Maserati has chosen their sole SUV, the Levante, as the next step in their electrified future. Despite the moniker, it’s only a mild-hybrid system as Maserati sought to balance fuel efficiency and being eco friendly with performance the Levante is known for.
From the V6 engine options of the previous model, the Levante Hybrid comes with a 2-liter 4-cylinder turbo gas engine with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. That means it cannot run on the batteries alone but instead, it assists the engine for more power. Combined, it produces 330hp and 450Nm of torque that is already better than the gas and diesel V6 engines before it.
Maserati says that you already have 90% of the torque at 1,750rpm and already full power by 2,250rpm. This is possible thanks to the eBooster of the mild-hybrid system which sustains the power output even at low revs. Together, this makes the Levante go from 0-100kph in 6 seconds while being 18% more fuel efficient than the V6 gas engine.
The Levante Hybrid debuts with a new color called Azzuro Astro color. It’s complemented by the distinct markers of a Maserati Hybrid like the blue accents on the air ducts by the front doors, the logo on the C pillar, and the optional blue brake calipers. This Levante also debuts in the GT trim with GranLusso styling, giving it chrome touches on the front bumper and front grille, while the GT badge is stamped above the air ducts.
The blue accent continues inside with all the seams in the interior done in the same shade. Also present is the Maserati Intelligent Assistant which is powered by Android for a better user experience and with full personalization according to the driver’s preferences. It’s housed in an 8.4-inch screen with improved resolution and graphics.
There’s also a new Maserati Connect program which allows you to connect the car with your smartphone or smartwatch. It will alert you when a service is due, update you on the car’s health, and help you in case of theft and other emergencies. It also works with smart home gadgets with Amazon Alexa and Google Assist.
The Maserati Levante Hybrid will be available in other regions by June this year, but there’s no word yet when it will arrive in the Philippines.