Car Review by NAVIS Magazine.
Maserati has become an increasingly important sponsor of yachting events and festivals, particularly at Cannes, and the new offering has an incredible specification with engines delivering hard-to-beat performance.
It’s also a very attractive car to look at with potential owners having a choice of engines, either a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 petrol unit producing 345 bhp, or a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter diesel engine producing 275 bhp.
Both engines deliver excellent levels of performance and considering the Maserati Levante S GranLusso weighs in at 2.5 tonnes, the handling is impressive.
The 0 to 62 mph sprint time of the Levante S is an incredible 5.2 seconds, with the eight-speed semi-automatic gearbox performing its operation smoothly and quickly. The power delivered from a standing start will impress.
The Italian carmaker has unveiled two special editions
However, for 2019, the Italian carmaker has unveiled two V8 Levante models in the shape of the 590 bhp Trofeo and 550 bhp GTS. These feature the carmaker’s 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 that has been re-engineered to create the most powerful Maserati currently available.
For those wanting the superfast models, the gearshift lever has been redesigned with shorter travel and improved operation for when owners really want to put the car through its paces.
The Levante S GranLusso has all-wheel-drive to help deliver the power to the Tarmac, and it delivers a well-planted feel with good feedback to the steering wheel. For the new V8s, the chassis has been re-tuned to provide a sports-oriented level of performance, and the difference is noticeable.
Overall, for the Levante model line, the fuel economy ranges between 18 and 21 mpg on the highway, to 14-15 mpg in the city. Though realistically, it is such a joy to drive that the economy for an enthusiastic and happy driver is not a matter of concern.
The interior is a luxurious and comfortable place to spend time with the driver’s seat easy to adjust for maximum comfort.
Levante S GranLusso’s aluminum interior finish
The standard Levante S GranLusso’s wood interior trim and chrome surround impress while the new Trofeo and GTS versions feature specific instrument cluster graphics and clock dials. All of the models deliver the sophistication that is now expected from Maserati with the latest models offering a range of leather interior choices to, enhance the luxury or sporty appeal.
Other features that a discerning owner may enjoy include seat ventilation, reverse parking aid with a park assist camera standard in North America. Comfort levels are boosted with the standard dual-zone climate control system with an air quality sensor using 13 ventilation ports.
The Levante models also feature a standard 8-speaker sound system, and the options of either a Harman Kardon premium sound system or the 17-speaker Bowers & Wilkins premium surround sound system.
All offer impressive sound experiences, though the surround sound offering delivers a more immersive - and highly recommended - experience.
The standard air suspension delivers a smooth ride with potholes and lumps dealt with capably. The hydraulic power steering and the rear-biased all-wheel-drive system delivers the handling that drivers will enjoy. It must also be said that the limited-slip differential for the rear axle really does provide the traction in every driving situation.
The S GranLusso also offers impressive off-roading performance with the driving modes and suspension altering to cater for less than smooth surfaces. This feature is certainly an advantage for those who want a stylish SUV for countries with rough roads and occasional off-roading needs. That’s a big help should you need to travel across deserts and mountains and then have to drive along a dirt track for a mile or two – you will arrive in comfort and be unshaken by the drive.
Interior for the Maserati Levante S GranLusso
The interior of the Maserati Levante S GranLusso has been carefully designed and crafted using sumptuous leather and polished wood. There’s a surprising amount of technology on board to make this Italian-inspired interior feel up-to-date.
For the new V8 versions, the range-toppers feature a new grille, body-colored door handles, and close of painted brake callipers. The powerful Brembo brakes also work effectively to bring this large vehicle to a stop quickly and safely.
Of the two, the Trofeo offers a more sporty look with ultralight high-gloss carbon-fiber exterior touches.
Moreover, with the premium luxury SUV sector growing exponentially, particularly in the US and China, Maserati has put together an excellent offering to deliver what refined drivers are looking for in a luxurious and spacious SUV.
With its distinctive styling and impressive level of ride and handling, the Levante S GranLusso feels and looks like an impressive SUV.
Essentially, the Maserati Levante S GranLusso offers enough in terms of luxury and exceptional performance to set it apart from its rivals, and it’s certainly an appealing and accomplished SUV that will be an inspired choice for discerning drivers
