Naza Italia launched the Maserati Levante back in
February this year, but it was only available with a turbodiesel engine at the
time. Now, the company has introduced a petrol-powered variant in the form of
the Levante S, which is available in two trims – GranLusso and GranSport.
Under the bonnet, there’s a 3.0 litre twin-turbo V6
petrol engine that makes 430 hp at 5,750 rpm and 580 Nm of torque from 4,500 to
5,000 rpm. The same powerplant is also found in the non-S version of the
Levante, but tuned for less output – 350 hp and 500 Nm.
Compared to the current Levante Diesel, which has
a 3.0 litre turbodiesel V6, the new variant has substantially more horsepower
(against 275 hp) but is down on torque (against 600 Nm). The Levante S’ mill is
paired with a ZF AT8-HP70 eight-speed automatic transmission, and power is
transmitted to the ground via the brand’s Q4 all-wheel drive system and rear
limited slip differential.
Performance-wise, the Levante S has a higher top
speed of 264 km/h compared to the Levante Diesel’s 230 km/h. It is also quicker
in a zero to 100 km/h sprint, taking just 5.2 seconds instead of 6.9 seconds.
The Levante comes as standard with active air
suspension as well as Skyhook adaptive dampers, the latter with continuous
damping variation. Four different drive modes – Normal, Sport, Off-road and
Increased Control and Efficiency (ICE) – are available to drivers, each
altering the characteristics of the powertrain and suspension.
Standard equipment on the Levante S include bi-xenon
headlights (with LED DRLs), powered tailgate, 8.4-inch touchscreen display for
the Maserati Touch Control Plus (MTC Plus) infotainment unit, which is
supplemented by a rotary controller and standard audio system. Also part of the
kit list is leather upholstery, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist,
blind spot monitor and a dual-zone climate control system.
As for trim-specific items, the GranLusso comes with
front skid plates and roof rails in a metallic finish, specific badging,
body-colour side skirts, black-painted brake calipers and 19-inch Zefiro alloy
wheels. Inside, you’ll find Ermenegildo Zegna silk, or leather upholstery, with
Radica open-pore wood items. There’s also 12-way power-adjustable comfort
seats, a Harmon Kardon sound system and soft-close doors.
The GranSport on the other hand, emphasises
sportiness, and gets a black finish on exterior bits mentioned for the
GranLusso. Highlights also include dedicated badges, blue inserts on all
trident and Saetta logos, red calipers and 20-inch Nereo alloy wheels. Inside,
the open-pore wood trim is replaced with carbon ones instead, and there are
power adjustable sport pedals.
Well, the Levante S starts at RM 788,800, before
options and any form of customisation. The latter includes 13 body colours,
five brake caliper colours, six interior trims and a bevy of upholstery
combinations. Each purchase of the Levante includes a three-year/unlimited
mileage warranty and three-year/60,000 km Maserati Premium Service Plus.