyless operation of the doors is standard,
• Auto-dipping mirrors and
• Dual zone climate control ventilation.
In addition, the Maserati Levante is available, like other Maseratis, with a choice of GranSport and GranLusso trim and equipment levels.
The MY19 Levante GranSport trim has adopted more athletic and dynamic design. Focused on the lower front fascia and the rear bumper, the elegant restyling provides stronger, aggressive styling in comparison to the baseline and GranLusso trims. In addition, Adaptive Full LED Matrix headlights are available as an option for the first time in the Levante range.
There are two brand new tri-coat colours, the Rosso Potente, which has been created to celebrate the racing heritage of Italian sports cars, and the Blu Nobile with sparkling glass flakes glimmering under the sunlight. Available as a new option, the Pieno Fiore is like no other leather used in the automotive industry for its natural, soft feel and is processed to develop a unique character throughout the years.
Maserati Levante 350 Engine and Drivetrain
This is a Maserati and you expect performance.
Making its Australian and New Zealand debut in the 2019 Maserati Levante, the Maserati designed, Ferrari produced 350 hp/257 kW twin turbo V6 is a version of the engine that powers the range-topping Maserati Levante S. It also produces 500 Nm of torque from 1,750 – 4,750 rpm.
This drives through an eight speed ZF automatic transmission and allows reasonable performance of 0-100kmh in six seconds and on to a top speed of 251 kmh. Combined fuel consumption is approximately 12.0 litres/100 km and combined CO2 emissions are between 268 and 278 g/km.
Suspension is a multi-adjustable electronic system with Front Double-wishbone, adjustable Air Springs, Skyhook shock absorbers and rear Multi-Link, adjustable Air Springs, Skyhook shock absorbers.
The Levante 350 rides on 19 inch alloy wheels with 265/50 R19 tyres that provide a good balance between handling and comfort.
Maserati Levante 350 Driving Experience
From the rich leather interior to the crisp crackle of the exhaust the Maserati Levante is all about the experience.
This is an SUV so it will not perform the same as a Quattroporte, but shares the same underpinnings.
On the test drive three things became quite apparent.
The first is that even though this is a 5m long, 2000kg SUV it displays a degree of litheness that many a so called sport car would aspire to.
The second is that the ride and handling varies from comfort to outright sporty, but is always compliant.
The third is that switch the Levante to Sport mode and let fly, not only will you be rewarded by aural delight, but by some of the best handling on a SUV ever. The electronic power steering finds an excellent balance between feedback and control.
In the best Maserati tradition, the 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. In Sport mode, the exhaust valves open, providing the shortest possible exit route for the exhaust gases. This provides the Levante its maximum engine performance and the unique Maserati sound track.
This is an AWD SUV not a 4wd, with a definite rear wheel drive bias. On test I pushed the balance as hard as I could and there was never a hint of letting go. All the AWD system did was recalibrate front to rear drive balance and kept pushing along. The ride always remained compliant and mid corner bumps or potholes did little to upset the composure.
Featuring the same sophisticated Q4 Intelligent All-Wheel-Drive with rear Limited-slip Differential and advanced suspension that includes adjustable Air Springs, Skyhook shock absorbers as in existing Levante, the newest version of the Levante is equally capable on and off the road as its siblings.
However this vehicle is not meant for any off road driving. It is excellent for some dirt roads, trips to the snow, or to the weekend retreat on the farm.
Maserati Levante 350 Dimensions
While it doesn’t look big, the Levante is a long and wide car, but with a low roofline and coupe like style.
Maserati Levante 350 has an:-
overall length of 5005mm,
wheelbase of 3004mm,
width of 1981mm and
height of 1693mm
Unladen ground clearance is 205mm.
Wading depth is N/A
Turning circle is 11.7m
Fuel Tank is 80L
Kerb mass of 2205kg.
Towing capacity is 2700kg,
Tow ball rating is up to 135kg**
**must be accounted for in the payload calculations
Maserati Levante 350 Safety
While the Levante hasn’t been tested by ANCAP, it still features a large array of Advanced Driving Assistance Systems.
These include:-
• Six air Bags
• Traffic Sign Recognition
• Highway Assist System (Has) – This combines Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go and Lane Keeping Assist to make life easier on motorways, while achieving level 2 semi-autonomous driving.
• Lane Departure Warning
• Lane Keeping Assist (LKA)
• Active Blind Spot Assist
• Surround View Camera
• Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go
• Forward Collision Warning Plus
• Autonomous Emergency Braking
• Rear Cross Path Function
• Front And Rear Parking Sensors and Reversing Camera
• Hill Holder
• Hill Descent Control (HDC)
• Integrated Vehicle Control (IVC),
• Maserati Stability Program (MSP)
• Full-LED Adaptive Matrix headlights
Maserati Levante 350 Summary
Maserati has transferred the sport car qualities to the Levante and the Levante 350, while an entry point to the range and indeed the marque, retains all the characteristics expected of a Maserati.
The Maserati Levante 350 is a grand tourer. It will fit 4 in comfort, 5 at a pinch, will accommodate luggage for them as well, will consume kilometres with ease and allow you to travel long distances without fuss.
It is ideal as a family activity sports car. I can see these making many trips to the snow with the skis on top, the gear inside and excited passengers looking forward to a week away and arriving relaxed.
But the driver also gets more, they get the opportunity to cruise or have a blast, taking in the aural delight of the exhaust crackle and engage in a driving experience that loses little to its pure sports brethren in the range.
Maserati Levante engage all of the senses for the occupants. I have become a fan.
When you buy a Maserati you are buying the experience.
Also Look at:-
The Good:
• Style and presence
• Performance, ride and handling
• Sensory delights
The Not so Good:
• Audio Infotainment system looks a little dated
• Poor towing capability
• Thick ‘A’ pillars
Model: Maserati Levante 350
• Model Price From $125,000 RRP*
• Engine 3.0L Twin Turbo V6 Petrol
• Drivetrain 8 Sp ZF AT AWD
• Power 257kW @ 5,750rpm
• Torque 500Nm @ 1,750 – 4,750rpm
• Safety TBA
• CO2 Combined 268g/km
• Economy ADR 11.6L/100 km
• Servicing Maserati Plan
• Tow Rating 2,700 kg
• Tow Ball Rating 130 kg
• Warranty 3 Yrs. / Unlimited km with Roadside Assist
*Includes GST and LCT but excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and dealer delivery. See your dealer for RDAP
Overall Rating: 82/100
• Behind the Wheel 8
• Comfort 9
• Equipment 9
• Performance 9
• Ride & Handling 9
• Practicality 9
• Fit for Purpose 9
• Towing Ability 5
• Off Road Ability 5
• Value for Money 9