We knew it was coming and was the next important step for Maserati to begin to have a full lineup. The Levante SUV will be the first SUV from the exotic luxury brand that features the Trident as its emblem. The Levante has been highly anticipated and all news has been positive that this vehicle could make a huge difference in the world of high end luxury SUVs that are built by companies that at one time only created sports cars or super luxury models. What might also surprise you is the opening price of this awesome new vehicle.
As with anything that is built for power and speed, we need to begin our conversation in the engine compartment. The base Levante is powered by a 3.0-liter twin turbocharged V6 that has been built by Ferrari. This engine gives you 345 horsepower and 442 lb.-ft. of torque which is sent through an eight-speed transmission to all four wheels to give you an AWD powerhouse. While this is the base model the upgraded model will feature 424 horsepower and be faster than this base model, but what is interesting is where this SUV falls in the market range.
While the power is admirable, the pricing is what will catch your attention. This new SUV will start out at $72,000 with the upgraded Levante S model coming in around $83,000 to start with. What this pricing does is fit the base model in the middle of the Porsche Cayenne pricing, between the base and the S models. The upgraded model does run a bit more than the supercharged Range Rover Sport, but added power typically does cost a bit more. The order for these two Levante models will begin in April which makes the next part of the strategy extremely important.
While this SUV will be available in the latter part of the summer, we will get to see it in all its glory at the New York Auto Show. This appears to be an extremely strategic planning of the timing to show off the SUV only a few weeks before orders are being taken for the Levante. This appears to be one of the wisest moves any automaker has made in recent history and when you consider a vehicle that will be made as they are ordered it’s an intelligent way to get the sales begun for this new SUV.
Looking back at the statistics of this SUV, the base Levante is able to reach sixty mph in less than 6.0 seconds while the S model will be able to make the same run in 5.2 seconds. As we see this vehicle mature there is expected to be a hybrid model and a diesel engine that could become available, but may not make its way to the US. The Levante is the next offering of a great luxury sports SUV that is made to be an easy to handle road ripping machine that gives you a bit more space than you would have in a Maserati sedan or sports coupe.
This post may contain affiliate links. Meaning a commission is given should you decide to make a purchase through these links, at no cost to you. All products shown are researched and tested to give an accurate review for you.