Maserati Levante 2019 Review: Performance Meets Luxury

Maserati has long been recognized for its charismatic sports sedans and grand tourers. However, the enigmatic Italian automaker has faced profitability challenges in recent years. In a market flooded with affluent buyers eager for luxury performance SUVs, Maserati lacked a competitive offering. Instead of conceding defeat, the Trident marque went back to the drawing board. After several years of development, Maserati launched the much-anticipated Levante in 2016. Today, the Levante competes against established rivals such as the Porsche Cayenne, Mercedes-Benz GLC-Coupe, Jaguar F-Pace, and Range Rover Velar.

Exterior

Measuring 5.003 meters in length and 3.004 meters in wheelbase, the Maserati Levante boasts a longer body and wheelbase compared to its immediate rivals. Its dimensions include a width of 2.158 meters, a height of 1.679 meters, and a boot capacity of 550 liters. The design of the Levante is distinctive, setting it apart from competitors. While it may not be the most seductive or handsome SUV in its class, it certainly exudes the flair and charisma synonymous with the Trident brand.

The front of the Levante features:

• A wide, gaping grille with a large brand insignia
• A long and sloping hood
• Slim headlamps
• An aggressively molded lower bumper

In profile, the Levante showcases:

• Characteristic triple side gills
• A sloping roofline
• C-pillar mounted Maserati logo
• Wide rear haunches

Other notable design elements include sporty 20-inch rims and enlarged wheel arches. Surprisingly, the rear styling of the Levante is less exuberant than expected, featuring a steeply raked back window, sleek LED taillights, and neatly placed quad exhausts.

Interior

The interior of the Levante is unmistakably Maserati. Finished in flashy contrasting dual tones with carbon-fiber trim pieces, this cabin appears sporty. While Maserati has improved overall quality and fit-and-finish, there is still room for enhancement. Although the cabin space is adequate, it does not match the roominess of the Cayenne.

In terms of technology and features, the Maserati Levante offers:

• Active cruise control
• Adaptive air suspension
• Automatic headlights
• Power tailgate
• Launch control
• Glass sunroof
• Ambient lighting
• Plush leather upholstery
• Ventilated front seats
• Dual-zone climate control
• Electronic handbrake
• Bowers & Wilkins sound system
• 8.4-inch touchscreen multimedia head unit

Safety features include:

• Up to six airbags
• Hill-descent control
• Dynamic stability and traction control programs
• Speed-sensing door locks
• All-round parking sensors with rear camera
• Hill-start assist

Engine and Performance

Under the hood, the Maserati Levante S is equipped with a 3.0-liter twin-turbo six-cylinder engine that produces 430 hp and 580 Nm of torque. Backed by an 8-speed ZF gearbox and a torque-vectoring AWD system, the 2,100 kg Levante S can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in approximately 5 seconds, reaching a top speed of 264 km/h. However, fuel efficiency is not its strong suit, with consumption often exceeding 11.0 L/100 km.

Verdict

In the UAE, the base variant of the Maserati Levante is priced at 379,000 dirhams, while the more powerful Levante S starts at around 429,000 dirhams. For financing options, expect the best deals to be just north of 5,900 dirhams.