Storm-Trooper

If the sustained popularity of Porsche’s Cayenne and Macan sport utility vehicles (SUVs) is a precedent to take cue from, luxury performance SUVs are still very much desired. Making an assault for a slice of a pie that’s been feasted upon by the Germans, the Brits at Bentley had introduced their super luxurious yet high performance Bentayga.

Not to be outdone, some Italians in Modena opted to showcase their mastery in building automotive experiences with flair and appealing to both sense and sensibility. The results of that endeavour have certainly acquitted themselves here, in the form of the Maserati Levante.

Turning Point

Unveiled at the recent Geneva Motor Show, the maestros at luxury sports car manufacturer Maserati have put together the finishing touch on what is touted to be Maserati’s most complete line-up in its history.

At once distinctive and as sexy as the supermodel you’d love to date the all-new Levante combines the best of Maserati’s DNA. Inspired in name by a warm, Mediterranean wind that can change from mild to gale force in an instant, the Levante is a car that stands out for its classy elegant good looks and a same degree of performance cars marked with the Trident are known for.

In the flesh, the Levante immediately stands out from any competition as a Maserati always does. Elements of the sensational Alfieri concept present itself in the car’s front grille, the signature element that will soon feature in all Maserati cars.

Paying visual homage to historical models like the Tipo 60 Birdcage, the signature concave grille is further accentuated by the flow of the front wings, which emphasize the shape of the engine compartment lid and run into the headlight surrounds at the front. Particularly alluring are the pair of Bi-Xenon and LED headlights that converge with the Trident symbol at the centre of the grille.

Hinting at the performance aspect of the car, the Levante’s sleek silhouette resembles that of a coupé, enhanced by the frameless doors present in modern Maseratis. The rear pillar is refined by the insertion of the characteristic “Saetta” logo, first seen on the iconic Quattroporte in 1963, and seamlessly follows the shape of the side windows.

Ruggedly capable, yet elegantly poised, the Levante is an evolution of the Ghibli executive sedan’s architecture. However, in order to cope with the demands of a car that’s intended for soft adventures, the chassis has been specifically developed and built in Maserati’s Mirafiori plant in Turin.

A thoroughbred with more than a century of performance in its pedigree, the Levante epitomises class-leading agility and handling and performance both on road and off it, including snow and ice. Engineered to excite, extensive use of lightweight materials such as aluminium in an efficient fashion lets the Levante achieve an ideal 50:50 weight distribution and a low centre of gravity for a car of its class.

Not only this this translate into superior handling, it also means a cossetting experience for the passengers in a spacious interior that’s complete with all the customisable bells and whistles that includes having and Ermenegildo Zegna tailored interior.

Ensuring that the car keeps up with the demands of both driver and terrain, a combination of “double wishbone – five link” suspension, made up of adaptive dampers and air springs work in tandem to soak up any challenge on or off road.

For the driver, convenience features and amenities such as Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go function, collision warning and lane departure systems in addition to an all-around camera on an 8.4-inch touch-screen screen with internet access makes piloting the car a supremely effortless experience.

With beauty only skin deep, the magic of the Levante is created by Ferrari engineered and assembled 3.0-litre V6s. In its introductory Levante form, the twin-turbocharged petrol engine offers 350bhp on tap, while in the range-topping Levante S, 430bhp is on offer. An eight-speed automatic transmission here directs power to all four wheels with the help of an adaptive four-wheel drive system that instantaneously transfers torque where its most needed, which helps make the car a lot more responsive with better grip.

Translating that into numbers, the car makes light work of the century sprint, clocking in at 6.0 seconds and 5.2 seconds respectively before topping out at 251km/h and 264km/h.

Stay tuned for updates on when this four-wheel stunner will make its appearance here in Singapore.

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