Improvements for the 2018 Maserati Levante
Although it’s only been on sale for a year in Canada, the Italian luxury SUV will receive a few changes for the 2018 model year. Oh, nothing major, but the noteworthy addition of new trim lines to make it even more alluring.
Like the 2017 Maserati Quattroporte, the Levante can now be ordered with one of three distinct trim lines. Aside from the base line, the luxury-oriented GranLusso and sport-infused GranSport packages are now available.
The GranLusso line receives metallic-finish roof rails and front skid plates, black-painted brake callipers as well as 19-inch alloy wheels called Zefiro. Inside, we can choose between premium Italian leather or silk upholstery, the latter created by famous designer Ermenegildo Zegna. Open-pore wood trim, 12-way power front seats, a Harman Kardon sound system and—new this year—soft-close doors round out the package.
The dynamic character of the 2018 Maserati Levante can be further enhanced with the GranSport package, which includes a blacked-out treatment for the front grille, the skid plates and the roof rails, blue badging inserts, red-painted brake callipers and 20-inch Nereo alloy wheels. The cabin also gets 12-way power front sport seats, carbon interior trim, alloy pedals and the soft-close doors.
A Nerissimo package, which can be added to the base and GranSport lines, gives the Levante a sinister look with blacked-out and dark chrome bodywork trim.
Powertrains remain unchanged for now. The Levante is equipped with a twin-turbo, 3.0-litre V6 that develops 345 horsepower, while the Levante S boasts a higher-output version of the same engine, good for 424 hp. An eight-speed automatic transmission and Q4 all-wheel drive are fitted as standard.
However, the SUV will swap its hydraulic power steering for an electric system that, according to the manufacturer, improves handling and comfort while conserving the vehicle’s dynamic feel. This change was necessary to add new advanced safety features such as lane keep assist, highway assist and active blind spot assist.
Pricing for 2018 Maserati Levante hasn’t been announced yet.