Maserati Levante 350 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 $125,000rrp*, GranSport and GranLusso with a price from $159,990*
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.
Exterior
Levante carries itself in such a way that disguises its size. It looks much smaller than it actually is.
Here is an SUV that is actually slightly longer than a Toyota LandCruiser, yet looks two thirds the size.
From the front it is unmistakably a Maserati, with famous Trident logo on the grill, 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.
Interior
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 electrical 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
Features
The base Levante 350 features:
- Powered rear door
- Leather interior
- Maserati MTC+ which has SatNav and Digital Radio as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Cruise control
- Keyless operation of the doors is standard
- Auto-dipping mirrors
- Dual zone climate control ventilation
Adaptive Full LED Matrix headlights are available as an option for the first time in the Levante range.
In addition, the Maserati Levante is available, like other Maseratis, with a choice of GranSport and GranLusso trim and equipment levels.
Drive and Engine
The Maserati designed, Ferrari produced twin turbo V6 is a version of the engine that powers the range-topping Maserati Levante S. It produces 257kW/500 Nm.
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 km/h.
Combined fuel consumption is approximately 12.0 litres/100 km and combined CO2 emissions are between 268 and 278 g/km.
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.
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.
Safety
While the Levante hasn’t been tested by ANCAP, it still features a large array of Advanced Driving Assistance Systems.
These include:
- Six airbags
- 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
- Active Blind Spot Assist
- Surround View Camera
- 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
Good Bits:
- Style and presence
- Performance, ride and handling
- Sensory delights
Not so Good Bits:
- Audio Infotainment system looks a little dated
- Poor towing capability
- Thick ‘A’ pillars
Summary
The Maserati Levante 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.
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Facts and Figures: 2019 Maserati Levante 350
- Engine: 3.0 litre Twin Turbo V6 petrol producing 257kW/500Nm
- Transmission: Eight speed ZF automatic
- Safety: Not tested
- Warranty: 3 years/unlimited km
- Origin: Italy
- Price: from $125,000