New Maserati Levante set to create soem excitement amongst SUV lovers in Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur, 24thNovember 2017 – The addition of the Maserati Levante high performance luxury SUV to the Malaysian market is going to create some excitement in market, or at least amongst the better-heeled part of it, as it offers an attractive alternative to the more established brands.
The Maserati Levante S was officially unveiled today at Desa Parkcity by Naza Italia, the official importer and distributor for Maserati in Malaysia.
The Levante S (MY18) made its world premiere at the 2017 Frankfurt Motorshow with a new range strategy and an array of hi-tech features, including Electric Power Steering and the addition of new active functions to the existing driving assistance systems. The Levante S version promises heightened performance and sporting prowess to navigate all-terrain adventures with greater ease. For the Malaysian market, only the petrol-powered version featuring a V6 Twin-turbo engine with Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) is made available.
The engine was designed by Maserati Powertrain, in conjunction with the Ferrari Powertrain development team and is both powerful and eco-friendly, with Auto Start-Stop function.
The V6 engine has a specific torque of 194 Nm per litre, making it the best in the luxury SUV class, as is its specific power (144hp/l).The Levante S accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds and has a top speed of 264 km/h. Its 430 hp engine is on par with its competitors in terms of fuel consumption, with 10.9 l/100 km on the NEDC test cycle, and CO2 emissions (253 g/km).
Maserati has replaced the Levante’s hydraulic power steering with electric power steering to provide improved handling and driving comfort in the Levante S. This also better supports the driving modes and enables the newly-introduced Advanced Driving Assistance Systems (ADAS)with more active functions, whilst retaining the razor-sharp steering feel symbolic of any Maserati. These functions include Highway Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist and Traffic Sign Recognition.
The 430 hp Levante S features a state-of-the-art braking system that deals superbly with the car’s high performance. The front system has adopted Brembo 6-piston aluminium monobloc calipers working on 380 mm drilled discs. Aluminium 42 mm floating calipers with 330 mm x 22 mm ventilated drilled discs are fitted at the rear.
The Levante S 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 character, intelligently altering engine, transmission, suspension and electronics features.
The dashboard and the central console are designed to accommodate the 8.4” Maserati Touch Control Plus (MTC+) display, the driving modes button cluster, the user-friendly, aluminium rotary knob and the air suspension height setup switch.
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 that allows for five people to be seated comfortably. Its streamlined shape lends to the Levante’s aerodynamic efficiency, which is best in its segment with a Cx coefficient of just 0.31.
The petrol-powered Levante S is being introduced to Malaysia’s luxury SUV segment at the starting price of RM 788,800 (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.
GranLusso trim
The GranLusso trim is essentially an emphasis on luxury. It is externally recognisable by its metallic-finish front skid plates and roof rails, the GranLusso badges on the front wings, the body-colour side skirts, the black-painted brake calipers and the 19” Zefiro alloy wheels.
The interior design features an array of innovative solutions in line with Levante’s SUV character, with an extra focus on luxury in the new GranLusso trim. The GranLusso cabin combines a choice of Ermenegildo Zegna silk or full premium Italian upholstery with a Radica open-pore wood trim and leather steering wheel.
The extravagant trim also includes standard 12-way power comfort seats, a Harman Kardon Sound System, power-adjustable steering wheel, illuminated door sills, parking sensors, navigation system and new Soft Close Doors.
GranSport trim
Externally, the Levante S GranSport is recognisable by its Piano Black front grille, skid plates and roof rails, GranSport badges on the front wings, body-colour side skirts, blue inserts on all Trident and Saetta logos, red brake calipers and 20” Nereo wheels.
The Sport 12-way power leather seats and power-adjustable Sport steering wheel combine with a carbon trim to create an exciting, sporty interior in the GranSport. It also features a Sport steering wheel with standard gearshift paddles, power-adjustable Inox sport pedals, parking sensors and navigation system.
Specifications at a glance:
| LEVANTE S | |
| Engine Layout | Petrol 600 V6, twin-turbo – direct injection (GDI) |
| Displacement (cc) | 2,979 |
| Max. Power (kW / hp @ rpm) | 316 / 430 @ 5,750 |
| Peak Torque (Nm @ rpm) | 580 @ 5,000 |
| Fuel consumption l/100 km (NEDC) | 10.9 |
| CO2 (g/km) | 253 |
| 0-100 km/h (sec) | 5.2 |
| Top speed(km/h) | 264 |
| Gearbox | 8-speed ZF automatic AT8 – HP70 |
| Transmission | Q4 Intelligent 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) | 265/50 ZR19 front295/45 ZR19 rear |
Keyword: Maserati Levante – Luxury & Performance SUV Unveiled In Malaysia