2016 New York Preview: The 2017 Maserati Levante gets priced ahead of its New York debut

One of Maserati’s most anticipated and somehow controversial models was the new Levante crossover SUV. Controversial, because Maserati’s known to be luxurious Italian sports cars. This means coupes, convertibles, and sedans. Not SUVs and crossovers, but the reason why they need one is for the sake of business and the need to boost sales and income. Crossovers are they key to achieving this since they’re hot on demand–aren’t I beating a dead horse already?

Most anticipated, because the Levante is their first SUV and the world is curious to see how well they’ve made one, since, you know, the idea of Maserati making an SUV was as plausible and preposterious five years ago as the idea of Ferrari producing a hybrid of any sorts.

Due to be showcased at the Javits Center in New York for its North American debut, the new Maserati Levante’s price was also announced to get the crowd more curious. Starting at $72,000, the Levante is considerably and rather significantly more than its direct rival to start, the Porsche Cayenne, by $13,700. The typical premium you pay for those perky Italians…

The Levante will obviously be offered in a range of forms, serving up different package arrangements and costs.

It starts first with the engines, where the base Levante gets a twin-turbocharged 3.0L V6, the same Ferrari-developed unit currently serving duty in the Ghibli and Quattroporte. That mill in the Levante makes 345hp and 368 lb-ft of twist, allowing for a not-so-bad 0-60 time of 5.8 seconds.

You can get the Levante S if you want more power. It gets the same engine, though more power was squeezed out of of it to ring in at 424hp and 427 lb-ft for a 0-60 time dropping down to 5.0 seconds flat. All get a ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic for the rear- or all-wheel drive.

Deliveries will commence this Summer.

– By: Chris Chin