Fall is here already, and what’s better for challenging snow and storms than a brand new powerful Maserati? There is always a first time.  The first one for Maserati in the SUV world is called Levante, presented at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show.  As in the past for many other models, the wind is the primary element of inspiration for the car.  The Levante shape seems to be born from an impetuous breeze of nature, making this a unique car to the segment.  Design, exclusivity, and performance are the keywords to understand Maserati’s Levante, a sporty  Italian style car that express in the lines an immediate association with the famous trident symbol. The interiors are crafted with sartorial elegance, in leather and silk designed by Ermenegildo Zegna, constructed using a patented process.  Same berlina Quattroporte and Ghibli architecture developed to perfect the SUV performances.

Levante’s strongest point is in its engines:  a V6 Twin-Turbo 3.0-liter six-cylinders gas units ranging from 350 up to 430 horsepower while the diesel version sports 275 hp.  All engines take advantage of the rear-biased Q4 AWD system, an eight-speed automatic gearbox, and a Start&Stop integrated system.

Performances are a pleasure, curve after curve.  Max speed is 264 km per hour for the 350 hp, capable of reaching 100 km/h in 6 seconds. The diesel takes almost a second more to reach same – 6,9 seconds precisely – but it is more economical in fuel consumption: 7.2 liters/100 km.  In the cabin everything is within easy reach, Infotainment runs on a high-resolution 8.4-inch touchscreen display on a rotary controller mounted in the gauge cluster.

The most wanted version is without doubts the Luxury while the Sport’s version will satisfy a taste for more aggressive details.  Available from May 2016,  the Maserati Levante starting price will be 74,000 euros.

www.maserati.it