Maserati Levante SUV Gets A Refresh

The Maserati Levante has gotten a refresh with not only an exterior restyling but also upgrades to its multimedia system. This refresh is to give the entire Maserati range a more unified identity, by creating a common language for its key models.

The new distinctive features are the new front grille and new rear light clusters, which have a boomerang shape inspired by that introduced in the late 1990s by Giugiaro’s 3200 GT. With these updates, the new restyled Levante will be recognisable at a glance.

The Levante’s design combines coupé lines with interior space large enough for 5 people. The imposing grille is inspired by the Alfieri concept and pays homage to historic Maserati cars like the Tipo 60 Birdcage. The new Levante front is also updated to feature the innovative front grille with tuning fork design. It comes in chrome for the GranLusso trim and Black Piano for the GranSport.

The rear’s look is also transformed with a new boomerang shaped light cluster, inspired by historic Maserati models. To emphasise the boomerang shape, the light clusters are produced using state-of-the-art 3K injection moulding technology to give the unit a 3-coloured lens i.e. black around the edge, red in the middle and clear in the bottom section.

Other features remain unchanged. On the GranSport trim, the side air intakes in the lower fascia have a more aggressive design, defined by 2 aerodynamic wings that give a sense of further stability, visually pushing the weight of the car’s nose towards the massive front wheels. Additionally, the side bezel blades and the splitter are styled to improve the airflow distribution. Meanwhile, the wider, more muscular rear end has a sharper horizontal element and a body-colour lower extractor surrounding the 4 exhaust tips. Alongside the sportier bumpers, the GranSport exterior is also discernible for the front and rear Black Piano inserts, GranSport badges on the front fenders, red brake callipers and either 21” Helios or 21” Anteo wheels.

For the GranLusso, it can be identified by a series of chrome inserts in the front fascia, chrome front/rear skid plates, body-coloured rear spoiler, black-painted brake callipers, 21” Anteo wheels and GranLusso badges on the fenders.

“We strive to continue delighting the most discerning tastes of our Malaysian clientele with a comprehensive Maserati product line-up that is luxurious, stylish, refined and technologically excellent, especially for those who appreciate unique Italian craftsmanship that is 100% made in Italy, complemented with a unique ownership experience” said Dato’ Nik Hamdam, Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO), Automotive Group, Naza Corporation Holdings.

Changes to the interior are mainly concentrated in the 8.4” central display and instrument cluster. Key updates introduced includes a frameless central display screen. This improved resolution, graphics and visual effect make it look like a single curved screen with the air vents cut into it, enabling vertical reading of the whole display. The Maserati name is screen-printed on the back of the screen at the bottom of the display for a 3D effect.

There is also a subtle but sophisticated change to the instrument cluster which now includes a large rev counter and speedometer (still analogue but with updated graphics) on either side of the 7” TFT display. Much of the plastic from the previous versions has been eliminated and replaced with real anti-dazzle flat glass covers over the instruments. These changes give the instrument cluster a more high-tech look. Effects are achieved by alternating glossy and matte blacks. The perimeter ring which contains the numbers is reflective glossy black, while the central ring containing the indicator lights is matte black.

Further, the resolution and graphics of the display between the rev counter and speedometer has been updated. These now match those of the large central screen, with the introduction of gilded surrounds for a more luxurious look.

The updated Levante also receives Active Driving Assist (ADS). Active Driving Assist is an evolution of Highway Assist, introduced with Model Year 2018. As a “hands-on” function (the driver is required to stay in control of the car at all times), it is intended for use on any kind of well-maintained road. While previous versions were only usable on highways, today it is available on any well-maintained road at speeds up to 145 km/h with the Adaptive Cruise Control system activated. This assistant helps reduce driver fatigue and consequently enhances active safety by allowing the car to keep itself centred in its lane and to adapt its pre-selected speed in full autonomy.

The system employs a radar unit and a forward-looking camera and works with the EPS to control the direction of the car. The multi-function camera detects horizontal road markings and calculates the distance and speed of the preceding vehicle. Highway Assist includes a radio that provides road information and a ‘hands-on wheel’ detection system. The driver can override the system at any time.

The Levante S runs with a 3.0L V6 twin turbocharged engine paired to a ZF 8-speed automatic gearbox. This powertrain puts out 430 hp @ 5,750 rpm and 580 Nm of torque @ 2,000 – 4,750 rpm. The official 0 – 100 km/h sprint time is 5.2 seconds, and top speed is 264 km/h.

The new Maserati Levante S is available at RM808,800 (inclusive of local taxes and duties) with full specifications and options. There is a limited time offer of 5 years Standard Warranty coverage with no mileage restriction.

You can contact the Naza Italia – Maserati showroom (03 7956 8599 or 1700 81 5051) in Petaling Jaya, Selangor for an exclusive viewing or for more details.