ALONG with a raft of new colours and design enhancements, it’s now significantly cheaper to enjoy the style, performance and exclusivity of a Maserati Levante SUV, following the introduction of a new entry level model.
Powered by a Ferrari-made twin turbo V6, the base model 2019 Levante marks a new entry point for the brand, with the new variant hitting the market at $125,000 plus on-road costs.
The new model also marks the Australian debut for the 257kW/500Nm power plant, capable of accelerating to 100km/h in six seconds and on to a top speed of 251km/h, and featuring pneumatic exhaust valves to maintain the rich aural signature of the brand.
Blessed with the same sophisticated Q4 Intelligent All-Wheel-Drive with rear Limited-slip Differential and advanced suspension that includes adjustable Air Springs, Skyhook shock absorbers, the newest version of the Levante is equally capable on and off the road.
It offers sports car like handling biased towards the rear, until going gets tough, when the four wheel drive system comes into action enabling the Levante to traverse conditions previously unheard of for an Italian sports car.
From its 19-inch polished alloy wheels to its powered rear door, the new entry level Levante is stylishly well equipped, with a rich hand stitched leather interior, heated front seats, and a piano black dash.
It also comes with Maserati MTC+, which has SatNav and Digital Radio as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It has cruise control, blind spot alert, rear camera with a dynamic grid guide and parking sensors front and rear.
Key less operation of the doors is standard, along with auto-dipping mirrors and dual zone climate control ventilation. In addition, it’s available with GranSport and GranLusso equipment levels.
Across the entire range, the 2019 Levante has also had a bit of an overhaul, including new colours, wheel designs and interior veneers, as well as a redesigned gearshift lever with shorter travel and improved operation.
Optional Pieno Fiore natural leather widens choice of exclusive interiors, while the GranLusso gains new exterior features and the GranSport gets new trim inspired by the Levante GTS.
All models now get integrated vehicle control (IVC), designed to prevent instability, as standard, with adaptive full LED matrix headlights now also available as an optional extra.
