Maserati Levante now in SA

The Maserati Levante is a turning point in Maserati’s history. The brand new model, which made its World Premiere at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show, enables the Trident to access the largest luxury segment in the world.

The Levante significantly contributes to the creation of the most complete product lineup in Maserati’s history.

The Levante name was inspired by a warm, Mediterranean wind that can change from mild to gale force in an instant, mirroring the character of the first Maserati SUV.

The Levante is based on the evolution of the sedan platform, designed exclusively by Maserati.

The car chassis has been specifically developed to offer unique on-road drivability and competitive off-road capability, with day-to-day comfort and practicality.

The top notch Italian SUV was conceived around three main pillars: Design, Exclusivity and Performance. It represents the optimum blend of these three elements in the SUV world.

The Levante’s design is distinctive and attractive, embracing the most valuable aesthetic elements of Italian style.

A central asset, its design brings a new concept to the SUV world, combining spaciousness and coupé lines while achieving the best aerodynamic efficiency in its segment with a Cx coefficient of just 0.31.

Its exclusivity stems from technical features like Air Suspension and the Q4 AWD system, which come as standard equipment, and the high level of customisation that includes two cutting-edge packages, Sport and Luxury.

The result is a driving experience that is as unique as the Maserati brand and its customers.

The thoroughbred on-road handling typical of all Maserati cars and solid off-road capabilities, as demanded in the SUV segment, describe the car’s overall dynamic.

The Levante is here to excite any sports car driver counting on performance-oriented features, such as the extensive use of lightweight materials, ideal 50-50% weight distribution and its lowest in class centre of gravity. Features that deliver unparalleled agility in the luxury SUV class.

The aluminium “double wishbone – five link” suspension layout comprises standard Air Springs and electronically controlled Skyhook shock absorbers.

In cooperation with the intelligent Q4 All-Wheel-Drive system and the newly introduced Torque Vectoring system which deliver GT on-road behaviour and surprising – for a Maserati – off-road capabilities: the Levante was designed to deliver best in class comfort on rough roads and handling on snow and ice.

On a par with this, the off-road equipment completes a product made to surprise avid travellers and adventure lovers as well.

The Levante is equipped with the common-rail, direct injection turbodiesel V6 with reduced dwell time injectors.

The 3-litre engine is capable of 275 hp and delivers 0-100 km/h in 6.9 seconds and a 230 km/h maximum speed while keeping the fuel economy as low as 7.2 litres/100 km under the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC).

The Levante has adopted the eight-speed automatic ZF gearbox that provides seamless comfort and fast gear shifting, depending on the selected drive mode.

The Levante driver can choose between four drive modes, “Normal”, I.C.E., “Sport” and “Off-road”. Each one constitutes a distinct car character intelligently altering engine, transmission, suspension and electronics features.

The Levante introduces several innovations to the current Maserati line-up; from safety to convenience options and through to the brand new Human Machine Interface and the dedicated cargo solutions. The range of equipment options is wider and more complete than ever.

The Levante has entered the SUV segment with a marked advantage in terms of new content. The innovative features of the car include: Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go function, Forward Collision Warning and Brake Assist System, Lane Departure Warning, Surround View camera and the capacitive 8.4″ Touch Screen display with brand new rotary control.

A new state-of-the-art production line was set up exclusively for the Levante in the historic Mirafiori plant, where high quality standards in every area, from design to development and from process controls to fabrication, are applied in full.

Maserati’s 100-year tradition of craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology guarantees outstanding quality right down to the tiniest of details.

Italian flair in the SUV segment

The Levante was designed in the Maserati studio at the FCA “Centro Stile” of Turin. Its design defines a new style in the SUV world, combining coupé lines with top-notch interior space.

The Maserati DNA is clearly visible everywhere you look, ensuring that the Levante stands out among its competitors. The imposing grille is inspired by the sensational Alfieri concept and is destined to be a signature feature of all Maserati cars from now on.

The Levante is immediately recognisable as a genuine Maserati, even from a distance. The muscular shape of the rear shoulders gives it a distinctive and attractive Italian style.

The signature concave grille pays homage to historical Maserati models like the Tipo 60 Birdcage. It is accentuated by the flow of the front wings, which emphasize the shape of the engine compartment lid and run into the headlight surrounds at the front.

The particularly effective headlights featuring Bi-Xenon and LED technology then converge with the Trident symbol at the centre of the grille.

The silhouette of the Levante moves from its feline-inspired headlights along the side of the car to the characteristic Maserati rear pillar, resulting in a coupé look that is enhanced by the frameless doors, a feature of every modern Maserati.

The rear pillar is refined by the insertion of the characteristic “Saetta” logo, first seen on the archetypal Quattroporte in 1963, and seamlessly follows the shape of the side windows.

The side profile is defined by a swaged line that runs the entire length of the car. It departs from the signature side vents at the front and fades over the rear wing, defining its muscular shape and emphasizing its underlying strength.

The profile view is completed by a wide choice of alloy wheels, lightweight and sporty and coherent with the Maserati design language, with the Trident design neatly integrated into the spokes.

The 5-metre long Levante is the longest car in its segment and its 3-metre wheelbase is 6-10 cm longer than that of its major competitors. As a result, the car is one of the roomiest in its class and also boasts the sportiest and most elegant design in the luxury SUV segment.

Intelligent Bi-Xenon & LED lights
The Levante’s front lights are gloriously styled and particularly effective as they feature Bi-Xenon headlights with optional AFS and LED technology for the Daytime Running Lights, the turn indicators and the standard fog lights.

The LED technology DRL offer maximum visibility day and night and add to the sporty and elegant look of the car.

During daytime driving, when the low/high beam is off, the DRL’s are at maximum brightness and they dim automatically when the low/high beam is on or when a turn indicator is activated.

The LED tail lights are also highly innovative, providing excellent visibility but also emphasising the style and safety features that are essential in a car of this class.

Adaptive Front-lighting System

The AFS (Adaptive Front-lighting System) can be integrated in the front lights as an optional extra. Thanks to the automatic adjustment of the headlamp beam, the AFS provides an outstanding view of the road in all driving conditions along with high levels of efficiency in terms of safety, without dazzling oncoming drivers.

The AFS features different beam modes for driving on motorways, country roads, city roads and for adverse weather conditions.

When the optional AFS is fitted, thanks to a video camera mounted in the rear view mirror housing, a motorway driving beam control system automatically maximises the depth of the beam without any need for manual high-beam activation.

The uniform, intense beam, combined with automatic adjustment of the headlight depth and width, ensures an outstanding view of the road in all conditions.

The system completely avoids blinding oncoming traffic.

The camera constantly monitors the road ahead to detect the lights of other cars. Sensors connected to the ECU register the driving style and speed and, if the road is clear, the beam is varied to offer the greatest depth and width of view, combined with the rotation of the headlights themselves.

In addition to the intelligent control of the beam’s depth and width, there are different automatic lighting modes with each one programmed to satisfy different driving conditions such as driving in a city, on country roads, on the motorway or in adverse weather conditions.

There is also the possibility of setting the adaptive lighting for driving in countries where one drives on the other side of the road.

Each of the adaptive lighting modes automatically employs a strategy to best illuminate the road ahead. For example, the Motorway Mode sets the beam to a moderate position between high and low, ideal for high speeds.

The Town Mode shortens and widens the beam and deactivates the beam rotation according to the steering angle so as not to disturb pedestrians and oncoming drivers.

As for the Adverse Weather Mode, this is activated when the wipers are set to continuous and provides a wider and higher beam on the pavement side and a wider and lower beam on the inner side of the road to reduce reflection and prevent dazzling oncoming traffic.

First class ambience

The interior design is obviously inspired by the Maserati sedans but features an array of innovative solutions in line with Levante’s SUV character.

The whole interior is characterised by horizontal tension lines, highlighted by real material elements to create a feeling of absolute harmony between the front and rear passenger compartments.

The interior of the Levante feels like a first class lounge thanks to the standard leather seats. It can be further enhanced with the optional dual-colour leather and, in line with a long Maserati tradition, customers can personalise the interior according to their individual taste.

A total of 28 interior colour combinations are available at launch.

The dashboard and the central console are redesigned in order to accommodate the 8.4” Touch Screen, the cluster of drive mode buttons, the brand new rotary knob and the air suspension switch.

The instrument panel follows the classic Ghibli/Quattroporte layout and is backlit with white light that contrasts nicely with the warm cabin lighting. The classic Maserati analogue clock is located in the centre of the dashboard.

It features a blue background dial with white backlighting. The interior finish is in aluminium with a chrome surround.

In terms of interior roominess, the car is definitely towards the top of its class. The rear seats comfortably accommodate three passengers thanks to the long wheelbase and the wide body. The two outer seats are designed to offer maximum comfort and lateral restraint.

The headroom is among the best in class thanks to the ergonomic configuration of the seats.

The luggage compartment of the Levante has been designed to provide a large and versatile load space of 580 litres. With its regular shape, it can easily accommodate large luggage items. There is a 12V power socket in the luggage area plus three more sockets in the cabin.

The standard power tailgate opens and closes automatically without anyone having to physically lift or pull it down. The system has a special anti-pitching function that immediately stops the closing procedure when an obstacle is detected. The electric system can be activated by the buttons on the tailgate, by the car’s remote control and by a button on the dome light panel.

The standard equipment, apart from the standard features, also includes, in all markets: leather upholstery (upgraded for the 430 hp), Maserati 8.4” Touch Screen, Base Audio System with 8 speakers, cruise control, Hill Descent Control, dual zone climate system, wipers with rain sensor, keyless entry (front doors) and power lift tailgate.

The driver’s seat

The standard leather seats with their wrap-around shape are equally comfortable, providing excellent lateral restraint during sports driving.

The driver can find their most comfortable position by using the six-way electrical adjustment, along with the manual recliner.

The front passenger seat has a four-way manual adjustment and, as an option, can be equipped with six-way electrical adjustment like the driver’s seat.

The optional Comfort Seat with twelve-way electric adjustment is the next level of luxury, operating height, depth, backrest, lumbar support and seat angle.

The controls on the seat base follow its profile and are very user friendly. As an option, the electric seat adjustment can include two memory positions for the driver.

Maserati has introduced new sportier front seats for the Levante as a specific feature of the Sport Pack. They are perfect for customers who want to give their car a real sporty GT feel.

Sport seats can be equipped with all types of leathers and colours and come with twelve-way power adjustment as standard.

Heated and ventilated seats
Front seat heating adds a touch of personal comfort during cold winter days. The heating can be set to two levels from the Maserati Touch Control Plus display.

Front seat ventilation ensures a pleasant driving experience during long-distance journeys in hot weather. With this option, tiny holes are drilled into the seat’s leather.

The outer rear seats include Isofix fittings and are fitted with a central armrest that houses two cup holders. They also come with a heating system as an optional extra.

The rear seats are split 40/60 and the backrests are foldable in order to increase the loading space. The inclination of the seat back can also be manually adjusted to five different settings.

Custom interior

In line with a long Maserati tradition, customers can personalise the interior according to their individual taste.
Right from the launch of the Levante, two dedicated packages ensure there is a marked difference between the Sport and Luxury versions of the car.

Perhaps the best way to personalise a Levante is to upgrade to the full leather option with the door panels and the dashboard entirely upholstered in fine leather.

The customer can also choose from a wider range of interior colours and combinations and opt for contrast stitching on the seats and headrests.

The dashboard can be upholstered in leather. The top of the central tunnel can be covered entirely in wood or carbon fibre to emphasise the luxury or the sporty character of the Levante. The same elements are featured on the front and rear door panels.

The soft fabric cabin roof lining is also available in Alcantara®. The signature fabric covers the upper pillars, the ceiling light surround and the front sun visors, adding yet further refinement to the interior.

Sport Pack

This package includes exterior and interior design elements that reflect Maserati’s legendary racing heritage: front grille and front/rear skid plates in black gloss, body coloured rear sport spoiler, steel door sills, 12-ways electric Sport Seats, sport power adjustable Steering wheel, body coloured lower parts, 20” machine polished wheels, red brake calipers, gearshift paddles, brushed steel sport pedals.

Luxury Pack

This package offers a higher level of luxury using exclusive materials and special contents in the finest tradition of Italian craftsmanship.

The Luxury Pack includes chromed front grille, steel door and trunk sills, Premium Leather or Zegna Edition interior, body coloured lower parts, 19” machine polished wheels, black brake calipers, Harman Kardon audio system, wooden interior trim, 12-way electric Comfort Seats and power rear side sun-blinds.

New Infotainment system

The Levante adopts a brand new Infotainment system that includes a high resolution 8.4” capacitive touch screen and an ergonomically designed rotary control in the central console.

The system is also compatible with the most common smartphone mirroring functions and with Siri Personal Assistant.

AUX, USB and SD Memory Card inputs are located inside the compartment at the front end of the central console.
For rear seat passengers, there are two USB ports inside the compartment located at the rear end of the central console. All the USB inputs allow data exchange and will charge the connected source.

Maserati 8.4” Touch Screen

The Maserati Levante boasts a highly responsive interface unit. Using the Maserati Touch Control Plus (MTC Plus) with its 8.4″ capacitive touchscreen display, the user can control the on-board systems simply and intuitively.

The high resolution screen works like a tablet, recognizing drag, scroll, swipe and rotate gestures. The system includes radio and Bluetooth and can feature satellite navigation.

Using the Aux-in and USB sockets or the SD card reader, the user can play music or view images. The MTC Plus also controls front seat heating and ventilation, steering wheel heating and the rear window blinds, if fitted.

The MTC’s menus have options for configuring the car’s main settings. The system’s various menus are always available via the icons displayed at the bottom of the screen.

User friendly Rotary Control

This new control is positioned below the gearshift. With the upper knob in “Radio” or “Media” mode, the user can adjust the volume or the tracks being played. The control also allows the user to adjust the beeping sound of the park assist system.

With the bottom knob in “Radio” or “Media” mode, the user can scroll through the radio stations available or stored in any connected external device and press “Enter” to make a selection.

In any other mode of the MTC Plus, the bottom knob is used to scroll through the list of available options, followed by “Enter”.

State-of-the-art Sound Systems

The standard Base sound system has 8 speakers driven by the head unit. The set-up includes two 19 mm tweeters in the dashboard, a 165 mm woofer in each door, and two additional 19 mm tweeters in the rear doors.

Premium Harman Kardon System

The optional Premium Audio System from Harman Kardon included in the Luxury Pack provides outstanding power and quality of sound.

The system has a 900-watt class D amplifier and 14 speakers. It includes a black finish grille pattern, 25 mm tweeters, 165 mm mid-woofer, 80 mm midrange, 12-channel amplifier and bass box subwoofer with 20 litres of internal volume.

Bowers & Wilkins Surround System

When it comes to hi-fi systems, the optional Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system is the absolute top of the range. It is the product of long and painstaking sound engineering studies.

The QuantumLogic™ Surround Sound has a 1,280 W amplifier and 17 speakers. The style of the speakers on the doors and rear shelf differs from that of the basic system, with distinctive technical characteristics.

The architecture features a central 100 mm Kevlar midrange cone and three 25 mm tweeters in the centre and on the A pillar.

The front doors house a 165 mm woofer and 100 mm Kevlar midrange cone, whilst the rear doors feature a 165 mm Kevlar woofer and 25 mm tweeter.

The D pillar hosts two 100 mm Kevlar midrange speakers and 25 mm tweeters. The system includes the Clari-Fi function as standard.

Levante Genuine Accessories

The original Maserati accessories have been designed and developed exclusively for the Levante.

They are tailored to the vehicle’s high quality and functionality standards. The array of options is wider than ever before and ranges from Cargo solutions to useful items, all of which specially conceived and designed for this car.

Due to their low profile, the Multipurpose roof racks in aluminium are an essential element when transporting sport and travel equipment.

In this regard, several choices are available: the lightweight and aerodynamic Roof box, with its 410-litre capacity and practical double opening system; the lockable Ski & Snowboard carrier with its soft cover that protects up to 6 pairs of skis or 4 snowboards, and the lightweight Surf or Bike carrier, engineered to be practical, safe and quick to operate.

For transporting up to three bicycles, a compact, lightweight and easy-to-use Bicycle carrier is available featuring a double lock and a reclining mechanism that offers clear access to the luggage compartment even with the bicycles attached.

For optimum driving precision combined with absolute comfort, safety and long life on dry and wet roads, Maserati Genuine Tyres are available in the summer, winter and all-season versions, and specifically developed for the Levante.

The complete set of wheels is designed to mirror Maserati drivability and style.

Several solutions are also available for the trunk: the Luggage divider to keep items well organized, the Luggage soft box to protect small and medium items in the luggage compartment, and the waterproof, washable, highly resistant, recycled thermoplastic Cargo liner.

 

3.0 V6 turbodiesel engine

Like the Ghibli and Quattroporte, the Levante is also available with a powerful V6 turbodiesel engine.
The 3-litre V6 is manufactured by VM Motori. It develops 202 kWof power and a crushing 600 Nm of torque, 90% of which available below 2,000 rpm. The Levante 202 kW accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 6.9 seconds and makes it to 230 km/h even though it emits just 189 g/km of CO2 and has a consumption of 7.2 l/100 km on the NEDC test cycle.

The engine uses Common-Rail direct-injection with reduced dwell time-injectors. The maximum injection pressure of the common rail system is 2,000 bar while the system is able to perform up to 8 injections in a single cycle and features Injection Rate Shaping technology.

The IRS creates a continuous injection profile that improves performance and reduces emissions, assisted by a sophisticated Exhaust Gas Recirculation system.

Other significant features are a ball bearing variable-geometry turbocharger with variable nozzles and a fabricated e
In “off road” mode, which is introduced for the first time in a Maserati, when the driver selects a chosen speed the car continues at this pace, even when climbing.

This is extremely useful when the driver has to concentrate on a challenging climb; the car will effectively drive itself, whilst the driver has only to manage the steering wheel.

With “auto off-road” mode selected, the transmission recognises the different types of terrain, interacts with the ESP and alters its shifting response accordingly.

In the I.C.E. mode, which will be familiar to Ghibli drivers, gearshifts are almost unnoticeable for unrivalled ride comfort.

Q4 AWD on-demand system

The Maserati Q4 All-Wheel Drive system comes as standard in all versions of the Levante. It is based on an electronically controlled, multi-plate wet clutch, installed into a transfer case linked by a driveshaft to the front axle.

Q4 AWD system is developed to deliver a typical Maserati rear-wheel drive experience, even in low grip road conditions. It acts on demand by transferring traction to the front wheels and with an immediate response.

In normal driving conditions, the system provides 100% of the engine torque to the rear wheels. On slippery or loose road surfaces or in case of loss of traction at the rear, for extreme acceleration or very hard cornering, the system reacts instantaneously, transferring the necessary torque to the front wheels.

In a matter of 150 milliseconds, the Q4 system can alter the torque split from 0-100% front – rear to 50%-50%.
The Q4 AWD system with its variable torque control is always active and responds immediately to any variation in the driving conditions.

Whilst the activity of the system is imperceptible to the driver, it can be monitored in real time from the 7” cluster display.

A sophisticated algorithm developed by the Maserati engineers monitors an extensive range of dynamic vehicle parameters in real time: wheel speed, steering and yaw angle, power output, speed, and braking action, as well as wheel grip and driving style.

By processing all this data, the Q4 system can determine a dedicated grip profile for each wheel, creating optimal vehicle dynamic management for any road condition, at any time.

The objective is to ensure driving pleasure and absolute safety at the same time.

Limited slip differential.

The Levante is the only car in its class equipped with mechanical limited-slip differential at the rear axle. Fitted as standard, it guarantees the best traction in all driving situations. The asymmetric locking feature offers 25% lock-up under power and 35% under release.

The rear differential is driven via a two-piece, 80 mm diameter lightweight steel prop shaft with two constant velocity joints and one head rubber coupling, running through a cross-member mounted rubber bearing for NVH (Noise, Vibration & Harshness) reduction.

Excellent performance and driving pleasure have been integral to Maserati’s values since the birth of the brand. The very same values are prominent in the new Levante.

For the first time in history, the Maserati driving experience comprises the on-road character of the car as well as its off-road ability.

The main objective of the Levante is to deliver unrivalled performance for any other SUV, true to Maserati on-road handling plus surprisingly competitive off-road capabilities. Thanks to many key factors, this goal has been achieved.

Auto entry/exit

The Parking Mode function can be activated by the HMI system or by the suspension rocker. When the car stops, the suspension lowers by 45 mm, 10 mm lower than the Aero 2 mode, to assist the passengers’ entry and exit. The suspension returns to “normal” at 24 km/h.

The suspension height varies in relation to speed in order to guarantee the highest levels of safety and drivability. Thanks to intelligent mapping the suspension lowers automatically at higher speeds and accepts high ride (off-road modes) only under determined speeds

All-road capability

The driving modes are designed to simplify and make the Levante driving experience more exciting.
There are three driving mode buttons – I.C.E., sport & off-road – in the selector next to the gearshift.

“Sport” and “off-road” are two driving modes that enhance the dual character of the Levante, transforming it from a sporty, dynamic GT to a capable and comfortable off-road seeker at the push of a button.

The driver can completely de-activate the MSP and separately set up the height level of the car using the Air Suspension selector just below the hazard warning button.

The car starts in “normal” mode by default and can be changed by clicking the pre-selected mode button (I.C.E., sport or off-road). Torque distribution is the same in every drive modeA: 0-100% front – rear which can vary up to 50-50% in just 150 milliseconds.

Normal Mode

The default mode provides a standard setup to the pedal response, the turbo boost and the exhaust. The driver can choose between two different suspension levels: “normal”, which provides 207 mm minimum ground clearance, or Aero 1 (-20 mm).

The suspension set-up is the best compromise between sport and comfort damping.

Sport Mode / increased suspension stiffness

The “Sport” mode highlights the car’s sportier and more dynamic character: the gas pedal is more responsive, the engine mapping provides maximum over-boost throughout the range and the exhaust system opens completely, emanating a loud and deep guttural sound.

In Sport mode the driver can keep the default suspension level or lower it to Aero 1. The MSP has a specific sport set-up that allows the driver to exploit the car’s on-road potential to the full. In the sport mode torque vectoring is active as well.

When the driver clicks the “Sport” button twice, the selected mode not only calibrates the engine and transmission but also increases the suspension stiffness, giving the car better handling characteristics and switching the suspension height level to Aero 1 (-20 mm).

On the screen, the air suspension image turns green along with other components. The driver can modify the height of the car, from “Aero 1” to “normal”, whilst maintaining sport mode and sport suspension damping.

Hill Descent Control

Hill Descent Control (HDC) allows a smooth and controlled hill descent on snow or rough terrain without the driver needing to touch the brake pedal.
When activated via the dedicated button on the steering wheel, the vehicle will descend using the ABS to control each wheel’s speed. If the vehicle accelerates with no intervention from the driver, the system will automatically apply the brakes to slow down to the desired speed that can be set up using the Cruise Control buttons.
By applying pressure to the accelerator or the brake pedal the driver can instantly override the HDC system.

Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go

The Levante is equipped with a cruise control system as standard. The optional Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with integrated Stop & Go function further increases comfort and safety when driving on main roads and motorways.
When activated, ACC constantly monitors the space between the Levante and the vehicle ahead, maintaining a safe pre-set distance. If the traffic slows or another vehicle moves in front, it slows the car down by making it coast or by engaging the brakes. Conversely, when the vehicle ahead speeds up or moves into another lane, the system accelerates up to the pre-set speed.

The ACC uses a radar sensor, located on the front grille and a front-looking camera behind the internal rear-view mirror to detect the presence of a vehicle ahead. If the ACC is automatically braking, the stoplights go on as if the driver is braking.

Thanks to the integrated Stop & Go function, the car will adjust to the target vehicle’s speed until it comes to a complete stop and will depart automatically within 2 seconds.

Forward Collision Warning

The Forward Collision Warning (FCW) monitors vehicles ahead by means of a camera and warns the driver via visual, audible and haptic (brake jerk) alerts when in danger of a possible rear-end collision.

If the driver does not take action, the system will provide a limited level of active braking to help slow the vehicle down and minimise the impact.

If the driver brakes and the system determines that the driver has not applied sufficient brake force, the Advanced Brake Assist will compensate for this and provide the appropriate amount of additional braking. The driver can adjust the FCW sensitivity from “far” (default status) to “near” mode that gives less time for reaction. FCW can be deactivated completely.

Rear View & Surround View Camera

The rear parking camera is located above the license plate. It turns on automatically when the reverse gear is selected and shows the area behind the car on the high resolution head unit display.
The Surround View Camera system uses four cameras in total and provides a clear 360° view around the car on a top-down image in the 8.4” MTC Plus Display. It is activated automatically in reverse gear or manually via the soft button on the 8.4” MTC Plus Display.

Park Assist

The Park Assist system provides visual and audible indications of the distance between the rear or front bumper and a detected obstacle when reversing or moving forward.

The screen in the instrument cluster display provides visual warnings and an increasingly frequent sound according to the obstacle distance.

Four sensors in the rear bumper monitor the area behind the vehicle up to approximately 2 metres and six sensors in the front bumper monitor the area in front of the vehicle up to 1.2 metres.

Passive Safety Systems

Special attention has been focused on the Levante’s passive safety without compromising its weight and torsional rigidity. The front of the occupant compartment (the pillars and under-door mouldings) features hot-moulded steel components, with a magnesium dashboard strut, whilst the rear is stiffened with high strength steel.

The bars at the front and rear end are in extruded aluminium, whilst the doors and the bonnet are in stamped aluminium.

A third load path has been added at the front of the front suspension frame, improving the force distribution on the car’s structure and ensuring the stability of the body in frontal impacts.

Last but not least, the reinforcements on the rear longitudinal beams comply with US rear impact standard FMVSS 301 (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards).

Airbag system

The Levante comes equipped with six airbags. Two front airbags, both dual-stage, plus two side airbags located in the front seats for torsos and hips protect driver and front passenger. Two side curtain airbags fitted in the roof lining next to the central pillar cushion the heads of front and rear passengers.

Seat belts and restraint systems

The front seats are equipped with anti-whiplash safety equipment to reduce trauma to the occupants’ upper vertebrae. In the event of an impact from behind, the reactive headrests automatically move in closer to reduce the distance between their surface and each passenger’s head.

The front three-point seat belts are equipped with pyrotechnic pre-tensioners and load limiters; in the event of a collision, these restrain passengers securely and help prevent injury.

Maserati SA says the Levante is priced from R1 650 00.