After the success of luxury SUVs such as the Lexus RX and Porsche Cayenne, many premium brands have been adding to their sports car lineups . Maserati announced previously it would release an SUV, following Bentley and Jaguar. Now we know what the production version will look like.
The Levante is the first SUV from the brand after more than 100 years of making high-powered, great-sounding sports cars and sedans.
According to a statement, it will keep the brand’s Italian character with an aggressive front fascia, tapered headlights and the signature triple air vents on the front wings.
Maserati is keeping quiet about many details, but says it will come with an 8-speed automatic transmission and the option of either a gas or diesel engine. Europe will get a plug-in hybrid option within two years.
The vehicle has been in the works for years. The company showed off the Kubang concept in 2003, then a second Kubang in 2011. Neither was produced.
The Levante will have a lot of competition in the super high-end SUV market.
Bentley just launched its Bentayga calling it the fastest and most expensive SUV on the planet at $266,000, a top speed of 301 km/h and a 0-100 km/h time faster than a Porsche 911 Carrera S at 4.1 seconds.
Tesla just started delivering its Model X. The top-level model starts at more than $130,000 (U.S.) and accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 3.4 seconds.
Lamborghini’s Urus SUV will arrive in 2018.
Maserati says the first models have already begun to roll off the assembly line and a launch is planned for this spring.
It will be officially unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show at the beginning of March.
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