Maserati Levante: Comprehensive Review of Performance, Handling, and Costs

The Maserati Levante is a luxury SUV that blends Italian style with powerful performance. This high-end vehicle offers a range of engine options to suit different driving preferences. The Levante’s engines deliver impressive horsepower, allowing for quick acceleration and smooth highway cruising.

The Levante’s ride and handling are designed to provide both comfort and sportiness. You’ll find a well-balanced suspension system that adapts to different road conditions. The SUV’s all-wheel drive system helps maintain traction in various weather situations.

When it comes to fuel economy and running costs, the Levante falls in line with other luxury SUVs in its class. Its fuel consumption varies depending on the engine choice, with more powerful options typically using more fuel. Maintenance costs can be higher than average due to the Levante’s premium status and specialized parts.

Key Takeaways

• The Maserati Levante offers powerful engines and sporty handling in a luxury SUV package.
• You can expect a comfortable ride with responsive steering and good traction in various conditions.
• Fuel economy and maintenance costs are in line with other high-end SUVs, varying based on engine choice.

Design & Features

The Maserati Levante blends Italian style with SUV practicality. Its striking looks and lavish interior set it apart in the luxury SUV segment.

Exterior Aesthetics

The Levante’s exterior design captures attention with its sleek, sporty profile. You’ll notice the iconic Maserati grille dominating the front end. Flowing lines along the sides lead to a tapered rear, giving the Levante a coupe-like appearance.

The GranLusso trim adds chrome accents for a more refined look. The GranSport version features more aggressive styling with larger air intakes and darker trim elements.

Large alloy wheels fill the wheel arches, enhancing the Levante’s powerful stance. Quad exhaust tips and LED lighting complete the premium look.

Interior Luxuries

Inside, the Levante surrounds you with high-end materials and craftsmanship. Soft leather covers most surfaces, with wood or carbon fiber trim adding visual interest.

The dashboard features a large touchscreen infotainment system. It includes:

• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Navigation
• Premium audio system

Physical controls for climate and key vehicle functions offer easy access. The leather-wrapped steering wheel includes buttons for common features.

Optional upgrades include a leather-and-silk upholstery package for ultimate luxury.

Comfort & Practicality

The Levante’s cabin provides ample space for five adults. Heated and ventilated front seats offer multiple adjustments for ideal comfort. Rear passengers enjoy good legroom thanks to the SUV’s long wheelbase.

Cargo capacity is generous for the class. The power liftgate reveals a wide opening for easy loading. Fold-down rear seats expand the cargo area for larger items.

Ride quality is smooth, with air suspension soaking up bumps. Body roll is well-controlled for an SUV of this size. The cabin remains quiet at highway speeds, letting you enjoy conversations or the premium audio system.

Performance & Handling

The Maserati Levante offers a range of powerful engines and sporty handling to match its luxurious looks. You’ll find impressive acceleration and cornering abilities that set it apart from many rivals in the luxury SUV segment.

Engines & Output

The Levante gives you several engine choices to suit your performance needs. The base model comes with a twin-turbo V6 making 345 horsepower. Step up to the S trim for 424 horsepower from an upgraded V6.

For even more power, the GTS packs a twin-turbo V8 with 550 horsepower. The range-topping Trofeo takes it further with 572 horsepower. This lets it sprint from 0-60 mph in just 3.8 seconds.

All engines pair with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Paddle shifters let you take control when you want a sportier drive.

Driving Dynamics

Behind the wheel, the Levante feels more like a sports sedan than a big SUV. The steering is quick and precise. You can corner with confidence thanks to the grip from the all-wheel drive system.

Air suspension comes standard. It lets you adjust the ride height and firmness. In the softest setting, it soaks up bumps well. Switch to Sport mode for a firmer, more responsive feel.

The brakes provide strong stopping power. They stand up well to repeated hard use without fading.

Efficiency & Economy

Fuel economy isn’t the Levante’s strong suit. The V6 models return around 16 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway. V8 versions drop to 14 mpg city and 18 mpg highway.

These numbers lag behind some key rivals like the BMW X5 and Porsche Cayenne. You’ll spend more at the pump compared to those options.

CO2 emissions are also on the high side. This means higher tax costs in some areas.

Running costs overall will be higher than average for the class. Factor in premium fuel and pricey maintenance when budgeting.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The Maserati Levante offers a mix of luxury and performance. Many people have questions about its costs, handling, fuel economy, and reliability.

What are the typical maintenance costs for a Maserati Levante?

Maserati Levante maintenance can be pricey. You’ll likely spend more than on a standard luxury SUV. Regular services, like oil changes and tire rotations, cost more due to specialized parts and labor.

Major services at 30,000 and 60,000 miles are quite expensive. It’s smart to budget for these in advance.

How does the Maserati Levante’s ride and handling compare to its competitors?

The Levante offers smooth rides and responsive handling. Its air suspension system adapts well to different road conditions.

The Levante feels sporty and agile for a large SUV. It handles corners with minimal body roll. The steering is precise and offers good feedback.

What fuel economy can be expected from the Maserati Levante, and how does it affect running costs?

Fuel economy in the Levante is not its strong point. You can expect around 15-17 mpg in the city and 21-24 mpg on the highway, depending on the engine.

These numbers are lower than many competitors. This means higher fuel costs over time. Factor this into your budget when considering long-term ownership.

What are the performance capabilities of the Maserati Levante, including horsepower and acceleration specs?

The Levante offers powerful engine options with aircraft-like performance. The base model has around 350 horsepower, while top trims reach over 500 horsepower.

Acceleration is quick, with 0-60 mph times ranging from 5.8 seconds in the base model to under 4 seconds in high-performance versions.

What improvements have been made in the 2024 Maserati Levante compared to earlier models?

The 2024 Levante has updated tech features. The infotainment system is more responsive and user-friendly.

Safety features have been enhanced with more driver assistance options. Some trim levels now offer improved interior materials for a more luxurious feel.

How reliable is the Maserati Levante over long-term ownership?

Maserati has worked to improve reliability in recent years. The Levante has fewer issues than older Maserati models.

Regular maintenance is key to long-term reliability. As the vehicle ages, some electrical components may need attention. Build quality has improved, but it’s still not at the level of some German competitors.