Maserati

Levante

Well, who knew driving a full-sized SUV could be this much fun? Admittedly, it is a Maserati and it’s called the Levante. Select the top spec Trofeo car and you get a V8 engine delivering blistering power and pace.

The good

Performance, style and practicality

The bad

Expensive to buy and run

Tech Specs

Price from

£72,653

Combined Fuel up to

30.7

0-62 from

4.1 seconds

max speed up to

187mph

co2 from

208g/km

Test Drive

Maserati Levante Trofeo

Who could have predicted that SUVs would take the motoring world by storm and be the ‘go-to’ family model? And who could have imagined that we would see premium manufacturers developing SUVs with blistering performance capabilities.

One such model is the Maserati Levante Trofeo, a practical five-door, SUV-styled family car with a twin-turbo V8 petrol engine delivering a whopping 580hp and 730Nm of torque beneath the bonnet.

That translates into some very interesting performance stats with a 0-62 sprint time of just 4.1 seconds and top speed of 187mph. As I say, impressive, especially as this is a practically-designed family SUV that weighs in at 2,170kg.

Admittedly, it’s not exactly cheap costing £128,680 (£132,550 with optional extras), but neither would any rival models from the likes of Porsche, Jaguar or the likes. And while we are talking about money, the day-to-day running costs will be high too with combined fuel efficiency of just 17.7mpg and carbon emissions of 362g/km.

It boasts a strong road presence with an instantly-recognisable signature front grille featuring the iconic Maserati Trident. Other eye-catching design cues include a sculpted bonnet housing the latest Maserati oval logo as does the C-pillar. Moving to the rear, there are boomerang-shaped tail lights that take their inspiration from historical models such as the 3200 GT. The dynamic styling is completed by 22-inch alloy wheels with red painted brake calipers and quad exhausts.

Moving inside, the beautifully crafted interior is kitted out with the finest materials including high-end leather and natural silk upholstery. The 12-way powered sports seats and power-adjustable steering wheel can be heated against the winter chill, and there is lots of Maserati and Trofeo badging throughout.

Although the cabin does look a little dated in places, there is a wealth of modern tech to explore, including a top-quality Bowers & Wilkins sound system, full navigation, an 8.4-inch touchscreen, smartphone connectivity, along with a range of climate control functions accessed via a separate panel.

Despite its larger-than-life dimensions, stretching more than five metres in length and 2.1-merres across, the Levante Trofeo certainly doesn’t feel bulky when put to the test.

The acceleration through the eight-speed automatic transmission is blisteringly rapid and this is a car that fizzes through the twisting country lanes with endless levels of grip. It is rear-wheel drive as standard, but if faced with more challenging driving conditions, introduces all-wheel drive to the mix.

It cruises effortlessly at 70mph, but you need to keep a watchful eye on the speed as it can offer so much more and there are drive modes called Normal, Ice (like Eco) and Sport to alter the driving dynamics and handling. An Off-road mode delivers additional grip and there is a Corsa setting exclusive to the model to provide faster gear shifts, lower suspension and a sportier ride.

The steering is perfectly weighted with great levels of driver feedback and the paddles can be used to change gears manually. These paddles are absolutely massive and do get in the way at times, but that was my only slight gripe.

The Maserati features a Skyhook suspension system thar adapts to each individual shock, along with air suspension to select the ideal ground clearance from off-roading to motorway cruising. And refinement levels within the cabin impress too with barely a sound filtering through. Well, until you plant your foot on the throttle – an action that is greeted with a mighty roar from the exhausts.

As it is billed as an SUV, the Maserati Levante Trofeo needs to be practical and cope with family demands. And it does just that with bundles of room in the back for three passengers to stretch out in style.

For an added touch of luxury, the rear seats can be heated and reclined, and, even with the front seats pushed well back, rear leg space still impresses as does the headroom.

The boot can swallow 580 litres of kit, a limit that increases to 1,625 litres with the 60:40 split-folding rear seats folded flat. Additional storage can be found in the deep glovebox, trays, door bins, seat back nets, front and rear cup holders and a central cubby box.

Although the Levante Trofeo has not been tested for a Euro NCAP safety rating, it is packed with safety features and driver assistance aids to protect occupants and other road users alike.

All in all, as the world moves gradually towards cleaner, more sensible electrified or hybrid motoring it’s always great to see the arrival of a mighty V8 powerhouse with all the bells and whistles. Well, at least while we are still allowed, of course.