Used 2017 Maserati Levante S

2017 Maserati Levante: An Overview

The 2017 Maserati Levante marked Maserati's bold entry into the luxury SUV segment, aiming to blend the brand's renowned performance and Italian style with the practicality and versatility of an all-wheel-drive SUV. It was a significant moment for Maserati, seeking to broaden its appeal and compete with established luxury players.

Highlights

• Powertrain: The Levante offered two potent engine options from Ferrari. The Levante S featured a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 producing a robust 424 horsepower and 424 lb-ft of torque, enabling exhilarating acceleration. The standard Levante was powered by a detuned version of the same 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6, delivering a still-impressive 345 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission and Maserati's Q4 intelligent all-wheel-drive system.

• Safety Features: The Levante came equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver-assistance systems designed to enhance safety and provide peace of mind. Key features included:

  • Forward Collision Warning (FCW): Alerts the driver to a potential frontal collision.
  • Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB): Can automatically apply the brakes to mitigate or avoid a frontal collision.
  • Lane Departure Warning (LDW): Warns the driver if the vehicle unintentionally drifts out of its lane.
  • Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM): Detects vehicles in the driver's blind spots and provides visual alerts.
  • Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC): Maintains a set speed and distance from the vehicle ahead, automatically adjusting speed as needed.
  • Surround View Camera: Provides a 360-degree view around the vehicle, aiding in parking and low-speed maneuvers.

• Trim Summary: The 2017 Levante was available in two primary trims, each offering a distinct experience:

  • Levante: The entry point into the Levante lineup, providing a strong balance of performance, luxury, and Italian design. It still boasted the 345-horsepower V6 and a well-appointed interior.
  • Levante S: Positioned as the performance flagship, the Levante S amplified the driving experience with its more powerful 424-horsepower V6, offering quicker acceleration and a more aggressive character, often accompanied by sportier styling cues and enhanced interior appointments.

• Other Notable Aspects:

  • Italian Design: The Levante inherited Maserati's signature elegant and sporty styling, featuring a distinctive trident grille, sculpted body lines, and a luxurious interior crafted with premium materials like leather and wood.
  • Air Suspension: Standard air suspension with electronically adjustable damping allowed for varying ride heights and stiffness, providing a comfortable ride on the highway and capable handling when desired.
  • Maserati Touch Control Plus: An 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system with intuitive controls, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless smartphone integration.
  • Off-Road Capability: While primarily a luxury road-focused SUV, the Q4 all-wheel-drive system and adjustable air suspension offered a degree of off-road prowess, enabling it to handle light off-road excursions and challenging weather conditions.

What to Expect

Owning a 2017 Maserati Levante is generally characterized by a blend of exhilarating performance and sophisticated luxury. Drivers can expect a refined and engaging driving experience, with the Ferrari-derived V6 engines providing ample power and a distinctive exhaust note. The Q4 all-wheel-drive system ensures confident handling in various road conditions.

Maintenance: As a luxury vehicle with a performance-oriented powertrain, the Levante's maintenance schedule will likely be more demanding and potentially more expensive than that of a mainstream luxury SUV. Regular oil changes, filter replacements, and fluid checks are crucial for maintaining optimal performance and longevity. Routine inspections of the air suspension system and its components are also important. It is highly recommended to service the vehicle at a Maserati dealership or a specialized independent mechanic with expertise in Italian luxury vehicles to ensure proper care and to utilize genuine Maserati parts.

Insurance: Insurance premiums for the 2017 Maserati Levante can be expected to be higher than average. This is due to the vehicle's luxury status, performance capabilities, and the cost of potential repairs. Factors such as the driver's record, location, coverage levels, and the specific trim chosen will all influence the final insurance cost.

Potential Considerations

While the 2017 Maserati Levante offers a compelling package, prospective buyers should be aware of a few potential considerations:

• Infotainment System Responsiveness: Some reviews from the period noted that the infotainment system, while feature-rich, could occasionally be slow to respond or exhibit minor glitches, which might be a point of frustration for those accustomed to the lightning-fast interfaces of some competitors.
• Interior Space and Practicality: While not lacking in luxury, the Levante's interior space, particularly in the rear seats and cargo area, might not be as expansive as some of its larger, more practicality-focused rivals in the luxury SUV segment.
• Long-Term Reliability: While Maserati has made strides in improving reliability, it's still a performance-oriented Italian brand. Long-term ownership might require more diligence in maintenance compared to some German or Japanese luxury SUVs known for their robust engineering and extended reliability. However, with diligent care, many owners report satisfactory experiences.
• Resale Value: As with many luxury performance vehicles, the depreciation curve for the Levante can be steeper than for more mainstream options, although this is less of a concern for buyers who plan to keep the vehicle for an extended period.

Overall Summary

The 2017 Maserati Levante successfully translated the brand's passion for performance and Italian design into the highly competitive luxury SUV market. It offered a potent blend of exhilarating acceleration, sophisticated styling, and a luxurious, driver-centric interior. While it may not have matched the outright practicality or long-term reliability reputation of some established German rivals, for those seeking a distinctively stylish and engaging luxury SUV with a strong emotional connection, the Levante presented a compelling and desirable choice. It represented a confident statement from Maserati, proving they could compete effectively beyond traditional sports cars and sedans.