2022 Maserati Levante Trofeo Evaluation: Enjoyable, Flawed, Favolissimo
That’s OK, the Level Is to Entertain You
Since when have consolation and utility been causes to purchase a luxurious something? It’s at all times higher to look good than to really feel good, proper? Properly, you’ll certainly look good in a Maserati Levante Trofeo, and so long as you’re within the driver’s seat, you’re going to really feel fairly good, too. On the very least, you’re going to search out your self massively entertained as a result of this SUV is made to transfer.
It begins with the identical Ferrari-built twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter V-8 engine that’s below the hood of different Trofeo-trim Maseratis, together with the Ghibli and Quattroporte sedans. Within the Levante Trofeo, it makes 580 horsepower and 538 pounds-feet of torque, with energy despatched to all 4 wheels via normal full-time all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automated transmission. It makes the sorts of noise you’d think about a compact, high-strung Italian V-8 would make — and it makes much more of it once you regulate the drive mode from Strada (Avenue) to Corsa (Race). Acceleration is fierce, however the suspension is tender sufficient to permit the rear to squat some once you punch it, making it really feel even faster than Maserati advertises (0-60 mph in 3.8 seconds, it says). The transmission is superbly matched to the V-8, by no means second-guessing or discovering itself within the mistaken gear. You possibly can shift it your self with Maserati’s large fixed-position flappy-paddle shifters behind the steering wheel, however I felt no want to take action.
I’ve by no means been an enormous fan of the thought of a high-performance SUV; I’ve considered them as overpowered, oddly tuned standing symbols meant to half wealthy people from their cash and unlikely to see a racetrack and even be pushed athletically. The Levante Trofeo falls into this class (having a “race” mode on any five-seat household SUV is fairly ridiculous no matter powertrain), however of all of the examples I’ve pushed, the Levante is likely one of the extra entertaining — possible as a result of it doesn’t really feel as tall as many different SUVs. A decrease middle of gravity and seating place assist it really feel extra like a Quattroporte wagon than a tall-riding SUV, and that comes via in its demeanor. The Levante turns with the identical skillfulness because it goes straight, with flat, superbly managed physique motions augmented by the superb really feel and suggestions you get via the steering wheel. It feels athletic, urging you to take corners sooner and get on the fuel extra forcefully — to really get pleasure from your commute or carpool duties. The suspension is tuned fairly effectively, too, with a “Skyhook” air suspension that’s adjustable for firmness relying on drive mode. It soaks up bumps properly, by no means actually upsetting the cabin even on tough pavement.
The one space not fairly as much as snuff athletically are the brakes, that are a bit tender and mushy, making for stops that may be jerky and fewer clean than one would really like. And why on Earth is there an off-road mode? Between the Levante’s lack of underbody safety, its sticky high-performance all-season tires on large wheels and an utter lack of all-terrain pretense, I doubt any Levante shall be challenged by something greater than a gravel path to an equestrian middle.
A Quirky Different to the Mainstream
What we’re left with within the Levante is a classy, genuinely athletic and fun-to-drive Italian-fashioned SUV that wants an inside improve to really match its asking value. Like most of its opponents, the Levante has a large value unfold: Within the U.S., a base 2023 GT trim degree with a 345-hp V-6 begins round $92,000 (all costs embody vacation spot). The marginally nicer Modena mannequin is available in about $10,000 extra, the V-8-powered Modena S rings in round $129,000, and the highest Trofeo mannequin begins at almost $169,000. The 2022 Trofeo I examined began decrease, however with each choice obtainable it rang in at $173,550 — significantly greater than you’d pay for competing autos with extra customization and expertise choices.
It’s a must to actually put some inventory within the Maserati title to pay that type of cash for a Levante, and I’m undecided the model has that degree of cachet lately. The addition of recent fashions just like the MC20 and MC20 Cielo sports activities vehicles, plus the upcoming GranTurismo Folgore all-electric coupe, ought to go a good distance towards reenergizing the Maserati model, as could its automobile customization program. Till then, the Levante Trofeo stays a flawed, enjoyable, costly luxurious SUV that brings a bit of Italian type into an in any other case closely German section.
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