A Ferrari V8 offers the literal “Maserati of SUVs” supercar efficiency.
There’s one thing of a tragic story behind Maserati’s existence. Consider it as the center son who was by no means allowed to comply with his desires. Whereas beneath Ferrari’s reign, Maserati was by no means allowed to satisfy its full potential.
The automaker nonetheless produced a few of the most stunning and highly effective vehicles on the market. Nevertheless, it has been solely since Stellantis acquired the Italian marque that Maserati exploded on the automotive market, aiming at restoring its former glory.
Upon its launch in 2017, the Levante SUV was hailed because the savior of the Modena-based automaker—at the very least financially. Maserati hoped that Levante could be what Cayenne had been for Porsche, a manner into turning a distinct segment sports activities model into an expensive and worthwhile enterprise.
Killer Italian Seems
The range-topping Trofeo trim catches the attention straight away. Whereas modifications aren’t huge, the boldly restyled grille, entrance and rear bumpers make a notable distinction. There’s additionally an additional trident posted on the C-pillar and a few sculpting indents on the engine hood.
Inside, the identical light replace pattern follows alongside. Seats have been changed by newer variations; there are tastefully positioned carbon fiber trims across the door panels and dashboard; controllers and switches are actually aluminum as an alternative of plastic. The one actually sportive aspect is the set of enormous paddle shifters tucked behind the steering wheel.
The Ferrari V8
Rewind to 2018 and do not forget that late Ferrari CEO Sergio Marchionne mentioned the marque wouldn’t “bastardize the model” by becoming a member of the SUV bandwagon like different luxurious automakers. As we speak, Ferrari is teasing their first ever ute—the Purosangue. It seems to be just like the long-term technique of the corporate modified course dramatically.
Nonetheless, the Maserati Levante introduced a Ferrari energy unit into an SUV chassis earlier than the Prancing Horse model determined to construct their very own. The F154 Ferrari engine contains a 3.8-liter displacement in a V8 structure, pushing out 580 horsepower and 538 pound-feet of torque. These figures quantity to a 3.8-second zero-to-60 mph time.
When you begin urgent the throttle pedal past metropolis driving wants, the tail-pipes of the 2022 Maserati Levante Trofeo throw out masterfully tuned exhaust sounds. Swap to Corsa driving mode and the tones get deeper. Even while you attempt to abuse the capability of the Levante Trofeo, the engine doesn’t complain. As a substitute, it retains delivering a easy, harshness-free expertise. The eight-speed automated gearbox is so exact and easy, you’ll by no means really feel the necessity to contact the paddle shifters.
Nevertheless, the air suspension barely complicated when left on its default setting. It tends to stiffen up randomly and be somewhat inconsistent over undulating asphalt. The sportier settings, topping out with the Trofeo-specific Corsa mode, are ruthless with street imperfections. Except you’re driving on freshly laid tarmac, there can be loads of suggestions and vibration discovering its manner into the cabin and the steering wheel.
Maserati Contact Management Plus
Not coming from both Maserati or Ferrari, the rebranded Stellantis Uconnect system rests behind an 8.4-inch touchscreen. Named Maserati Contact Management Plus, the infotainment system brings a terrific deal to the desk. The menu format is extraordinarily intuitive and takes little to no time to grasp, responsiveness is manner above common, and the security know-how embedded into the automobile rivals the likes of Volvo, with automated emergency braking, parking sensors, blind monitoring, a surround-view digital camera and adaptive cruise management.
Prancing Horse Energy Is An Final Luxurious
The Levante lineup begins at $83,295 however the Trofeo trim brings the full MSRP to virtually double. Topping out at $173,550, the 2022 Maserati Levante Trofeo will come manner above what you’d spend for a totally fledged BMW X5M or a Porsche Cayenne Turbo. Nevertheless, each of these lack a Ferrari V8 that’s complimented by pleasant Italian design.