Review content:
- Appearance
- Salon
- Features of the new Maserati Levante
- Security systems
- Cost and configuration
Over the past few years, almost every luxury car manufacturer has come to the conclusion that in order to maintain its position on the world stage, it is imperative that at least one crossover be present in the model range. Remember, even some 15 years ago, few could have imagined that Porsche would roll out a full-fledged crossover (Cayenne model) to the market, which could not only win the hearts of millions of buyers around the world, but also become the founder of a whole line of “premium crossovers. ".
Determined to keep up with the trends of the global market, in March this year, the management of the carmaker Maserati announced the release of the new Levante model, which will be the first crossover in the history of this famous Italian brand, once associated exclusively with sports and racing cars.
According to Gerald Wester, who is the head of the Maserati auto concern, the car got its name in honor of the warm Mediterranean wind "Levante", which has the ability to turn from a light sea breeze into a real hurricane in an instant. This accurately reflects the character and capabilities of the newly introduced crossover.
The appearance of the model
Fans of the Maserati brand can easily see the Levante's exterior as echoes of the Kubang concept car shown at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. The exterior is made in the classic Maserati corporate style. The car is distinguished by an elongated hood, short body overhangs and a cabin shifted to the stern. Thanks to the sloping roof and high window line, the car is perceived as more dynamic and fast, and due to the swollen wheel arches, the already aggressive exterior looks more muscular and menacing.
The front of the car is crowned with a wide radiator grille with a large branded "trident", as well as diagonal bi-xenon optics, complemented by new-fashioned LED position lights. Behind the front arches, there are three air vents that have long become one of the hallmarks of Maserati models.
The crossover doors are frameless, the tailgate is crowned with a small spoiler, and the taillights are interconnected by elegant chrome moldings. In addition, looking at the rear of the car, the stylish exhaust pipes (two on the right and two on the left) are striking. The Levante S modification can be distinguished from the "regular" version by the original aerodynamic body kit, as well as larger rims.
The manufacturer notes that the Levante is designed on the basis of the Ghibli model, which has already received a lot of positive feedback not only from ordinary people, but also from automobile critics. The novelty is distinguished by its considerable dimensions:
- Length - 5004 mm., Which makes the crossover the longest in the class;
- Width - 1968 mm.;
- Height - 1679 mm.;
- Wheelbase is 3004 mm.
The size of the wheelbase is 3004 mm. - one of the highest indicators among the closest competitors, thanks to which the car offers maximum comfort and space for both front and rear passengers.
Separately, it should be noted that the Maserati Levante has a record drag index of only 0.31, thanks to which the manufacturer managed to achieve not only impressive dynamic characteristics, but also high efficiency.
Levante interior
Once in the cabin of a premium crossover, the first thing you notice is the stylish center console, in the center of which there is an analog clock, as well as a large multi-touch display of the multimedia system, which can also be controlled using a special joystick. Already in the basic equipment, the car is replete with high-quality leather and polished aluminum inserts, while for an additional fee, the buyer can trim the interior with natural wood, carbon fiber and even silk. Traditionally, for Maserati, the user has the ability to personalize the interior as much as possible, with over 25 different color variations, the number of which will increase over time.
The car is equipped with a small three-spoke steering wheel, covered with perforated leather of the highest quality, as well as with special nodules for a more natural and comfortable grip. Gear shifting can be done both with the transmission selector and with the paddle shifters, which sometimes remind of the car's sports pedigree. The speedometer and tachometer are located in stylish deep wells, between which flaunts a large on-board computer display, which displays the most important information for the driver about the status and behavior of the crossover.
The front seats are soft and comfortable, and provide good lateral support. Already in standard equipment, they are equipped with an electric drive and a heating system, which will be especially important for domestic consumers. Thanks to the off-road position, the driver has excellent visibility. The seats are separated by a high transmission tunnel, in which boxes for various small things and cup holders are located. Although the rear seats are designed for three adults, the seat cushion is profiled for two passengers, so the third person will be somewhat uncomfortable here.
The trunk volume of the Maserati Levante as standard is 580 liters and 1614 liters when the rear seat backrests are folded down, which fold in the classic 60/40 ratio. For a more convenient opening of the trunk, the fifth door is equipped with an electric drive, and for an additional fee it can be supplemented with sensor opening technology.
Specifications of the new Maserati Levante
At first, the crossover will be represented by two 3-liter gasoline engines with a capacity of 350 and 430 hp, as well as one diesel engine of the same volume and a capacity of 275 hp. However, in the future, the management of the auto concern does not exclude the appearance of a more powerful power unit, equipped with not six, but eight cylinders. It is worth noting that the 430-horsepower gasoline engine has a more playful disposition, high responsiveness and elasticity than its “younger brother”.
According to Maserati representatives, depending on the engine type, the car has the following dynamic characteristics:
- Acceleration from 0 to 100 in a gasoline engine takes only 5.2 seconds, and the maximum speed is limited by an electronic "noose" at around 264 km / h. At the same time, the fuel consumption is 15 l / 100 km - in urban mode and slightly more than 8.4 l / 100 km - in the urban cycle;
- Accelerating dynamics of diesel modification slightly worse - 6.9 seconds to 100 km / h and a maximum speed of 230 km / h, while the car has a more moderate appetite - 6.6 liters / 100 km outside the city and 8.2 liters when driving around the city.
The car has a plug-in all-wheel drive system, that is, in standard mode, all torque is distributed to the rear axle. But once the crossover is on rough terrain or slippery road surfaces, about 50% of the torque is distributed to the front wheels. Air suspension also helps to conquer off-road terrain, thanks to which the ground clearance can be changed in the range of 207-247 mm. Despite good off-road capabilities, the crossover is more tailored for driving on asphalt.A low center of gravity, a nearly even 51:49 axle weight distribution, and a sharp steering wheel provide reference handling for the two-ton Levante. It is not for nothing that the company's management calls the Levante model - Maserati among crossovers.
Crossover safety
Like any other executive car, the crossover is equipped with a wide range of passive and active safety systems, as well as driver assistance systems in emergency situations. In addition to anti-lock braking and stabilization systems, the car is equipped with lane change control systems, blind spot monitoring on the side and rear of the car, innovative technology for anticipating possible collisions and adaptive cruise control. Separately, it is worth highlighting the presence of 6 airbags: two in front, two on the sides, and two in the ceiling, next to the central pillars, whose task is to protect the heads of the front and rear passengers in the event of a collision.
The Levante is equipped with a high-performance braking system developed by Brembo, featuring self-ventilating perforated discs. Together with calipers driven by 6 pistons housed in a separate aluminum block, these discs provide powerful braking performance that does not diminish even under heavy loads.
Price and configuration Maserati Levante
Regardless of modification, Maserati Levante offers customers a wide range of equipment, including:
- full power accessories;
- leather upholstery for seats and steering wheel;
- multimedia system from Harman Kardon with 15 Bowers & Wilkins speakers;
- two-level climate control;
- keyless entry system to the salon;
- rain sensors;
- electrically adjustable pedal assembly;
- all-round cameras;
- a roof with a panoramic view;
- light sensors;
- high-quality sports seats with many different adjustments;
- innovative ventilation system.
The Levante is an iconic car that will forever change the mindset of Maserati. It is a car that combines benchmark handling on asphalt with good off-road capability and an unrivaled sense of comfort and driving pleasure. The cost of the car is 70.5 thousand euros for the diesel version and 88 thousand euros for the 430-horsepower petrol version, which makes buying a Levante very interesting, even against the background of such trendsetters as the Porsche Cayenne, Range Rover and BMW X6.
Other photos of the new generation Maserati Levante
Maserati
