Skip advert
Advertisement

Maserati Levante (2016 - 2024) – engine and gearbox

Shared with the Quattroporté and Ghibli saloons, the 3-litre turbo diesel engine is adequate, the petrol V6 better still, and the Ferrari-derived V8 the best of the bunch. An 8-speed ZF torque converter is the only gearbox option available

Evo rating
RRP
from £54,335
  • Sublime engine in top spec; charismatic; distinctive styling
  • Chassis feels archaic in comparison to more rounded rivals

Like most big performance SUVs, the range-topping Levante Trofeo is powered by a twin-turbo V8 engine. Lift the vented bonnet, though, and you’re not greeted by an underwhelming plastic shroud or a bit of gratuitous carbonfibre, but a stunning red crackle-finish V8 on full display made by the prancing horse itself. The 3.8-litre twin-turbo unit is a development of the F154 unit found in the Ferrari Portofino and Roma, but fitted with a more traditional cross-plane crank, which in part gives the unit less power, but more torque.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Still, its 572bhp peak at 6250rpm is hardly a compromised figure, and is backed up by a strong 538lb ft of torque produced between 2250 and 5250rpm. These are sent through a ZF torque-converter eight-speed automatic to a rear-biased all-wheel-drive system, with the rear axle featuring its own electronically controlled limited-slip differential.

In its more ordinary forms, three engines were offered - two 3-litre V6 petrols in 345bhp and 424bhp forms, and a 3-litre 275bhp V6 diesel. Out on the autostrada the Diesel lopes along nicely, and the 8-speed torque converter shuffles the ratios nicely when you want to kick-down. It’s a refined and adept mile-eater, no question. Wind noise is subdued despite frameless windows (Maserati has worked hard on this) and the general ambience is that of an elevated GT. It’s a very nice way to travel. The petrol V6s are far more vocal, the 424bhp 'S' model even eliciting a fairly good impression of a raspy Italian V6 note. Neither is particularly fast though, and both are very thirsty.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Used Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR (2019) – Mk7’s soft sendoff still bests any Mk8
Golf GTI TCR
Reviews

Used Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR (2019) – Mk7’s soft sendoff still bests any Mk8

Quick and composed on road or track, the Golf GTI has talents we miss, even if it didn’t sparkle when new
13 Feb 2025
Ill-conceived government legislation will kill the UK car industry
Porsche Taycan charging
Opinion

Ill-conceived government legislation will kill the UK car industry

The car industry and legislators cant meet in the middle and find a compromise soon enough
13 Feb 2025
New Jaguar GT seen on the road: 1000bhp production car prepares to launch Jag’s new era
Jaguar 2026 front
News

New Jaguar GT seen on the road: 1000bhp production car prepares to launch Jag’s new era

Jaguar’s new electric GT continues testing ahead its late-2025 reveal
7 Feb 2025