Published on February 20th, 2017 | by Subhash Nair
0The Maserati Levante Makes its Entrance into Malaysia’s SUV market
Maserati’s first SUV is now available to the Malaysian market and NAZA Italia is the official importer and distributor for Maserati. The Levante trail blazes through new territory for Maserati as the marque makes its first foray into the world of luxury sport utility vehicles in its more than 100-year history.
The Levante’s fluid nature mirrors that of the warm Mediterranean wind that the SUV takes its name from, transforming from a mild breeze to a forceful gale in an instant. Designed to excel on multiple terrains, it effortlessly masters any circumstance. The Levante is based on the evolution of Maserati’s sedan platform and provides the smooth handling and refined characteristic of the brand’s saloons on-road whilst also proving impressively capable off-road.
An optimum blend of Design, Exclusivity and Performance makes Maserati’s first coupé-style SUV a sophisticated beauty that combines flexibility with the classic Italian power, and flair that the brand is known for. The addition of this luxurious SUV creates the most complete Maserati product line-up to date.
At it’s core, the Levante is equipped with the latest evolution of the Maserati’s 3-litre V6 engines. The Malaysian market will get to enjoy the frugal turbodiesel version with reduced dwell time injectors, capable of 275 hp and delivering 0-100 km/h in 6.9 seconds. With a maximum speed of 230 km/h, it still manages to keep the fuel economy as low as 7.2 litres/100 km.
The Levante adopts the eight-speed automatic ZF gearbox that provides seamless comfort and fast gear shifting, depending on the selected drive mode and presents a choice of four drive modes, “Normal”, I.C.E., “Sport” and “Off-road”. Each one constitutes a distinct car character intelligently altering engine, transmission, suspension and electronics features.
Styling-wise, the Levante exhibits similar design cues to other models in Maserati’s stable and incorporates the brand’s signature lush aesthetic and spacious interior. The trademark radiator grille with slim, tapered headlights dominates the car’s bold front and the car’s sleek silhouette is formed of graceful sweeping lines.
Its streamlined shape, typical of high performance sports cars, lends to the Levante’s aerodynamic efficiency, which is best in its segment with a Cx coefficient of just 0.31. A standout feature (one seen in other models in the brand’s product line-up) is the frameless door windows. With a tailored and exceptionally spacious cabin (best in class), the Levante exudes sophistication and truly is the epitome of comfort.
Performance-oriented features, such as the extensive use of lightweight materials, ideal 50:50 weight distribution and the lowest centre of gravity in class, enable Maserati’s newest offering to deliver unparalleled agility in the luxury SUV class. The Levante’s exclusivity stems from technical features like Air Suspension, electronically controlled Skyhook shock absorbers and the Q4 AWD system, which come as standard equipment, and the high level of customisation that includes two cutting-edge packages, Sport and Luxury.
An optional upgrade to the Sport Package includes exterior and interior design elements that reflect Maserati’s legendary racing heritage. The Luxury Pack promises even greater extravagance than the sumptuous leather interior that comes as a standard feature.
The highly exclusive Zegna Edition pack combines premium Italian leather with bespoke silk from Ermenegildo Zegna, one of the leading fashion designers in the world, made in Trivero by the Zegna wool mill with a patented process.
The Levante introduces a host of cutting-edge technologies to the current Maserati line-up; from safety to convenience options and through to the brand new Human Machine Interface and the dedicated cargo solutions. The range of equipment options is wider and more complete than ever, with innovative features of the car including: Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go function, Forward Collision Warning and Brake Assist System, Lane Departure Warning, Surround View camera, capacitive 8.4″ Touch Screen display with brand new rotary control, plus the AHA function, an addition to the Maserati Touch Control Plus which extends the AM, FM and DAB digital radio with a network connection option: the AHA function dialogues with the user’s network-connected mobile device to give access to on-line services (radio stations, programmes, etc.) while on the move.
Purely Italian and a Maserati thoroughbred, the Levante is exclusively produced in the historic Mirafiori plant where Maserati continues its 100-year tradition of exquisite craftsmanship melded with innovative technology.
The diesel-powered Levante enters Malaysia’s luxury SUV segment at the starting price of MYR 888,800.00 (inclusive of local taxes and duties) and includes 3 years Standard Warranty coverage with no mileage restriction plus a Maserati Premium Service Plus of 3 years/60,000 km whichever comes first. The public is invited to head over to Naza Italia’s showroom in Petaling Jaya to view and test drive the Levante and speak with Naza Italia’s sales team in greater detail about Maserati’s newest offering.
Follow @maserati.malaysia (Instagram) and www.facebook/maserati.malaysia for the brand’s latest updates in Malaysia.
LEVANTE DIESEL 275 hp | ||
Engine Layout | Turbodiesel 600 V6 common rail | |
Displacement (cc) | 2,987 | |
Max. Power (kW / hp @ rpm) | 202 / 275 @ 4,000 | |
Max. Torque (Nm @ rpm) | 600 @ 2,000-2,600 | |
Fuel consumption l/100 km (NEDC) | 7.2 | |
CO2 (g/km) | 189 | |
0-100 km/h (sec) | 6.9 | |
Top speed (km/h) | 230 | |
Gearbox | 8-speed automatic ZF AT8 – HP70 | |
Transmission | Q4 All Wheel Drive with rear limited slip differential | |
Suspension Front | Double Wishbone, adjustable Air Springs, Skyhook shock absorbers | |
Suspension Rear | Multi Link, adjustable Air Springs, Skyhook shock absorbers | |
Length/width/height (mm) | 5,003 / 1,968 / 1,679 | |
Wheelbase (mm) | 3,004 | |
Tyres (standard) | 255/60 ZR18 | |