The Levante boasts many features associated with Maserati, including tapered headlights, the three iconic air vents on the front wings, and the large, frameless door windows.
The Levante opens a new door for Maserati and will be a welcome edition to the premium SUV market. Although the Italian car-maker has taken its time in exploring the market that already boasts Jaguar’s F-Pace and Bentley’s Bentayga, based on initial images and specifications, it’s hard to say the caution hasn’t paid off.
The car has a suitably aggressive front grille that’s similar to its siblings the Ghibli and the Quattroporte. Present too are the company's famous circular air vents on either front wing, and the door windows are frameless.
At the back, the car tapers strongly so that in silhouette it looks more like a raised sportscar than a mud-plugging SUV. Although only exterior images have been released -- it is understood that this crossover is more GT than SUV.
With an all-wheel drive, an eight-speed automatic transmission and a V6 turbocharged engine in two different states of tune, it’s hard to argue this isn’t still a Maserati supercar through and through.
The initial range-topping 430 will take care of the 0-100km/h dash in just 5.2 seconds, while the slightly more sedate 350 will manage the same feat in 6.3 seconds.
The Maserati Levante, the company's first SUV in its 100-year history, will make its official debut at the Geneva motor show on March 1 where the company will reveal the car's cabin, its infotainment and safety features and its price.
(Source: AFP Relaxnews)
(Photos courtesy of Maserati)
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