Levante

The Levante is Maserati’s first shot at the SUV segment thanks to the current demand for such vehicles across the globe. It was officially revealed in early 2016 at the Geneva Motor Show, and is expected to roll into Indian showrooms in the first quarter of 2018. This sports SUV will be accompanied by the brand’s present range of sport cars that include the Ghibli, Quattroporte, GranTurismo and the GranCabrio.

The unique fascia of the car highlights the angled head lamps which is separated by huge grille with well-spaced out vertical slats. The side profile is dominated by 18-inch alloy wheels, a long bonnet and an aggressively raked C-pillar. Move on to the rear section and the Levante shows off its sloping rear windscreen and the streamlined body panels.

The interiors of the Levante are well laid out with the inclusion of high quality materials and leather. Fit and finish is top class and buyers can choose from the various colours and trims that are on offer. In fact, the roomy cabin is especially spacious at the rear section despite the slightly sloping roofline.

Powering the Maserati Levante are two motors, a petrol and a diesel unit. The 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol motor is available in two different power outputs. A 430bhp version that can do the 0-100kmph run in 5.2sec, and the 350bhp variant that hits 100kmph from standstill in 6sec. The 3.0-litre V6 diesel with variable geometry turbo (VGT) makes 275bhp and 600Nm of torque; enough for it to hit 100kmph in 6.9sec. Both engines will use an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Maserati is expected to price the Levante at Rs 1.8 crore (ex-showroom Delhi) when it is launched in India in the first quarter of 2018. This Italian SUV will compete with the likes of the Audi Q7 and Porsche’s Cayenne.