Naza Italia, the official importer and distributor for Maserati in Malaysia, has officially introduced the Maserati Levante S. The petrol-powered twin-turbocharged Levante S was revealed during its launch event at Desa Park City, Kuala Lumpur.
The Levante S (MY18) made its world premiere at the 2017 Frankfurt Motorshow with a new range strategy and an array of hi-tech features, including Electric Power Steering and the addition of new active functions to the existing driving assistance systems. The Levante S version promises heightened performance and sporting prowess to navigate all-terrain adventures with greater ease.
The new evolution of the marque’s first SUV has been engineered to excite with the Maserati twin-turbo V6 engine featuring the latest Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) technology at its core. The engine was designed by Maserati Powertrain, in conjunction with the Ferrari Powertrain development team and is both powerful and eco-friendly, thanks to the Auto Start-Stop function.
The V6 engine’s specific torque of 194 Nm per litre is the best in the luxury SUV class, as is its specific power (144hp/l). The Levante S accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds and has a top speed of 264 km/h. Its 430 hp engine is on par with its competitors in terms of fuel consumption, with 10.9 l/100 km on the NEDC test cycle, and CO2 emissions (253 g/km).
Maserati has replaced the Levante’s hydraulic power steering with electric power steering to provide improved handling and driving comfort in the Levante S. This also better supports the driving modes and enables the newly-introduced Advanced Driving Assistance Systems (ADAS) with more active functions, whilst retaining the razor-sharp steering feel symbolic of any Maserati. These functions include Highway Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist and Traffic Sign Recognition.
The 430 hp Levante S features a state-of-the-art braking system that deals superbly with the car’s high performance. The front system has adopted Brembo 6-piston aluminium monobloc calipers working on 380 mm drilled discs. Aluminium 42 mm floating calipers with 330 mm x 22 mm ventilated drilled discs are fitted at the rear.
Maserati has achieved unparalleled agility with the Levante S, which boasts the lowest centre of gravity in its class, thanks to the extensive use of lightweight materials and an ideal 50:50 weight distribution. The Levante S’s exclusivity stems from technical features like Air Suspension, electronically controlled Skyhook shock absorbers and the Q4 AWD system, which come as standard equipment. The aluminium double-wishbone, five-link suspension layout comprises standard Air Springs and electronically-controlled Skyhook shock absorbers. Apart from the obvious benefits, such as the improvement of comfort and active safety, the air suspension contributes to the reduction of fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, thanks to the lowering of the car and the reduced aerodynamic drag at medium to high speeds.
The Levante S adopts the eight-speed automatic ZF gearbox that provides seamless comfort and fast gear shifting, depending on the selected drive mode and presents a choice of four drive modes, “Normal”, I.C.E., “Sport” and “Off-road”. Each one constitutes a distinct character, intelligently altering engine, transmission, suspension and electronics features.
The dashboard and the central console are designed to accommodate the 8.4” Maserati Touch Control Plus (MTC+) display, the driving modes button cluster, the user-friendly, aluminium rotary knob and the air suspension height setup switch.
Styling-wise, the Levante exhibits similar design cues to other models in Maserati’s stable and incorporates the brand’s signature lush aesthetic and spacious interior that allows for five people to be seated comfortably. Its streamlined shape lends to the Levante’s aerodynamic efficiency, which is best in its segment with a Cx coefficient of just 0.31.
The petrol-powered Levante S is being introduced to Malaysia’s luxury SUV segment at the starting price of RM 788,800 (inclusive of local taxes and duties) and includes 3 years Standard Warranty coverage with no mileage restriction plus a *Maserati Premium Service Plus of 3 years/ 60,000 km whichever comes first.
