MASERATI has revealed the second of its ground-breaking electric model variants, with the unveiling of the Levante Hybrid at the Shanghai Auto Show. Its first electrified SUV joins the existing Ghibli Hybrid range, offering improved performance and fuel savings.
Retaining the distinctive roar of every Maserati, the Levante Hybrid combines a 4-cylinder, 2.0-litre engine with a 48 volt Hybrid system to recover energy during deceleration and braking.
The hybrid car weighs less than the 6-cylinder version of the Levante, and has improved weight distribution, thanks to battery placement. Maximum power is 250kW with peak torque of 450Nm. It can sprint to 100km/h in 6.0 seconds.
In terms of appearance, the Levante Hybrid launch version is characterised by a new metallic tri-coat colour called Azzurro Astro, available as part of the brand’s customisation programme, Maserati Fuoriserie.
Other exterior and interior details contribute to this car’s immediately recognisable design, some are in blue, the shade chosen to identify hybrid cars, already used by Maserati on Ghibli Hybrid (as outlined below).
Alongside the Levante’s launch, the new Ghibli Hybrid has landed in Australia, marking the Trident brand’s first steps into the world of electrification, along with being one of the most ambitious projects Maserati has undertaken.
The choice to introduce hybrid technology first on the Ghibli sedan is no coincidence; this model perfectly embodies the Modena-based manufacturer’s DNA. Not only that, it will retain the unmistakable sound that has always distinguished every Maserati.
In perfect harmony with its DNA, Maserati has chosen a hybrid solution focused primarily on improving performance, while also reducing fuel consumption and cutting emissions.
The hybrid technology exploits kinetic energy the car accumulates when in motion, recovering it and transforming it into electricity during deceleration and braking, and storing it in a battery.
The innovative powertrain, the outcome of in-depth engineering development work by the technicians and engineers of the Maserati Innovation Lab in Modena, combines an internal combustion engine (4-cylinders, turbo, 2.0-litre) with a 48-volt alternator.
Added to this is an additional electric supercharger (e-Booster), supported by a battery. This solution is unique in its segment and is the first in a new generation of powertrains, with the perfect trade-off between performance, efficiency and driving pleasure.
Thanks to maximum power output of 250kW and torque of 450Nm, the new Ghibli Hybrid’s performance data is very impressive: top speed of 255km/h and acceleration from 0 to 100km/h in 5.7 seconds.
Ghibli Hybrid occupants will still revel in the unmistakable sound that characterises all Maserati models, thanks to the optimised exhaust, which includes specially designed resonators.
A new look exterior and interior will greet buyers, with blue a feature of certain highlights, designed to represent hybrid power and technology. These include the three iconic side air ducts, brake callipers and the thunderbolt in the oval of the Trident logo.
The same blue colour reappears inside the car, in particular on the embroidered seams of the seats. The new Ghibli Hybrid also introduces new stylistic contents, starting from the new front grille, with bars redesigned to represent a tuning fork.
There are significant changes at the rear of the car too, where the light clusters have been completely restyled, with a boomerang-like profile inspired by the 3200 GT and the Alfieri concept car.
The Maserati Intelligent Assistant multimedia system sports the latest-generation software, based on digital inputs from Android Auto, delivering an innovative user experience.
The multimedia system’s HD screen, with new graphics, more user-friendly and without surrounds, is increased in size from 8.4-inches to 10.1. A new instrument panel with digital devices and new graphics is also introduced.
The new Ghibli Hybrid represents the first step in a plan that will lead to the electrification of all new Maserati models. The base model will be priced at $139,990 plus on-roads, with the Ghibli Hybrid GranLusso and GranSport starting from $163,990 plus on-roads.
