Levante – The Maserati of SUVs

The world is surely going crazy...!  Or maybe the end of said “world” is nigh upon us… 

Why would I make such a proclamation?  Ladies and gentlemen, Italian manufacturer Maserati is going to the dark side.  Yes, that is correct.  They are building an SUV.

Ummm…

With the official debut a few days away at the 2016 Geneva Auto Show, the Maserati Levante is now available for your viewing pleasure…

Why, you ask, is Maserati doing this...?

Simple…  Every other manufacturer in the world (almost) is doing it, and making huge profits while at it.  Case in point, the Bentley Bentayga, which I previewed for you here.  Other competitors are the venerable Porsche Cayenne and another newcomer, the Jaguar F-Pace. 

While details are scarce pending the official unveiling in Geneva, let me tell you what I can.  There should be multiple engine choices.  It looks like the base model will get the 3.0-liter V-6 from the Ghibli S sedan.  This twin-turbo unit should provide something in the area of 404 hp, depending on tune.  Expect a top of the line V-8 good for over 520 hp.  A diesel option looks to be in the works, but this will not be available in the States for some time.  Other details include an 8-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, courtesy of Maserati’s “Q4” system.

The interior of the car will have the usual Italian style and luxury associated with current Maserati vehicles, albeit with some updated touches.  The exterior also carries over themes seen on current Maserati sedans and coupes.  The Levante is instantly recognizable as a “Maser”…

Final judgement will have to wait until a test drive, but there is no doubt Maserati will sell as many of these “utes” as they can make.  I expect pricing to start around $80,000. 

Italian utility, coming soon to a Maserati dealer near you…

Who would have thought…?