August 2, 2018
For many fans of the Maserati, certain elements may have felt missing from the brand, especially since the Maserati Levante first made its major debut in 2016. The Ghibli-based SUV brand has gone without a V8 engine, and, fortunately, the release of 2019 Maserati Levante seeks to correct this. The new SUV comes available with a buyer's choice of two V8s, both of which are twin-turbo 3.8-liter systems that are hand-assembled by Ferrari. The GTS V8 is capable of producing upwards of 550-horsepower, while the Trofeo model standard packs an even more impressive punch at 590-horsepower.
Though the technicals leave little to be desired, it is always a good idea to know how a car handles before joining the hype train. At a press preview set near Detroit, test drivers had the chance to take the 2019 Maserati Levante GTS out for a hot-lap on a wet-drying road course. Though the prospect of testing the vehicle's limits on a damp road were worrying at first, drivers showed that there was nothing to fear during the drive. Along with impressive horsepower, the vehicle was incredibly balanced and responsive in its handling, showcasing a surprising degree of grip in the inclement road conditions. The vehicle's design also allows it to shorten corner rounding times, making it just as efficient at city driving as it is across the highway. With such a complete package, drivers of all backgrounds will find something to look forward to.
The vehicle features a Q4 all-wheel-drive option, responsible for the Levante GTS's quiet, enjoyable handling. If any wheel slip is felt in the back, more than half of the power is sent forward to the front wheels, establishing a dominant sensation of stability and security. Skyhook adaptive suspension also modifies the handling in a big way. Through the use of five damping sensors within the vehicle, the air suspension is designed to automatically adjust as needed for any sudden motions. The damping can adjust on the fly, entirely as necessary depending on the vehicle's motion and direction.
The interior of the vehicle showcases a lot to love as well. In the cabin, drivers can look forward to the feel of Maserati’s finest natural leather seats. The vehicle also comes with a memorable dual-pane panoramic sunroof, as well as a powerful audio system. The Maserati Touch Control system comes with navigation options, Apple Carplay and Android Auto as standard, and drivers can look forward to carbon-fiber shift paddles as well. The surround view camera and localized parking sensors add further safety to the model, making it an excellent purchase for those planning on city driving with their friends and family.