When Maserati unveiled its first SUV in 2016, many were doubtful as to how this sports car manufacturer could transfer its skills to the SUV world.
But as soon as many got behind the wheel, all these doubts were quickly quashed, with beautiful styling and a luxurious cabin levitating the Levante to its premium standing.
But what this performance SUV has always been lacking is a hotter offering. That has recently changed, though, thanks to Maserati introducing some new range-topping models.
The range starts with the GTS, which in itself is a powerful model. However, it’s the flagship Trofeo model that’s destined for hot SUV fame. Here’s why?
A Ferrari-derived engine is a great place to start
Of all the powerful units to utilise for a performance SUV, using one from Ferrari seems a fantastic starting point.
The 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine in the Trofeo is similar to the one used in the Ferrari 488 GTB, and there are few more important cars to share an engine with.
This is Maserati’s most powerful series production car ever
The Levante Trofeo can proudly sit up there with some of the fastest performance SUVs. The delightful engine produces 572bhp and 729Nm of torque, but importantly this makes the Levante the most powerful series production model ever produced by Maserati.
The anoraks might be cursing that the MC12 supercar was more powerful, with its V12 engine producing 621bhp, but this was never classed as a series production model – because of its limited edition status.
Staggering performance
Unsurprisingly all this power equates to some staggering performance figures. 0-60mph? That’s met in under four seconds and it will reach a top speed of 186mph. That’s just 4mph off the Bentley Bentayga Speed’s 190mph, with this model holding the record for the fastest SUV on sale.
The majority of power is sent to the rear wheels
Given the Levante is an SUV, it’s obviously going to be all-wheel-drive. But the Trofeo has a further trick up its sleeves. Maserati has developed this car to send all its power to the rear wheels – a trait of most performance cars. But don’t fret, because if the Q4 all-wheel-drive system detects any slip and loss of traction, power will then be sent to the front wheels for extra stability.
Sporty looks to match the performance
When you have access to all this power underneath your right foot, you want something with equally outlandish styling to match. It’s safe to say that the Trofeo doesn’t disappointment.
The standard Levante is one of the most glamorous SUVs on sale, but this sporty treatment only builds on that. The Trofeo features an aluminium bonnet with dual vents, 21-inch forged aluminium alloy wheels, front grille blades, a carbon fibre front splitter and additional styling tweaks to emphasise its performance.
