Three Engine Options: Two V6 Gasoline and One Diesel

Maserati's first-ever SUV, theLevanteLevante, has debuted. I had the opportunity to drive it in its home country before its autumn 2016 delivery. The lineup will consist of three models: the "Levante" with a 3-liter V6 engine producing 350 hp, the "Levante S" with the same engine tuned to 430 hp, and the "Levante Diesel" with a 3-liter V6 diesel engine, which will be added later. I was able to test drive the two gasoline models.

The test drive venue for the Levante was by Lake Garda, a resort in northern Italy. It is Italy's largest lake, stretching 52 km from north to south, and is a glacial lake. The scenery, with water spread out between steep mountains, is rugged and loved by many. The area, with its many historic buildings, resonates with Maserati, a company over 100 years old.

The AWD system is largely shared with the Ghibli Q4

The suspension system features double wishbones at the front and a multi-link setup at the rear

As previously reported, the Levante is an SUV developed based on theGhibli Q4"Ghibli Q4." All models are equipped with Maserati's full-time four-wheel-drive system, called Q4 (Maserati refers to it as AWD). Unique to the Levante are its torque distribution between the front and rear, optimized for an SUV, and its electronically controlled, variable ride height suspension. This allows for increased ground clearance for off-road capability and a lower center of gravity for on-road driving.

"We didn't want to create just another run-of-the-mill cross-country SUV," said Marco Tencone, Maserati's Design Director, who was present at the test drive event. The Levante emphasizes sportiness and elegance with its coupe-like styling. This sets it apart from rivals like Porsche'sCayenne.

In BMW terms, it might be positioned between theX5and theX6It occupies a unique niche that was desired but not previously filled by a model. That unique positioning should also be appealing." a PR representative added.

The name "Levante" is derived from a type of wind. The driving experience was indeed exhilarating.

A Sporty Seating Position from the Start

As mentioned earlier, the area around Lake Garda, where the Maserati Levante was test-driven, is surrounded by mountains. A short detour from the lakeside road leads to winding mountain passes, some of which are used as rally junction roads. The roads are narrow, and passing oncoming traffic, especially through tunnels carved into rock, requires careful attention.

The Levante S can be described in one word: lively and fun. The 2,979cc V6 engine in the 5,003mm (European spec) long body produces a maximum output of 430 hp (316 kW) and a maximum torque of 580 Nm. In comparison, the Levante, with the same displacement, produces 350 hp (257 kW). At the test drive event, Maserati representatives referred to the two models by their horsepower: "Four-Thirty" and "Three-Fifty."

The side view emphasizes a coupe-like aesthetic

The slim LED headlights are complemented by circular spots below, adding to the SUV's presence

A key strength of the Levante S is its sporty seating position. Despite its 1,679mm height, the seating position is not overly high, and there's no feeling of looking down from above. Roberto Corradi, the chief development engineer, explained that the variable ride height system was implemented "to maintain sporty handling performance by lowering the center of gravity during normal driving."

While the steering is slightly slower than typical for a Maserati, it's quite quick for an SUV (as Maserati intended). Furthermore, the solid connection to the road even near the center point allows for confident maneuvering close to the roadside when passing on narrow roads.

Despite weighing around 2,100 kg, the engine power is more than sufficient. With maximum torque available from 1,175 rpm, it accelerates swiftly from a standstill and offers impressive mid-range acceleration. It feels more like a sporty coupe than an all-wheel-drive SUV. Even on steep, winding uphill roads, there's no lack of power with just a light touch of the accelerator. And when you push it, the engine revs willingly. The surge of power as the revs climb is truly "Maserati-worthy."

The vertical bars on the front grille feature a new design

Both the Levante and Levante S are equipped with an 8-speed automatic transmission

In Japan, the Levante S is priced at 12.79 million yen, while the Levante is 10.80 million yen. For those unconcerned about the price difference, I recommend enjoying the smooth acceleration of the Levante S.

The 350 hp Levante is also impressive. The turbocharger likely operates at lower RPMs, and the 8-speed gearbox is tuned to effectively utilize the torque band, resulting in quick responses. Particularly in Sport mode, it truly embodies the spirit of a sporty SUV.

The Levante is a car that offers a high level of exclusivity in both its interior and exterior.

Practicality for Rear-Seat Passengers is Seamlessly Integrated

The styling of the Levante is instantly recognizable as a Maserati. From the side, you'll notice effective character lines along the roof, creating a visual effect that makes the roof appear thinner and the rear window more steeply raked, successfully conveying a coupe-like impression. Another striking feature on the side are the three signature side vents, a hallmark of current Maserati vehicles. Their parallelogram-inspired outline on the Levante adds a sense of modernity.

In terms of modernity, the headlights are slim, variably shaped units designed for LED use. These are proudly adorned with vertical bars and the brand's iconic trident logo, symbolizing Neptune (Poseidon in Greek mythology). The vertical bars feature a bent style, which the design director, Tencone, explained was calculated "to beautifully reflect light from all angles."

Various interior color options are available

A wide range of leather variations

The interior is one of Maserati's strong points, and the Levante maintains this appeal. The front seats are designed with a relatively large central dashboard to enhance the sense of individual space for the driver and passenger. Maserati explains this is important for a sports car. Once seated, it truly feels like the driver's cockpit, and it's quite pleasant. The central monitor is multifunctional, with an updated application suite exclusive to the Levante. It can be operated via touch controls or a unique rotary controller located at the base of the shift lever. While its usability is good, the specifications for the Japanese market are yet to be determined.

The cabin of both the Levante S and Levante is remarkably quiet. In Sport mode, a sharp, dry exhaust note can be heard, but Normal mode prioritizes comfort. Wind noise from the windshield, side mirrors, and rear roofline, as well as road noise from tire contact, are effectively suppressed. The rear seats offer ample headroom and legroom, making them perfectly suitable for passengers without compromise.

Maserati has openly stated that the Porsche Cayenne was a benchmark during the Levante's development. While the Cayenne offers a wider range of engine and handling variations, Chief Development Engineer Corradi stated, "We aimed to compete initially with similarly specified V6 models, with plans to introduce even sportier Levante variants in the future." Having a strong rival benefits us fans. The Levante, with its unparalleled luxurious and slightly sensual ambiance, will undoubtedly be a significant asset for Maserati.