Maserati’s first SUV was successful in showing just how stunning and sporty an SUV could be.
With its fantastic on-road dynamics and rarity, the Levante is an SUV for those wanting to make a statement, and not go down the traditional premium path of buying from a German manufacturer.
Buyers have three engine options with their Levante – the standard version with its 342bhp V6 petrol engine, the ‘S’ with a more powerful 424bhp V6 petrol engine, and also a 272bhp diesel option for those looking for improved running costs.
As well as the engine choice, buyers can opt for a standard specification or choose between two higher-spec grades – GranLusso and GranSport. We put them head to head.
The luxurious GranLusso
The Levante is already quite a luxurious SUV, but the GranLusso takes that a step further.
One key feature it offers is soft closing doors, which is a mechanism that draws the doors to a quiet close, even if they haven’t been shut properly. It means you’ll never have to worry about shutting a car door again!
Colour-matched details, such as the side skirts and rear spoiler are a welcome touch on the GranLusso, while its distinctive 19-inch alloy wheels also house black brake callipers. A further feature is some stylish underbody protection on the GranLusso, as well as further chrome accents and metallic roof rails.
And then there’s the interior of the GranLusso, which offers electric front ‘Comfort’ seats with pre-set and memory function, alongside the choice of silk or leather upholstery. A full leather pack sees the dashboard and illuminated door sills light up with GranLusso badging.
And how about an electric steering wheel with fine wood details? Yes, even that’s included.
But how can we forget the sport-focused GranSport?
GranSport is an important badge for Maserati, and it has appeared on some of the Italian luxury car firm’s excellent sporting models on the years.
And it’s now being used to embrace the sporty factor on the Levante with the new GranSport trim.
Black styling details is the name of the game here – particularly the entire front grille, finished in gloss black, along with revised bumpers.
The aggressive styling continues at the rear, too, which features a sports bumper with a matte black insert. Large ‘Nero’ 20-inch alloy wheels also give the Levante a superb presence out on the road. All the darkness is offset by red brake callipers, though.
As for the cabin, ‘hugging’ leather sports seats are a welcome addition, as well as a sports steering wheel, brushed chrome gearshift paddles and aluminium pedals. Buyers can also add carbon fibre to the interior with an optional package.
So, which should you choose?
It’s hard to put one trim above the other, as choosing between the GranSport and GranLusso is all down to preference. If you would prefer something more luxurious and comfortable, the Lusso is the choice, but if you really want to embrace the sporty nature of the Levante, it has to be GranSport.
What makes the decision even harder is that the cars are identically priced, with both trim levels starting from £66,370.
