It promises smoothness from six-cylinders with diesel-like torque at low revs.
Even at the top of food chains, electrification is inevitable. Maserati joined the hybrid bandwagon with the mildly-hybrid Ghibli in July 2020 and now the Levante is getting the same 48-volt treatment. A new GT trim level, and subtle changes that were introduced with the SUV’s 2021 model year coincide with its electrical infusion.
Here are the details. The engine that powers Maserati’s electrified SUV, a 2.0-liter turbo-charged gasoline engine with four cylinders. It also has a mild-hybrid configuration. It produces 330 horsepower at 5,750 RPM, but the 450 Newton meters (332 pound-feet), of torque kick in at 2,250 RPM, rather than the sedan’s 4,000 rpm. Modena’s automaker claims that the Levante Hybrid offers diesel-like torque at low speeds while maintaining the smoothness and control of a six-cylinder gasoline engine.
Six seconds is all it takes to accelerate from naught at 62 mph (100km/h) to a top speed in excess of 149 mph (248 km/h). Although these numbers are slightly lower than those of the sedan’s 5.7 second sprint and 158 mph velocity, it is to be expected as the Levante Hybrid weighs more. The car weighs in at 2,090 kilograms (4.067 pounds), but it isn’t a plug-in hybrid which would have made it heavier.
The Maserati Levante Hybrid comes standard with an all-wheel drive, air suspension and a mechanical limited slip differential at the rear. It delivers V6-like performance, while reducing fuel consumption by 16 per cent. Its weight distribution is a silver lining. The hybrid-related battery has been mounted in the back and the weight is evenly distributed between the two axles.
The new, three-layer metallic shade Azzurro Cosmo is used to dress it. Additional blue accents are visible on the brake calipers and side air intakes. Levante Hybrid rides on 21-inch wheels. It also uses the updated headlights from the 2021MY. This model also has an 8.4-inch touchscreen and a seven-inch driver’s screen.
Maserati has begun accepting European orders and will begin deliveries in June.