Urus, Cullinan, Bentayga; SUVs have never been more in fashion and brands you thought
would never go there are cashing-in with 6-figure price tags. Even Ferrari is readying their
first in what they’re calling an FUV. If you want one of these luxe utility vehicles
but need the price to come down just a bit, Maserati offers up this; its first-ever SUV,
the Levante.
It’s been nearly 3 years since the Levante made its American debut, fleshing out Maserati’s
range of 2 sedans and 2 sports cars.
The 105-year old automaker is part of Fiat Chrysler’s Italian car portfolio which also
includes Alfa Romeo and until a few years ago, Ferrari. Named for a warm wind that
blows across the Mediterranean, the Levante has a German rival in its sights; the Porsche
Cayenne. Though the Levante is about 3” longer, the two share a similar spot on the
market in terms of price, power and prestige residing at the intersection of track-ready
performance and off-road capability. Though the Levante’s big news for 2019 is the introduction
of 2 new V8 models pushing up to 590 horsepower, I’m in one of the more reasonably priced
V6 trims.
When you go to build your Levante there are a number of models from which to choose with
a starting price of under $80,000. This here is the step-up model, the Levante S that adds
twin-turbos to the V6 for 424 horsepower. And within the S model range there are three
specifications, this one being the mid-trim GranLusso starting in the low $90ks. It
features a gorgeous Gildo Zegna Silk interior. It also comes with 12-way memory comfort seats,
Harman Kardon Premium Sound, power adjustable steering wheel and pedals, illuminated door
sills, parking sensors, navigation system and Soft Close doors. This one adds a full
assortment of luxury upgrades for an as-tested price of about $105,000.
Sure, the base twin-turbo V6 gives you 345 horsepower, but this one has had its output
significantly raised and includes an overboost function when in Sport mode that produces
a hard hitting 428 pound-feet of torque. It removes 8/10th of a second from its 0-to-60mph
sprint which happens here in an ear-popping 5.0-seconds flat. Top speed is 164 mph.
Both of those numbers are nearly identical to the Porsche Cayenne S.
And let’s face it; if you’re into procuring a Levante then you probably crave 2 things:
performance and exclusivity and this Maserati delivers both in spades. The smart 8-speed
automatic transmission comes with huge, fixed paddle shifters capable of rapid, on-demand
gears changes but beware; the Levante S is thirsty, returning only 17 mpg on premium,
if you’re lucky. Combined with a smallish 21-gallon tank, you’ll be on a first name
basis with the gas station attendant.
The air suspension comes with 6 settings from a squatted 6” off the ground for easy entry
to as much as 9 ½” of lift in Off Road 2 mode with water fording capability of up
to 19”. When on road, Maserati’s Skyhook continuously adaptive dampers can be forced
into a firmer sport setting at the press of a button for the most dynamic handling characteristics
and work in conjunction with the Q4 all-wheel drive system which can move as much as 50%
of the available power to the front tires while incorporating wheel-specific torque
vectoring and a real, mechanical limited slip differential to maximize grip and driver confidence.
And though these optional 21” staggered width Pirelli Scorpions are massive, the Levante
S has often come unglued on these heavily salted, cold, winter roads. It feels strangely
tail heavy which can be enjoyable and/or a little scary. When you want to back things
off, the smartest drive mode choice is I.C.E. which stands for increased control and efficiency
restraining the turbo boost and smoothing out the accelerator mapping…perfect for
low grip conditions. Owners would be wise however to invest in a set of Scorpion winter
tires for no less than $1,500.
The Levante delights the senses with Ferrari-born engine sounds and a Sport exhaust that lets
it all hang out. It’s well-mannered and easy going in its default settings and firm
and energetic in its sport settings Just as you’d expect in a $100,000 SUV. But the
dirty little secret about exotics is that they often lack some of the modern accoutrements
you’d expect. At this price I’d like a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats and
interior ambient lighting. I also wouldn’t mind a more up to date version of Chrysler’s
UConnect system and some softer seats.
The GranLusso emphasizes style and luxury appointments so fittingly the cabin is very
quiet, the optional 15-speaker Bowers & Wilkins Ultra Premium Audio system is $2,000 an audiophile
will eagerly spend and the red leather interior with silk accents is oh so Italian delectable.
The optional Driver Assistance Pack is highlighted by the Highway Assist System which works in
tandem with the Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go to keep the Levante centered in
its lane…but it only works on federal highways. There is traffic sign recognition and a 360
degree surround view camera, but it needs an easy access button outside of the touchscreen.
Its SUV credentials are OK…ample rear seats, at least for 2, with recline, 4-zone climate
control and 2 USB charge ports, a motion activated liftgate and a wide, flat load floor with
underfloor storage and elastic straps to hold things tight. But there is no mechanism
for lowering the rear seats from back here. And in typical exotic car fashion, the power
liftgate only worked about half the time. Towing is maxed at about 6,000 pounds.
The Levante plug-in hybrid goes on sale later this year but if it’s this one that interests
you just realize you’re trading in some modern luxury and convenience for the snazzy
trident grille and a Ferrari soul.