Maserati rewrites its own rules with the all-new V8 Levante GTS and Trofeo. Anne Kurian takes both the SUVs for a spin around the city
When Maserati launches something new, there is always palpable excitement. The trident logo has long been associated with power, exclusivity and performance. Some of the finest performance vehicles have been launched under the Maserati badge. So when we heard the rumble of the all-new Maserati V8 Levante GTS and Trofeo, we knew that the luxury Italian manufacturer meant serious business.
Featuring one of the most powerful V8 engines from Maserati, both the Levante GTS and Trofeo take luxury SUV engineering to new heights. The trident’s first SUV was launched in 2016 and has been one of its most successful launches. The all-new V8 Levante models have been redesigned to bring about an exhilarating drive experience.
To start off, the GTS is equipped with a 3.8 litre twin turbo V8 engine that has been upgraded to deliver outstanding power – 550hp at 6250 rpm and 730 Nm peak torque at 2500-5000 rpm. This engine is a re-worked version of the power unit inside the Quattroporte GTS. The Levante Trofeo is crafted to deliver a whopping 590 horsepower!
Maserati rewrites its own rules with the GTS. While the SUV has been a gamechanger in performance and luxury, the new Levante GTS focuses on delivering exciting drive experience, impressive power and comfort. The latter feature is quite an important element in a vehicle that is both powerful and performance-oriented. Especially on long drives or when caught in rush-hour on the Expressway.
The Trofeo is a powerful beast and adding to the already fascinating drive experience inside a Levante is the new ‘Corsa’ mode. You will be surprised by the Corsa mode is what one of the Alfardan officials told me. Having driven the Levante a few times, I was sure that it would be an experience to look forward to.
The Levante has been redesigned on the exterior as well – even though it is minimalistic. The external changes centre around the lower area of the body. This includes a new lower front fascia and rear bumper. The side air intakes have been redesigned to give a more aggressive look to the SUV and also has aerodynamic wings added. A sportier stance and experience with remarkable engine response is what one can expect from the Levante with this redesign.
The interiors of both models feature luxurious and stylish accents. The Levante GTS cabin includes a standard Full Premium leather or full-grain Pieno Fiore natural leather as an option, sport pedals and Harman Kardon Audio system with 14 speakers. The boasts of sculpted sport seats together with premium full-grain “Pieno Fiore” natural leather available in black, red and tan, all with contrast stitching and ‘Trofeo’ logo embroidered on the headrests.
One the road, both the Levante models are powerful beasts, to say the least. Step on the accelerator and the Levante jumps into action. The Levante trims are perfect for city driving but take on even rough terrains with the ease of driving on a paved pathway. Both the V8 powered SUVs are extremely fast and capable of doubling any speed limit that we know. What’s fascinating is that even at top speeds, the Levante is controlled and lets you maneuver the SUV without having to don kid gloves. Speed and in control – Maserati brings the ultimate driving experience to fore with the new trims in the Levante.
