Maserati Levante
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| Maserati Levante | |
|---|---|
| Name | Maserati Levante |
| Manufacturer | Maserati |
| Production | 2016–present |
| Assembly | Modena, Italy (Officine Maserati) |
| Class | Mid-size luxury crossover SUV |
| Body style | 5-door SUV |
| Layout | Front-engine, All-wheel drive |
| Related | Maserati Ghibli, Maserati Quattroporte |
| Predecessor | N/A |
| Successor | N/A |
Maserati Levante The Maserati Levante is a mid-size luxury crossover SUV introduced by Maserati in 2016, reflecting the marque's expansion alongside rivals such as Porsche and BMW. Conceived during strategic shifts under Fiat Chrysler Automobiles leadership and showcased amid events like the Geneva Motor Show, it combines Italian coachbuilding traditions with contemporary SUV trends shaped by companies like Mercedes-Benz and Audi. The model draws engineering lineage from Maserati saloons produced in Modena and engages markets influenced by consumers in China, United States, and Europe.
Overview
The Levante project was announced during the tenure of CEO Sergio Marchionne and developed with input from teams that previously worked on the Maserati Ghibli and Maserati Quattroporte, integrating platforms and manufacturing at the historic Viale Ciro Menotti facilities. Market positioning targeted premium segments contested by Range Rover Sport, Porsche Cayenne, BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz GLE, and Lexus RX, leveraging Maserati heritage tied to competitions like the Targa Florio and design cues associated with coachbuilders such as Pininfarina. Initial global unveilings and press drives involved automotive journalists from outlets related to Autocar, Top Gear, and Motor Trend.
Design and Engineering
Exterior styling was led by Maserati's Centro Stile under designers who previously worked with Pininfarina and Italdesign, featuring proportions that echo the marque's GT lineage and details reminiscent of the Maserati GranTurismo. The Levante incorporates structural elements developed alongside the Maserati Ghibli platform and uses bespoke suspension geometry influenced by supplier collaborations with companies like Brembo and Bilstein. Production engineering employed techniques common to Ferrari powertrain partners and part-sourcing networks that serve Alfa Romeo and Lancia, while aerodynamics and chassis tuning referenced testing at circuits such as Autodromo Nazionale Monza and Circuito di Modena.
Powertrain and Performance
Powertrain options have included twin-turbocharged V6 engines developed with input from Maserati and engineering partners tied to Ferrari and VM Motori, as well as V8 units derived from collaborations associated with Ferrari road engines. Transmission duties are handled by an eight-speed automatic unit with calibrations influenced by suppliers linked to ZF Friedrichshafen AG and suppliers used by Jaguar Land Rover. Performance variants delivered acceleration and handling benchmarks aimed to compete with the Porsche Cayenne Turbo and BMW X5 M, with tuning sessions conducted by test engineers experienced at tracks like Nürburgring and Varano de' Melegari.
Trim Levels and Features
Maserati offered multiple trim grades and option packages resembling strategies employed by Audi, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW, including luxury-focused interiors, sport-biased setups, and bespoke divisions comparable to Alpina and AMG. Interior appointments featured collaborations with luxury suppliers and artisans with histories tied to Ermenegildo Zegna, leatherwork ateliers from Florence, and infotainment systems developed in ecosystems involving companies like Harman International and Bosch. Feature lists paralleled competitors' offerings with adaptive suspensions, panoramic roofs, and driver-assistance suites reflecting technologies used by Volvo and Tesla in their respective lineups.
Safety and Technology
Active and passive safety systems were sourced and calibrated by providers linked to Bosch, Continental AG, and Denso, integrating sensors and software architectures similar to those in vehicles from Volvo and Mercedes-Benz. Electronic stability and airbag systems followed regulatory testing protocols applicable in Euro NCAP and NHTSA regimes, while advanced driver-assist features evolved in step with industry trends championed by Waymo research and OEM implementations at companies like General Motors. Infotainment and connectivity adopted standards compatible with Apple and Google ecosystems and telematics platforms used by fleet services associated with BMW ConnectedDrive.
Market, Sales, and Reception
Sales and market reception reflected Maserati's strategic push into SUV segments dominated by Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Lexus, with notable demand in regions such as China, the United States, and the Middle East. Automotive press coverage drew comparisons in reviews from publications linked to Car and Driver, Road & Track, and Autocar and influenced resale value discussions involving analysts from J.D. Power and Kelley Blue Book. Maserati's corporate performance under groups like Stellantis and earlier Fiat Chrysler Automobiles impacted distribution strategies and dealer network approaches across markets including Europe, North America, and Asia.
Special Editions and Motorsport Versions
Special editions and performance-oriented versions have been released in partnership with design houses and motorsport-related units, evoking previous Maserati racing heritage tied to events like the Mille Miglia and marques associated with Scuderia activities. Limited editions featured bespoke trim by collaborators such as Ermenegildo Zegna and tuning elements inspired by track programs similar to initiatives from Porsche Motorsport and BMW M. Motorsport-influenced variants and promotional models were showcased at venues like the Goodwood Festival of Speed and entered demonstrations informed by engineers who have worked at Ferrari and Alfa Romeo racing departments.