People assume a Maserati Levante is just a flashy badge on an SUV — it’s not. The Levante actually forces you to decide whether you want character and sound more than pure efficiency. If you care about how a car makes you feel every day, levante is the name you’ll keep hearing.
Q: What is the Levante and why does it matter to Italian drivers?
Answer: The Levante is Maserati’s luxury SUV that blends Italian styling with sporty performance. Launched to give Maserati a presence in the booming SUV segment, the Levante competes with premium SUVs but leans heavily into driving emotion: engine note, chassis feel, and exclusive touches. For many in Italy the Levante is both a statement and a car you can drive spiritedly on mountain passes yet still use for daily errands.
Q: Which Levante trims and engines should you actually consider?
Answer: Maserati offers a range from the entry-level to high-performance variants. In practice, the common choices are the V6 diesel or petrol (for efficiency and torque), the twin-turbo V6 petrol (balanced performance), and the V8 Trofeo (for outright excitement). If you’re after a sensible daily driver that still feels premium, the V6 petrol hits the sweet spot. The Trofeo is irresistible if you want a theatrical exhaust and supercar-like acceleration — but expect higher fuel and maintenance costs.
Trim quick guide
- Modena/V6 petrol: balanced, best for most buyers.
- Diesel V6: great torque and better long-distance economy in European use.
- Trofeo/V8: visceral sound and blistering speed, choose only if you accept trade-offs.
Q: How does the Levante drive day-to-day? (My experience)
When I first drove a Levante on a mix of autostrada and alpine roads, the contrast was obvious: on the highway it settles into a calm, refined cruise; on twisty B-roads it responds with surprising agility for its size. Picture this: you take a tight hairpin, the Levante’s weight is present but the chassis and steering keep it playful. The engine note — especially on the Trofeo — makes casual drives feel cinematic. That said, fuel consumption climbs quickly under enthusiastic driving.
Q: Common buyer concerns — reliability, costs, and maintenance
Answer: Maserati ownership is different from mainstream brands. Maintenance and parts cost more; dealer service networks are smaller than premium German rivals. Typical ownership costs include higher insurance and premium servicing intervals. However, if you shop certified pre-owned Levantes or negotiate service packages at purchase, total cost of ownership can be managed. Bear in mind: the V8 Trofeo demands higher-octane fuel and more frequent checks.
Q: Practical ownership tips I learned the hard way
One thing that catches new owners: wheel and tyre choices affect ride comfort and long-term costs. Opting for the largest factory wheels looks great but makes potholes bite harder and raises replacement costs. Another tip: register maintenance early with an official Maserati dealer at purchase to preserve resale value. Finally, if you live in a city, consider the diesel or mild-hybrid options (where available) for better fuel economy and lower running expenses.
Q: How does Levante compare to rivals?
Answer: Against German SUVs (Audi Q7, BMW X5, Porsche Cayenne) the Levante sacrifices some interior tech polish and dealer density but wins on character: unique engine sound, Italian design and exclusivity. If you’re choosing between performance SUVs, the Trofeo competes well on excitement but less on outright lap times versus a tuned Cayenne. Consider whether you value personality over checklist features.
Q: Technology and interior—does the Levante feel modern?
Answer: Maserati has upgraded infotainment and driver assistance over recent model years. The cabin blends leather, metal, and bespoke details; it’s more about tactile luxury than minimalist screens. Some rivals offer more tech per euro, but the Levante rewards those who prefer analog pleasure (knobs, tactile switches) paired with useful digital features.
Q: Is buying used a good option for a Levante?
Answer: Yes, buying a certified pre-owned Levante can be smart. Depreciation on Maserati models is typically higher initially, so the used market yields better value. Check service history, ask for full records, verify software updates, and have a comprehensive pre-purchase inspection (including engine bay, transmission behavior, and electrical systems). A careful used purchase often gives the emotional benefits at a much lower cost.
Q: What are the ownership red flags to watch for?
Answer: Watch for inconsistent service records, aftermarket tuning that voids warranties, and signs of aggressive driving (excessive tyre wear, repaired body panels). Also verify that expensive optional features like adaptive suspensions or active exhaust systems are functioning — repairs can be costly. If a deal looks too good, it often is.
Q: Resale value and long-term considerations
Levantе resale depends on mileage, service history, and engine choice. Diesels—where popular—can retain value in markets that favor them; Trofeo models appeal to collectors/desire and sometimes keep strong values despite higher running costs. Regular servicing with an official network and documented ownership improves resale prospects significantly.
Q: Who should buy a Levante?
Answer: Buy a Levante if you want an SUV with character: lively engine sound, Italian design, and distinctiveness from mainstream luxury SUVs. It’s ideal for drivers who prioritize feel and exclusivity. If your top priorities are lowest running costs, ubiquitous dealer service and highest-tech cabin, a competing German SUV might suit you better.
Q: Quick checklist before you buy
- Test-drive the exact trim and engine you plan to buy (sound, gearbox behavior, suspension feel).
- Request full service history and ask for proof of dealer updates.
- Compare insurance quotes — luxury performance models cost more to insure.
- Inspect tyres and wheels; check for alignment issues or uneven wear.
- Consider optional extended warranties or maintenance packages.
Final recommendations and next steps
If you’re serious about a Levante, start with a test drive of both the V6 and the V8 Trofeo to understand trade-offs. Visit an official Maserati dealer to discuss service packages and check certified pre-owned stock. For deeper technical specs and official trim data, consult Maserati’s website and manufacturer documentation; for independent comparative reviews, read trusted automotive press reviews to see lap times and fuel numbers under controlled tests.
Relevant reading: Maserati’s official Levante overview and history provide manufacturer specs and options (Maserati Official), while broader context and model evolution are on the Levante’s Wikipedia page (Maserati Levante — Wikipedia). For hands-on test drives and measured performance, see specialist reviews like Car and Driver’s Levante coverage (Car and Driver).
Frequently Asked Questions
Reliability varies by year and engine; Maserati maintenance costs are higher than mainstream brands. A certified pre-owned Levante with full service history reduces risk, and purchasing a service package helps manage long-term costs.
The V6 petrol offers the best balance for most buyers—enough punch for enjoyable driving while keeping fuel and maintenance costs lower than the V8 Trofeo.
Buying used can provide better value due to depreciation; leasing new gives warranty coverage and lower initial outlay. If resale value and long-term running costs matter most, a well-documented used example is often the smarter choice.