Geneva: New Levante SUV is crucial for Maserati

The super-SUV market is becoming larger and larger each season, and this one is no exception. Allow us to introduce Maserati’s first SUV, the new Maserati Levante. Set to be officially revealed at the Geneva Motor Show, (but spotted testing Cape Town recently) Maserati’s first SUV is set to be one of the most important vehicles of 2016.

First impressions show many shared characteristics from the Quattroporte and Ghibli saloons and even the Porsche Cayenne, with swooping headlights on either side of an intimidatingly large grille. The significantly raised suspension is evident from the side, along with a sloping roofline and sharp creases in the body. The rear features a sporty roof spoiler, as well as an aggressive bumper and exhaust set-up.

Not much can be determined about the interior except that leather is abundant in the Levante, from the seats onto the doors and dashboard, while infotainment will be managed by a central touchscreen display.

Engines have already been confirmed for the Levante in the form of three diesel variants, two twin-turbo V6 models, and a top-of-the-range V8 petrol model. All models will come standard with four-wheel drive, electronic suspension and an 8-speed automatic gearbox.

Leaked information suggests that a mid-range Levante 350 will run 0-100km/h in 6.3 seconds with a top speed of 243km/h, while the V8 powered Levante 450 should run 0-100km/h in 5.2 seconds reaching speeds of up to 263km/h. The entry-level diesel does the sprint in 6.9 seconds and will manage 230km/h flat-out.

When asked whether the upcoming Levante was the most important car Maserati had ever made, Harald Wester strongly opposed this, saying instead: “It is the biggest business opportunity”.

“I think when you talk about a brand like Maserati, you have to distinguish between the products that have determined the brand’s business opportunities. If I say the Levante is our most important car, you will have many people who are crying and saying ‘this guy is completely nuts.”

Plug-in hybrids will play a prolific role in the Maserati line-up before the end of the decade, too, with Wester telling us to expect them “across the entire range – starting at the end of 2017.”

The Maserati Levante will hit showrooms in the second half of next year.