One More Step to Go!
We have also sent a verification link to your email ID:
qabuyer@droom.in
Please verify your email account
On the outside
This car is called the ‘Levante’, which is the name of a Mediterranean wind that can turn into a gale in an instant. And from behind the wheel, the car almost feels like this – which is probably what Maserati was intending.
For a five-seat SUV, it’s absolutely enormous – a large percentage of which is thanks to the huge bonnet. The car feels enormous from behind the wheel too. The driver seat is snug, sporty and if you lower your seat position, it almost feels like you’re driving a conventional Maserati.
Even on the car’s medium setting, which tweaks the air suspension, it sits high off the ground. The wheels are huge and the tyres are chunky, and there’s a monstrous grille at the front.
On the inside
On the inside, there’s a familiar Maserati cabin. Red leather that’s soft and supple. The headrests have the logo stitched onto them, and it almost feels like you’re sitting in expensive lounge furniture. There’s ‘piano black’ wood trim and fit and finish is the best we’ve sampled in a Maserati yet. You will also like the back seat. Entry and exit isn’t the easiest but once you’re inside, you’re cocooned in that lovely leather.
This interior is more user-friendly - the controls are intuitive and logical. All the buttons are intuitive and exactly where you expect them to be. There’s even a click-wheel controller if you don’t want to use the touchscreen and it works great! The 8.4-inch touchscreen is a huge improvement too – sure it’s not as slick or as feature-packed as the BMW iDrive or Audi’s MMI, but this latest FCA unit has just about everything you need. There is navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and 360-degree cameras. You can pick from different options of wood trim and leather grain, including a silk-based option from design house Ermenegildo Zegna. There are three levels of hi-fi audio system with a 17-speaker affair from Bowers & Wilkins also available.
Behind the wheel
This car’s standard ground clearance is 207mm and can be raised to 247mm for off-roading and lowered to 162mm for easier loading. Ride quality is typical of a large, air-sprung car and while it tends to be a bit floaty – easily fixed though by switching to Sport damper mode.
The Levante makes a solid 275hp and 600Nm motor, and despite having to push its near 2.2-tonne weight, performance is great. The car takes 6.85sec from 0-100kph is not bad at any rate. And you’re going to enjoy the soundtrack – it sounds like a bona fide sportscar!
This car has all the Maserati traits. The cabin is plush, the engine is a great performer and it’s a car that’s built more for your heart. Also, for the first time, this is a Maserati that you can genuinely drive around on our potholed roads.
Kia recently unveiled the 2023 Seltos facelift in India, and the bookings for the updated model will start on July 14.
Read MoreWe drove the Hyundai i20 N Line recently to find out whether it really delivers a sporty experience?
Read MoreWe recently took the Tigor EV out for a spin and we gathered interesting information about it
Read MoreIntroduced last year at the Delhi Auto Expo, Volkswagen Tiguan All-Space aims to offer more room and an additional row of seats. Can it manage to take away a few chunks from the full-grown SUV pie is what we are here to find?
Read MoreNew Tata Safari or Used Tata Hexa: Price, Variants, Features & Engine Specifications
Read MoreToyota Kirloskar Motors last year entered the subcompact SUV space with the Urban Cruiser. What is this new model all about, let us find out?
Read MoreThe Honda City, since its inception back in 1998, has enjoyed the popularity like no other mid-size sedan in its segment. With the introduction of the 5th Generation City, can Honda be able to set a higher benchmark for its most beloved sedan we try to find out.
Read MoreOn the eve of its first Anniversary, Tata Motors has given the Altroz a boost in the form of a turbo charged petrol engine. We drive it to find out how much of a thrill does it provide against its rivals.
Read MoreOne of the best-selling models for BMW world over, the 3 Series will now offer customers that extra bit of comfort due to its extended wheelbase.
Read MoreJeep had launched the Compass way back in 2017. Since then it has been the best-selling model for the company in India. A couple of days back, Jeep India unveiled the facelifted version of Compass in the country. The SUV made its global debut in November last year.
Read MoreToyota Fortuner facelift price begins from Rs 29.98 Lakhs while the Legender variant is priced at Rs 37.58 Lakhs
Read MoreA pioneer of the premium hatchback segment, the Hyundai i20 has been given a complete makeover. Can the all-new version of the people's car prove its mettle once again, let us find out?
Read More