Обзор Maserati Levante 2020: Launch Edition Trophy

According to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the sun is constantly emitting 173,000 terawatts (trillion watts) of energy. It's one big, yellow, hot thing. But not only. Another luminous yellow object, producing a huge amount of energy, illuminated Cars Guide garage. 

The Maserati Levante Trofeo is a well-tuned, high-performance version of the Italian manufacturer's full-size, five-seater SUV. Our glowing test Giallo Modenese looks more like a supercar than a family car. It is one of hundreds of Launch Edition models.

So what's it like to live with a dizzying exocet rocket on wheels that can do everything a regular SUV can do, only much faster?

Maserati Levante 2020: trophy
Safety Rating	-
engine's type	3.8 L turbo
fuel type	Premium unleaded gasoline
Fuel efficiency	—L / 100km
Landing	5 Places
Price from	$282,100

Does it represent good value for money? What functions does it have? 8/10

For $395,000 plus travel expenses, it's not hard to find a direct competitor to the Levante Trofeo Launch Edition.

Of course, that's the same price as the $12 Bentley Bentayga W5 (433,200-seat) and the Range Rover Autobiography V8 S/C ($403,670). But none of these top-end SUVs tip the scales as far in the performance direction as the beefy Maserati.

The answer is another powerful Italian in the form of a wild Lamborghini Urus priced at $402,750 for a five-seat version, and on paper it looks more than worth it.

The 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged Lambo engine outperforms the Maserati in terms of power (+38 kW) and torque (+120 Nm), not to mention 0-100 km/h in just 3.6 seconds (-XNUMX seconds).

You will get a panoramic glass sunroof.

But aside from the engine dyno and stopwatch, anyone who buys this pair will rightly expect their fair share of standard features. And aside from safety and performance tech (detailed in the Safety and Driving sections below), the flagship Levante comes to the party with a plethora of offerings.

Launch Edition specifically includes 22" forged alloy wheels with glossy black finish, painted brake calipers, "Nerissiomo" package (shadow chrome elements around the exterior including grille, window surrounds and exhaust tips), rear privacy glass, four-zone climate control -control (versus dual zone), 1280-watt Bowers & Wilkins 17-speaker audio system with digital radio (versus 14-speaker system), "Easy Entry" (one-touch, keyless entry in front и rear doors) and a personal badge (yes, with your name) on the center console.

You can also choose from three multipurpose paint finishes - "Blu Emozione Matte", "Rosso Magma" or "Giallo Modenese" of our vehicle. 

The standard Trofeo trim consists of extended Pieno Fiore leather, an ultra-soft leather that Maserati says is “treated to develop a unique individual character over time.” It looks and feels amazing (with yellow contrast stitching) wrapping around the seats and extending to the dash and door panels. The sports steering wheel and gear lever are also wrapped in leather.

There is an 8.4-inch multimedia touch screen (satellite navigation controls, multimedia including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, vehicle settings and more).

Other inclusions include "3D Matte Carbon" interior trim (console, dash and doors), active cruise control, auto-dimming exterior mirrors, automatic LED headlights, LED DRLs, fog lights, turn signals and taillights, glove box cooler . , illuminated treadplates, power cargo door, 12-way power adjustable front seats, power steering column, 8.4" multimedia touchscreen (satellite navigation controls, media including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, vehicle settings, and more), a 7.0-inch digital screen in the instrument cluster, rain-sensing wipers, a rear-view camera (with surround camera function), alloy-coated pedals (and footrest), soft-close doors, and a panoramic glass sunroof. .

So the cost of entry brings with it a fairly solid fruit basket that stacks up well even in this elevated part of the market.

Is there anything interesting about its design? 8/10

With a length of just over 5.0m, a width of almost 2.0m and a height of just under 1.7m, the Levante qualifies as a full-size SUV, and the Maserati design team has managed to capture the sporty personality of its high-performance GranTurismo coupe sibling. this much higher canvas.

With a length of over 5.0m, a width of almost 2.0m and a height of just under 1.7m, the Levante qualifies as a full-size SUV.

Slim LED (adaptive) headlights sit on either side of an aggressive shark-mouth grille adorned with the signature trident emblem set in front of a series of equally recognizable (in this case black) double vertical stripes. A honeycomb mesh bottom panel sits above a striking high-gloss carbon fiber splitter with huge air intakes bounded by carbon fiber vanes on either side. 

The bulging hood features two deep rear-facing vents, ostensibly to aid engine cooling, but they also look stiff. A wide roofline and frameless doors accentuate the coupé look, while the side skirts are adorned with carbon fiber inserts.

Maserati says the standard 22-inch forged aluminum wheels are the largest ever fitted to one of its production cars, and the Trofeo "Saetta" (arrow) logo on the C-pillar is a neat touch.

The bulging hood features two deep rear-facing vents, ostensibly to aid engine cooling, but they also look stiff.

The body widens towards the rear with massive flanks and a pronounced bumper that accentuates the Trofeo's imposing stance. There are more high-gloss carbon fiber inserts on the rear bumper, as well as around the thick, dark-colored quad tailpipes. 

The LED taillights follow the same pattern as other contemporary Maserati models, and motorists should be aware that the Levante badge on the Trofeo gets an extra "Saetta" chrome line at the bottom.

Then opening the hood is like opening a Bulgari jewelry box. Forget the plastic trim smoothing out the oily spots underneath, here you see the twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter V8 engine in all its glory. Crimson red camshaft and intake manifold covers are paired with a subtle carbon fiber element at the top, proudly adorned with a chrome trident and V8 badges. Brilliantly!

LED taillights are made in the same way as other modern Maserati models.

Inside, the appearance is beautifully arranged, and the workmanship itself is impressive. Think first-class German with a touch of Modena.  

The sculpted sports seats are works of art, and the elaborate quilting accentuates their classic sporty character. The dashboard and console design is relatively simple, but the hand-stitched leather trim takes it to the next level.

Carbon fiber openwork trim adds another visual (and tactile) point of difference, solid alloy paddles on the steering column add to the impression of quality, and the Maserati analog clock in the center of the dashboard features a unique dial. Chill.

How practical is the interior space? 7/10

The Levante is 5003 millimeters long, of which 3004 millimeters are between the front and rear axles; unusually long wheelbase for a car of this size.

So while the Trofeo's engine bay has been filled with V8 muscle, the rest remains just as practical and family-friendly as its less volatile siblings.

For those ahead, there is plenty of respite.

Those in the front have plenty of room to breathe, as well as several storage options, including a large lidded storage box/armrest between the seats, two cup holders in the center console with a cigarette lighter next to them (naughty), a carbon-fiber coated sundries tray in front of the shifter (also contains a USB-A media jack, an aux-in audio jack, and an SD card slot), a decent (cooled) glove box (with two USB charging sockets inside), and pockets with space for bottles at every door.

Jumping into the back, sitting behind the driver’s seat set for my 183cm (6.0ft) position, I enjoyed plenty of leg and headroom, with enough shoulder room to accommodate three adults over medium length journeys.

Jumping in from behind, sitting behind the driver's seat set for my 183 cm (6.0 ft) height, I enjoyed plenty of legroom and headroom.

Rear storage goes into small door pockets and double cup holders in the fold-down center armrest. A big swoosh for temperature-controlled rear vents (thanks to the Launch Edition's standard four-zone climate control), and there are two more USB-A charging points and a 12V outlet on the top of this vent unit. 

With the rear seats folded 60/40 in an upright position, cargo capacity is a relatively modest 580 liters, although a drive-through hatch allows you to carry long items.

When the rear seats are folded 60/40, the cargo volume is a relatively modest 580 liters.

Drop the rear seats (via a switch near the rear door) and that number grows to 1625 litres. Tie down anchors, elastic straps on the sides, and a 12-volt socket enhance flexibility, as does a power cargo door.  

For those who want to hook the float and scare the ponies, the braked trailer has a towing capacity of 2825kg (750kg without brakes). And don't bother looking for replacement parts of any description, a repair/inflatable kit (or a flat bed) is your only option.

Lower the rear seats (using the switch near the tailgate) and that number rises to 1625 litres.

What are the main characteristics of the engine and transmission? 9/10

The idea for a heavy duty V8 version of the Levante was born long before the SUV was launched in 2016. Maserati's engineering team built a V8-powered test mule designed to push the new car's chassis to its limits. But the combination proved so convincing that the "super" twin-turbo V8 Levante was added to the future lineup pretty quickly.

Assembled by Ferrari in Maranello, the Trofeo 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 engine belongs to the Ferrari F154 engine family, although Maserati Powertrain has developed its own version with a smoother transverse (rather than flat) crank arrangement and wet sump (as opposed to dry sump) lubrication .

The Trofeo 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine belongs to the Ferrari F154 engine family.

It is a 90-degree, all-alloy, direct-injection unit with high-revving cylinder heads, redesigned camshaft and valvetrain arrangements, and two parallel twin-scroll turbochargers (one per bank of cylinders), each delivering air through a single intercooler.

With 440kW (590hp) at 6250rpm and 730Nm at 2500-5000rpm, Maserati claims it's the most powerful production V8 engine in the brand's history.

Drive is sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission (from ZF) and Maserati's "Q4 Intelligent All-Wheel Drive" system with a mechanical limited-slip differential at the rear.

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How much fuel does it consume? 7/10

Claimed fuel economy for the combined (ADR 81/02 - urban, extra-urban) cycle is 13.5 l/100 km, while the twin-turbocharged V8 engine emits 313 g/km of CO2.

While running the car in a combination of urban, suburban and freeway conditions (including enthusiastic B-road driving), we recorded an average consumption of 19.1 l/100 km, which is a high number but not unexpected for a 2.2-ton car. A twin-turbocharged V8 SUV with so much performance potential.

The minimum fuel requirement is 95 octane premium unleaded gasoline and you will need 80 liters of this fuel to fill the tank.

What safety equipment is installed? What is the safety rating? 9/10

The Maserati Levante has not been rated by either the ANCAP or the Euro NCAP, although it could be argued that the Trofeo's dynamic abilities are its biggest asset in active safety. But in fact, there are many built-in systems that help avoid accidents.

In addition to expected technologies such as ABS, EBD and BA, as well as stability and traction control, Trofeo features, traffic sign recognition, adaptive cruise control (with stop and go), lane keeping assist, lane departure warning , Active Blind Spot Assist, Surround View Camera, Forward Collision Warning (including AEB), Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Front and Rear Parking Aids, Rear View Camera, Hill Hold and Hill Descent Control.

The Maserati Levante has not been evaluated by either ANCAP or Euro NCAP.

The automatic LED headlights are equipped with Adaptive Matrix Active High Beam Assist and Tire Pressure Monitoring.

If, in spite of everything, an impact is inevitable, there are six airbags on board (driver and front passenger, front and side, as well as dual curtains).

The rear seat has three top attachment points for child capsules/child restraints with ISOFIX anchorages at the two extreme points.

Warranty and safety rating

Basic Warranty

3 years / unlimited mileage


guarantee

How much does it cost to own? What kind of guarantee is provided? 7/10

Maserati is offering a three-year/unlimited warranty on its entire range, which is out of the usual market pace of five-year/unlimited mileage (some are seven years), and Mercedes-Benz has stepped up the pressure with its recent switch to a five-year warranty. summer cover.  

On the other hand, 24/25,000 roadside assistance is included in the price of the warranty, and service is only required every two years or XNUMX km, whichever comes first.

Prepaid service is available in two tiers - Premium, which includes all necessary checks and components/consumables, and Premium Plus, which adds brake pads and rotors, as well as wiper blades.

What is it like to drive? 9/10

So let's get it out of the way. The Levante Trofeo is incredibly fast and sounds like it. Pressing the brake pedal, pressing the Corsa button and pressing the stalk switch activates the launch control and accelerates from 100 to 3.9 km/h in just XNUMX seconds.

With all 730Nm available from just 2500rpm, staying up to 5000rpm, this beast pulls like a freight train, and if you keep sticking your slipper on the right pedal, the 440kW max power takes over already at 6250 rpm

Pressing the brake pedal, pressing the Corsa button and pressing the stalk switch activates the launch control and accelerates from 100 to 3.9 km/h in just XNUMX seconds.

Somehow, Maserati's craftsmen managed to get some serious exhaust noise behind the turbos, because the growling rumble at idle joins the roar of the engine at mid-range, and behind that both produce a full-blown scream.

A five-seater SUV just shouldn't be that fast, but it does. Just like the incredibly fast Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk, it will carry you towards the horizon, roaring all the way. But the Levante Trofeo does it with satisfying precision, showcasing Ferrari engine DNA and chassis sophistication.

Turning that forward momentum into lateral traction is the next challenge, and the Trofeo has a few tricks up its sleeve, the first of which is a 50/50 weight distribution between the front and rear axles.

Five driving modes are available - Normal, ICE (increased control and efficiency), Sport, Corsa (race) and Off-Road.

Suspension is double wishbone at the front and multi-link at the rear, with adjustable air springs and adaptive shock absorbers in the supports.

Five driving modes are available - Normal, ICE (increased control and efficiency), Sport, Corsa (race) and Off-Road.

Air springs provide six levels and 75mm of height variation from lowest to highest position. In Corsa Levante mode, the Trofeo automatically drops to the lowest Aero 2 setting (35mm lower than normal).   

The Corsa also sharpens throttle response, cranks up the soundtrack and loosens the reins in the stabilization and traction control systems. Gearshifts are faster, damping is disabled, and all-wheel drive settings have been changed. With the default driving mode sending 100% of the torque to the rear axle, the Trofeo is tuned for your favorite country road.

Despite a relatively high (off-road) center of gravity, the Levante feels taut, balanced and confident in fast corners. Maserati says the thick Continental SportContact 6 tires (265/35 fr / 295/30 rr) have been fine-tuned specifically for the Trofeo and hold the road well.  

Torque vectoring (by braking) works smoothly to control understeer, the all-wheel drive system redistributes torque to the axles (and wheels) that can use it best, the electric power steering is precise and weighted, and shifts from the eight-speed auto are quick . 

However, I'm not a fan of the paddles on the steering column (like here), not the wheel itself.  

The electric power steering is precise and weighted.

Huge ventilated and perforated discs (380mm front / 330mm rear) are clamped by six-piston aluminum monobloc calipers up front and aluminum floating calipers at the rear. They quickly slow down, keeping the car stable even in corners, and the progressive pedal is a big plus. 

At a slower pace around town, in a more family-friendly “normal” setting, the Trofeo rides surprisingly well, despite huge 22-inch rims and thin liquorice tires, air suspension and tricky dampers to smooth things out. Transformation of Jekyll and Hyde of the highest order.  

The front sport seats are grippy yet comfortable over long distances, and the ergonomic layout is simple and comfortable to use. The 8.4-inch "Maserati Touch Control Plus" touchscreen can be accessed via the center console's rotary dial, touch (drag, scroll, swipe, and rotate gestures) or voice, and the interface works well.

Verdict

Full GT performance in five-seat SUV form is not a new formula, but the Maserati Levante Trofeo Launch Edition brings it to life perfectly. Not for the shy, retiring types, this is a big, bold take on family transportation that delivers practicality with outrageous on-demand performance.