2018 Maserati Levante: An Italian Masterpiece of Performance and Luxury
The 2018 Maserati Levante stands as a bold entry into the luxury SUV segment, offering a compelling blend of Italian flair, potent performance, and sophisticated comfort. It aims to provide a driving experience that transcends the typical SUV, imbuing every journey with a sense of occasion.
Highlights
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Engine Prowess: The 2018 Levante offers a choice of two potent engines, both developed by Ferrari:
- 3.0L Twin-Turbocharged V6 (Levante & Levante GranLusso/GranSport): This engine delivers a robust 345 horsepower and 424 lb-ft of torque, providing spirited acceleration and a sonorous exhaust note.
- 3.0L Twin-Turbocharged V6 (Levante S): For those seeking more power, the Levante S boasts an uprated version of the V6, producing 424 horsepower and 424 lb-ft of torque, offering significantly quicker acceleration and a more exhilarating driving experience.
- All engines are paired with an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission and Maserati's Q4 all-wheel-drive system as standard, ensuring confident handling in various conditions.
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Advanced Safety Features: Maserati equips the 2018 Levante with a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems to enhance safety and peace of mind:
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC): Maintains a set speed and distance from the vehicle ahead, automatically adjusting to traffic flow.
- Forward Collision Warning Plus (FCW+): Alerts the driver to potential frontal collisions and can initiate emergency braking to mitigate or avoid an accident.
- Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM): Alerts the driver to vehicles in their blind spots, aiding in safer lane changes.
- Lane Departure Warning (LDW): Monitors lane markings and alerts the driver if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane unintentionally.
- Surround View Camera: Provides a 360-degree bird's-eye view of the vehicle's surroundings, simplifying parking and low-speed maneuvering.
- Park Assist: Aids in parallel and perpendicular parking by providing steering input.
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Trim Level Summary: The 2018 Maserati Levante is offered in three distinct trims, each with its own unique focus:
- Levante: The entry-level model, offering a refined and well-appointed experience with the 345-horsepower V6 engine.
- Levante GranLusso: This trim emphasizes luxury and comfort, featuring premium interior materials, enhanced sound insulation, and elegant styling cues.
- Levante GranSport: This performance-oriented trim injects a sportier character, with more aggressive styling elements, sport seats, and a sport steering wheel, all while retaining the luxury expected from Maserati. The Levante S model typically comes in a GranSport configuration as well.
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Other Notable Aspects:
- Distinctive Italian Design: The Levante's exterior is undeniably Maserati, featuring a sculpted body, signature grille, and iconic Trident badge, setting it apart from its German and American rivals.
- Luxurious Interior: The cabin is a testament to Italian craftsmanship, with high-quality leather, genuine wood or carbon fiber trim options, and a driver-focused cockpit.
- Skyhook Air Suspension: Standard across all trims, this adaptive air suspension system provides a comfortable ride while also offering adjustable ride height and sporty handling characteristics.
- Maserati Touch Control Plus: A user-friendly 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.
What to Expect
Owning a 2018 Maserati Levante is typically characterized by a premium and engaging experience. The driving dynamics are a significant draw, offering a more athletic feel than many of its competitors, with responsive steering and a composed ride. The interior is a sanctuary of luxury, providing comfortable seating and high-quality materials for both front and rear occupants.
Maintenance: As with most luxury vehicles, especially those with performance-oriented powertrains, expect maintenance costs to be higher than average. Regular servicing, including oil changes, fluid checks, and tire rotations, will be crucial. Maserati dealerships are the primary source for specialized maintenance and repairs, and their labor rates reflect the brand's premium positioning. It's advisable to budget for higher-than-average servicing costs and potential repairs.
Insurance: Insurance premiums for the 2018 Maserati Levante will likely be higher than for mainstream SUVs due to its luxury status, performance capabilities, and the cost of parts and repairs. Factors such as your driving history, location, and chosen coverage levels will significantly influence the final cost.
Potential Considerations
- Infotainment System: While functional, the Maserati Touch Control Plus system, though updated for 2018, might not feel as cutting-edge or intuitive as some of the latest systems found in newer luxury SUVs.
- Rear Seat Space and Cargo Capacity: While generally comfortable, the rear seat legroom and overall cargo space might be slightly less generous compared to some larger, more utilitarian luxury SUVs on the market.
- Brand Reliability Perceptions: While Maserati has made strides in reliability, historically, the brand has not always ranked as highly as some German luxury manufacturers in independent reliability surveys. Potential buyers may want to research specific model year reliability data.
- Fuel Economy: The powerful V6 engines, while offering impressive performance, are not particularly fuel-efficient, which is a common characteristic of performance-oriented luxury SUVs.
Overall Summary
The 2018 Maserati Levante is a compelling choice for those seeking a luxury SUV that deviates from the conventional. It successfully blends Maserati's signature blend of exhilarating performance, sophisticated styling, and opulent comfort. While it demands a higher investment in maintenance and insurance, and potential buyers should be aware of its infotainment system's age and general reliability perceptions, the Levante offers a truly unique and engaging ownership experience for the discerning driver who values passion and character in their vehicle.
