Is a Maserati Crossover coming to a showroom near you? Industry blogs were buzzing recently, as patent images showed that Maserati does, in fact, have plans in place for a sleek, sporty crossover SUV. It’s called the Maserati Levante, and it isn’t expected to hit the market until 2017. But fortunately, the leaked images gave us our first look at the first-ever Maserati crossover. Needless to say, the Levante is a perfect example of Maserati’s commitment to style, design grace and performance.
Following the leak, FIAT Group CEO Sergio Marchionne confirmed that work had begun on the Maserati CUV some time ago, and Marchionne said that the Levante will start being produced next year in Italy. Everyone here at Naples Luxury Imports was thrilled with the news, because it’s the Italian automaker’s first foray into the booming premium crossover space, which is currently owned by Porshe and Land Rover. Here are a few things you can expect:
So what can you expect from the Maserati Levante?
As far as exterior, the Levante features a swooping roofline that gradually tapers towards the rear. The crossover features a low-center-of-gravity stance, so it appears more ready to pounce than the Porshe Cayenne, which will be one of the vehicle’s main competitors. Plus, the Levante will feature a rear fascia with Maserati’s signature tail lamps, a rear spoiler and quad exhaust.
The Levante crossover will feature a distinctly Maserati profile. Looking at the design drawings, the Levante clearly shares styling details with Maserati’s signature four-doors, the Ghibli and the Quattroporte. That includes a front fascia with a geometric, slatted front grille, sculpted headlamps and grated air dams. Plus, the fenders feature a trio of vents on both sides, a signature Maserati style detail that’s shared with the Ghibli, GranTurismo and the Quattroporte.
Since the drawings are just black-and-white sketches, it’s difficult to tell exactly what the Maserati Levante will look like when it hits the production line in Italy. But it’s safe to say it will be a sporty, low-profile small SUV.
What kind of power will the Levante have?
Right now, engine specs for the crossover are just speculation, but FIAT Group has provided some hints about what consumers might expect. In Italy and throughout Europe, the Levante is expected to be released with a turbocharged diesel engine with six-speed, manual transmission. Those details aren’t likely to be available in the U.S.
Instead, according to information released by Maserati, the Levante will be released with two available V6 engines with different tunes. There will be a 350 and 450-horsepower options available, with a V8 580-horsepower beast available beginning in 2018.
When Will Maserati Unveil the Levante?
These leaked Levante sketches are just patent designs, and it’s likely that the finalized concept will undergo slight adjustments. We’ll just have to wait and see, but when will the final Maserati Levante reach the market? Maserati has been mum on the details, but industry publications are speculating we’ll have to wait about six months. All signs are pointing to the 2016 Detroit Motor Show for the Levante’s grand unveiling, and it will likely become available for customers in late 2016. As for pricing, Maserati hasn’t yet revealed pricing, but the Levante is expected to start at around $100,000.
Maserati has set a goal of selling up to 15,000 Levante crossovers each year, before making a push for 75,000 cars in 2018. In other words, Maserati is committed to this model, and it’s bound to rival crossovers from Porsche and Land Rover. At Naples Luxury Imports, we were excited to see these initial design drawings, and we can’t wait until next year’s Detroit Motor Show.
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