Maserati has introduced its first-ever SUV to its most important market worldwide, the United States
Following its world debut at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show, the Maserati Levante has arrived in North America as well. Unveiled at the 2016 New York Auto Show, the Maserati Levante will arrive in U.S. dealerships at the end of August with prices ranging from $72,000 to $83,000. The Italian luxury car manufacturer takes orders from U.S. customers starting in April.
Unlike in Europe, the Levante is not offered with a diesel engine in America. Customers there can only choose the 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 gasoline engine, available in two states of tune: 345 hp in the Levante and 424 hp in the Levante S.
In its basic form, the V6 engine produces 345 hp at 5,750 rpm and 369 lb-ft (500 Nm) of torque between 4,500 rpm and 5,000 rpm. Linked to an eight-speed automatic transmission with integrated Start&Stop System, the powertrain allows the Levante to sprint from 0 to 60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 5.8 seconds and reach a top speed of 156 mph (250 km/h).
The more powerful version of the twin-turbo V6 delivers 424 hp at 5,750 rpm and 428 lb-ft (580 Nm) of torque between 4,500 rpm and 5,000 rpm. Equipped with the same eight-speed auto, the Levante S does the 0-60 sprint in 5.0 seconds and hits 164 mph (264 km/h). Maserati has not released fuel economy figures yet for any of the two variants.
The Levante features Maserati's "Q4" intelligent all-wheel drive system as standard, with the automaker claiming that it was developed to offer "outstanding performance" both on- and off-road. The suspension has a double-wishbone configuration on the front axle and multi-link at the rear, which is said to favor handling. The standard mechanical self-locking rear differential and the electronically controlled damping enhance handling, with the latter providing five dynamic ride levels (plus one additional park-position).
Furthermore, the Levante has the lowest center of gravity in its class, as well as a "perfectly balanced" weight distribution (50-50) between front and rear, according to Maserati.
Standard and optional features include a panoramic electric sunroof, power lift tailgate, premium leather, an updated human-machine interface with an 8.4-inch high-res display and a new rotary control, adaptive cruise control with Start&Stop function, forward collision warning, blind spot alert, surround view camera, automatic brake assist system, and lane departure warning, among other things.