Naza Italia, the sole distributor of the iconic Italian brand Maserati, has previewed the all-new Levante. Debuted at the Geneva Motor, the Porsche Cayenne-rivalling SUV is Maserati’s weapon of choice in the booming SUV market.
The name Levante is inspired by a Mediterranean wind that is able to change from a mild wind to a powerful force in an instant. With unmistakeable Maserati styling (nothing short of artistic), low drag coefficient of 0.31, potent turbocharged V6s, best in class road handling in “sport” mode, leading off-road comfort and competitive off-road capabilities, the Levante is worthy of the Trident badge, on paper at least.
QUICK FACTS
| Name | 2016 Maserati Levante |
| Engine | 2,987cc V6, turbodiesel |
| Transmission | 8-speed ZF automatic |
| Max Power | 275 hp @ 4,000 rpm |
| Max Torque | 600 Nm @ 2,000 – 2,600 rpm |
| Price | From below RM800,000 |
The car on display is a left-hand drive variant brought in by Naza Italia for previewing purposes. Therefore, the specs seen here may not reflect the exact specification that we will be receiving. Prices for the Italian SUV, as hinted by the folks at Naza Italia, starts under RM800,000.
The Levante is unmistakably Maserati. The front is bold and menacing with large intake vents and sleek bi-xenon headlamps. Coupled with weaving lines across the hood, the Levante is here to make a statement. The design is based on the Quattroporte and the Ghibli, hence the coupé-like silhouette from the side.
The side profile brims with elegance and the only telltale signs that this is vehicle is anywhere able to go off-road are the thick tyres. At the rear, the Levante looks extremely tamed yet elegant, save for those quad-tailpipes. The 19-inch wheels seen here fits the arches nicely and complements the elegance of the car. However, if the styling doesn’t suit your liking, be rest assured that any styling preference can be optioned for, at a price.
The same elegance continues into the cabin. The interior is designed to maximise practicality as this is an SUV after all. The interior is laid out nicely with quality touches to be found virtually every inch of the cabin. As expected from Maserati, an arsenal of equipment can be specified to personalise the SUV to your own liking. Starting from just below RM800,000, you have the choice of personalising the interior finish, wheels, exhaust and everything as far as your pocket can stretch.
The Maserati Levante’s official pricing will only be announced closer to the date of its launch, which will take place later this year in December. As confirmed by Naza Italia, only the 3.0-litre turbodiesel will be introduced, because that’s the only variant to come with a right-hand drive configuration. As for the turbocharged petrol mills, only time can tell if they will make it here.
The order books for the Levante have already been opened, so if you’re interested, feel free to visit the Naza Italia showroom in Petaling Jaya for an up-close and personal look at Maserati’s newest model.
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