2018 Maserati Levante Review: Luxury SUV Performance and Design

An in-depth review of the 2018 Maserati Levante's performance, design, and features.

Introduction

Since the announcement of the Maserati Kubang in 2003 and its prototype version in 2011, Maserati has launched the Levante, considered a bold gamble by the Italian company with its striking design and rapid development, aiming to compete in the luxury SUV market. Inspired by the shark-nosed design of Maserati sports cars, the Levante reflects the sporty aesthetics of the company's sedan models like the Ghibli and Quattroporte.

Main Specifications

  • Engine: 3.0L/6-cylinder
  • Transmission: 8-speed automatic
  • Power: 430 hp / 580 Nm torque
  • Top Speed: 264 km/h
  • Price: 369,000 AED

Exterior Design

Maserati Levante 2018 Side

The Maserati Levante stands out with its wide front fascia, sharp headlights, and a long hood that elegantly curves towards the front. It features large 20-inch wheels and dual quad exhaust pipes, giving it a distinctly sporty appearance. The vehicle has seen improvements in comfort and steering dynamics, offering 20% better performance compared to the Ghibli.

With a length of 5 meters and a weight of 2.1 tons, the Levante includes an automatically closing grille that enhances aerodynamics, achieving a drag coefficient of CD0.31.

Interior Design

Maserati Levante 2018 interior

The cabin features a sporty yet elegant design with prominent gauges, an 8.4-inch infotainment system, a substantial steering wheel, and luxurious materials. Buyers can also customize the interior color to their liking.

One notable feature is the comfortable seating position that adapts to the occupant's body. Maserati has ensured ample interior space, allowing tall individuals to sit comfortably in the rear seats.

Driving Experience

Maserati Levante Engine

We tested the most powerful variant, the Levante S, which boasts an additional 80 hp compared to other models. It is equipped with a Ferrari-engineered 3.0L twin-turbo 6-cylinder engine, generating 430 hp at 5750 RPM and 580 Nm of torque. The Levante S can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in just 5.2 seconds, utilizing an 8-speed automatic transmission that efficiently directs power to the wheels, achieving a top speed of 264 km/h.

Maserati Levante 2018 Off Road

The Levante features the Q4 all-wheel drive system, which enhances rear-wheel performance while providing variable torque distribution that can shift power to the front wheels for immediate traction. The Levante S offers exceptional confidence and stability when navigating corners compared to its competitors, showcasing its off-road capabilities with a ground clearance of 247 mm and assists such as electronic stability control and lane-keeping assistance, along with a low-front camera.

Conclusion

Maserati Levante 2018 Rear

The differences between the 'S' version and other variants are notable. With enhanced dampers and front anti-roll bars, the Levante S provides a firmer yet comfortable ride over bumpy roads, delivering a more confident and responsive driving experience in corners.

Pros

  • Powerful engine
  • Impressive torque
  • Spacious interior
  • Confident driving experience

Cons

  • Large and heavy
  • High window line

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