Maserati has chosen the 86th
edition of the Geneva International Motor Show to introduce the first SUV in
its hundred-year history: the Levante. As with many Maseratis from the past,
the new car's name is inspired by a wind: the Levante is a warm Mediterranean
wind that can change from a light breeze to an irresistible natural force in an
instant, mirroring the character of the first Maserati SUV.
The Levante is the ideal
complement to the Maserati range. Combined with the Quattroporte, Ghibli,
GranTurismo and GranCabrio, the range now covers the entirety of the global
luxury automotive market. Design, Exclusivity and Performance are the key
characteristics for describing this new Maserati. Distinctively Italian in
style, with breathtaking and iconic Maserati design features.
The interior has been created
with the finest materials, most exquisite to the touch, from optional premium
leather to Ermenegildo Zegna silk, made in Trivero by the Zegna wool mill with
a patented process.
The spaciousness of the
interior, enhanced by the panoramic electric sunroof, is combined with
coupé-sleek external lines and the best aerodynamic efficiency in its category
with a Cx coefficient of just 0.31.
The new Maserati SUV is based
on the Quattroporte and Ghibli architecture, further evolved and refined to
meet the expectations of this market segment, in which Maserati will compete
for the first time.
The technology applied to
every Levante is designed to offer outstanding performances both on- and off-road.
Sophisticated suspension - double-wishbone on the front axle and multi-link on
the rear, combined with electronically controlled damping, four corner
air-springs providing 5 dynamic ride levels (plus one additional
park-position), play an essential role in the car's handling.
Furthermore, with the lowest
centre of gravity in its class, perfectly balanced weight distribution (50-50)
between front and rear, high levels of dynamic torsional and flexional
stiffness, and a mechanical self-locking rear differential as standard, when
driven on-road, the Levante delivers all the performance and emotion typical of
every Maserati.
The height-adjustment of the
body position particularly useful in off-road driving guarantees ride comfort
at the top of the category; when set to the minimum ground clearance, it
enables the car to perform at its sporty best.
For India, the Levante is
fitted with a 275hp 3 litre V6 Turbo Diesel, combined with the “Q4” intelligent
all-wheel drive system - which can transfer torque between the axles
instantaneously when required - and an 8-speed automatic gearbox, with
integrated Start&Stop System.
In terms of performance, the
Diesel-powered Levante (275hp) covers 0-100 km/h in 6.9 seconds, and has a top
speed of 230 km/h, while its combined cycle consumption and emission figures
are 7.2 l/100 km and 189g CO2/km respectively.
The human-machine interface on
board is based on an evolution of the Maserati Touch Control system, completely
updated to offer even more functionality and convenience: the 8.4”
high-resolution screen is capacitive, and can – in addition to the touch system
- be operated using the new rotary control in the central tunnel.
A wide range of sophisticated
advanced driver assistance systems is available, including adaptive cruise
control with automatic Start&Stop function, forward collision warning,
automatic brake assist system and lane departure warning. Further options
include blind spot alert, surround view camera and a powerlift tailgate.
Two extended feature packs are
available for the Levante, a
Luxury-Package and a Sport-Pack; they each include a variety of
distinctive stylistic and technical contents and enable customers to
extensively personalise the exterior and interior of the Levante.
The list of accessories,
tailored to the vehicle's high quality and functionality standards, offers a
wider array of options than ever before which includes cargo solutions, useful
everyday items and a variety of roof carrier or trailer options.
The Maserati Levante is built
in a dedicated, completely refurbished and modernized area of the Mirafiori
plant in Turin; the first cars have already come off the assembly line and the
market launch is planned for this spring in Europe, to be followed by the rest
of the world.
The Maserati stand at Geneva
will be displaying not only the Levante but also the marque's complete range,
comprising the Ghibli and Quattroporte saloons and the GranTurismo coupe.
Source: Maserati