First electrified crossover from brand gets 48V MHEV system
Can hit 100 km/h in six seconds
Maserati has made the Levante SUV the brand’s first electrified SUV, though packing just a 48V mild hybrid system, don’t expect to be saving considerable amounts of fuel in the go-fast luxury SUV.
The automaker calls the Maserati Levante Hybrid faster than a diesel and more sustainable than gasoline, thanks to a new 2.0L four-cylinder engine and 48V system. Maserati doesn’t break out how the output is generated, but they do say that total output from the system is 330 hp and peak torque is 332 lb-ft. That’s enough to push the Levante to 100 km/h in about six seconds, and despite the hybrid motor and battery, the Hybrid is lighter than either gas or diesel six-cylinder options. The lowest-powered gas model aside from the hybrid is the base 3.0L V6 with 345hp and the line tops with the 580 hp 3.8L V8 Trofeo. The hybrid also has a better weight balance thanks to the battery in the rear.
More importantly, Maserati says that the car will sound like a Maserati, saying “the Brand’s unmistakable trademark – the distinctive Maserati sound – still remains.”
Other changes to set the Levante Hybrid apart include a new Azzurro Astro tri-coat paint along with blue detailing on the side air ducts, brake calipers, and C-Pillar logo, much like the Ghibli Hybrid. The detailing continues inside with blue embroidery and seat seams.
Maserati revealed the Levante Hybrid at Auto Shanghai 2021 today, though there are no details yet on if the model will come to Canada or the U.S.
