The Maserati Levante Trofeo stands as a remarkable achievement in the realm of luxury SUVs, balancing high-end performance with opulent design and advanced technology. At its heart, the Levante Trofeo is powered by a formidable 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, a collaboration with Ferrari, which churns out an impressive 572 horsepower and 538 lb-ft of torque. I spent a few days with this Maserati SUV, and my thoughts are below.
Here’s what the 2023 Maserati Levante gets right
I read a lot about the Maserati Levante before getting behind the wheel. I’ve driven a lot of SUVs this year, but none like the 2023 Maserati Levante Trofeo. With a bright yellow exterior, the interior was covered in black leather with complimentary yellow stitching. There is a large touchscreen and plenty of buttons, offering a good mix of both. The touchscreen was responsive, and wireless Apple CarPlay worked well with my phone.
Even without the more powerful driving modes, the Levante has plenty of pickup from the powerful engine. The interior remained quiet even under acceleration, and I was impressed with how quick it was. It would still make a good family SUV with space in both rows and enough horsepower to make for a fun weekend ride.
Depending on how you plan to use the Levante, I found it to be versatile and driveable. It passed my Target shopping test with flying colors, and the cargo area had plenty of space for all of my groceries. I also appreciate an automatic trunk, so I didn’t even have to press a button to get the back gate open. Just don’t judge the way I wave my leg around behind the bumper to get it to open (it is embarrassing).
How powerful is the 2023 Maserati Levante?
This powertrain enables the SUV to accelerate from 0-60 mph in just 3.8 seconds and reach a top speed of 187 mph, making it one of the fastest in its class. The Trofeo’s performance is further enhanced by a sophisticated ZF eight-speed automatic transmission and a dynamic all-wheel-drive system, ensuring a blend of agility, stability, and responsiveness that is rare in SUVs of this size.
The Levante Trofeo is not just about raw power; it also excels in handling. The vehicle boasts a well-balanced 50/50 weight distribution and a low center of gravity, which contribute to its precise cornering and minimal body roll. The advanced air suspension system is adjustable and capable of adapting to various driving conditions and modes, from the sporty Corsa mode, which lowers the vehicle for a more aggressive stance, to the off-road setting that raises it for better clearance.
The Trofeo trim came with 22-inch wheels and an adaptive air suspension. It was a comfortable ride while driving in the Normal drive mode. Maserati has a few modes: Normal, I.C.E., Sport, Off-Road, and Corsa. You will only find Corsa mode on the Trofeo, and if there is one convincing reason to shell out $167,000, it might be Corsa mode.
When in Corsa mode, the Maserati SUV shifts faster, sits lower, and has optimized all-wheel drive settings. It also turns off traction control and other settings for a more spirited ride. This mode was a welcome addition to the performance SUV, creating a more intense ride with the double-click of a button. You can only utilize Launch Control in this mode, another Trofeo feature. A Limited-Slip Differential at the rear axle adds better traction.
How is the Levante’s interior?
The interior of the Levante Trofeo is a sanctuary of luxury and technology. It features sumptuous leather seats, a modern 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a premium 17-speaker Bowers & Wilkins sound system. The cabin design incorporates matte carbon-effect trim and various aluminum controls, providing a sense of elegance and sophistication. However, some elements of the interior, particularly certain switches and trim pieces, have received mixed reviews regarding their quality.
In terms of safety, the Levante Trofeo is equipped with a suite of advanced driver-assistance technologies, including automatic high beams, a surround-view camera, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking. These features enhance both the safety and driving experience, providing peace of mind to the driver and passengers.
Fuel efficiency is an area where the Levante Trofeo aligns with expectations for high-performance SUVs. It offers around 13/20/16 mpg for city/highway/combined cycles, which is comparable to its competitors in the segment, like the Porsche Cayenne Turbo.
How much is the Levante?
The 2023 Maserati Levante offers a selection of four distinctive trim levels: GT, Modena, Modena S, and Trofeo. The entry-level Levante GT, priced at $90,700, boasts ample horsepower and flair. Both the GT and Modena trims feature the V6 engine, each offering different horsepower configurations, while the top two trims showcase the renowned Maserati V8. The Trofeo, with its $167,000 price tag, may not be a necessity on Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, but if you have the means, Maserati certainly adds a dose of enjoyable luxury to your life.
In conclusion
Overall, the Maserati Levante Trofeo is a compelling choice for those seeking a blend of performance, luxury, and technological advancement in an SUV. It’s not just a vehicle with a powerful engine; it’s a well-rounded machine that offers an exhilarating driving experience without compromising on comfort and safety. While it may not match the handling prowess of the Porsche Cayenne Turbo, it compensates with its distinct character and the sheer enjoyment of driving a Ferrari-engined SUV.
