The name Maserati is synonymous with power and performance with a reputation dating back to the early days of motor racing. Today’s prestige vehicles from the legendary Italian car maker may be packed full of the latest technology but still retain that distinctive growl that derives from the engine, not some built-in audible trickery.
There are various models in their catalogue, most of which are available for export from the UK to overseas destinations like Kenya, New Zealand, Ireland and the Caribbean via the comprehensive service offered by MHH International. On this occasion we are concentrating on one specific model which offers hybrid economy while still being every inch a Maserati.
On The Outside
With the Brand’s first electrified SUV (sport utility vehicle), Maserati takes a major step forward in its strategy for electrification, which began last year with the Ghibli saloon (sedan) Hybrid. The Levante Hybrid is faster than the model’s diesel equivalent yet more sustainable apparently than diesel or petrol and is unique in its specific model characteristics. In future, all cars that sport the famous Trident badge will be hybrid or fully electrified, we’re told. This, they say, does not mean that the company will not stay true to the brand’s values, those of delivering speed and agility while saving fuel and reinforcing the dedication to driving pleasure and luxury.
The hybrid SUV is specifically marked out by special detailing and the recent facelift brings with it a new grille, new boomerang rear lights and a new infotainment system with an 8.4 inch display. There’s also a new GT trim with plenty of chrome, and new Hybrid models will get blue accents and stitching as well. The car boasts a surfeit of aluminium in both bodyshell and suspension, and has the lowest centre of gravity in its segment along with near perfect 50:50 weight distribution. This will make for near perfect handling; ideal for such a big car.
In terms of appearance, the Levante Hybrid is characterised by a new metallic tri-coat colour called Azzurro Astro, available as part of the Brand’s customisation programme. Other exterior and interior details contribute to this car’s immediately recognisable design: some are in blue, the shade chosen to identify hybrid cars and already used by Maserati on the Ghibli Hybrid. On the exterior, blue characterises the three iconic side air ducts, the brake calipers and the C-pillar logo. The same blue shade reappears inside the car, specifically on the embroidered seams of the seats.
On The Inside
The Levante looks as opulent as you’d hope from a Maserati. Leather seats and a leather-topped dashboard are standard, although you need to spend a little extra inside the options pack to get an extended leather pack for the full effect. The switchgear and gear shift are all ideally placed for confident driving.
Infotainment is taken care of by an 8.4 inch touchscreen and a rotary controller, although the touchscreen offers the same facility. All models feature satellite navigation, DAB radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with smartphone mirroring. As is the norm these days, this hybrid SUV is connected to the world, thanks to the latest ‘Maserati Connect’ programme. One of the benefits of this is that the owner can keep an eye on the car's automotive health, alerting the driver when a service is due, for example. With a Smartphone or Smartwatch, drivers can also stay in contact with their car via the ‘Maserati Connect’ App; this is also possible from home via their virtual personal assistant using Amazon Alexa & Google Assist.
On The Road
The Levante Hybrid combines a four-cylinder, two litre engine with a 48 volt system to recover energy during deceleration and braking. The hybrid car weighs less than the six cylinder engine equivalent (both diesel and petrol), and above all has an even better weight distribution since the battery is placed in the rear without compromising the load capacity, optimally balancing the overall mass of the vehicle. All this designed to make Levante Hybrid even more agile and fun to drive which has proved to be the case in real world motoring.
With a maximum power output of 330bhp and torque of 450Nm on tap from 2,250 rpm, the car comes as standard with all-wheel drive, which, incidentally, is impressive: a top speed of over 150 miles per hour (240 km/h) and acceleration from 0 to 62mph (100 km/h) in a swift 6 seconds completes the package.
Air suspension boosts comfort and efficiency, according to Maserati. The system automatically lowers itself at speed to reduce drag, while the ride height can be manually selected for entry and exit in its lowest position, or boosted by 85mm when off road.
Find out more about importing the hybrid Maserati Levante, or indeed any version including the awesome V8 model, by connecting with MHH International via these pages. Is this prestigious all-rounder your next car?
