Maserati launches Levante Hybrid SUV

The luxury Italian manufacturer revealed the model today, 19th April, at the Shanghai Auto Show, and simultaneously online. It is the second Trident Hybrid, following in the wake of last year’s Ghibli Hybrid.

While the standard Levante has already made a name for its high performance, the manufacturer claims the Hybrid will be better yet, touting it as “faster than a diesel, more sustainable than diesel or gasoline, and unique in its specific characteristics”.

Combining a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a 48V hybrid system with regenerative braking, the all-wheel-drive Levante Hybrid makes a maximum power of 335PS (246kW) and delivers peak torque of 450Nm (333lb ft) from just 2,250rpm. A top speed in excess of 150mph is achievable, says Maserati, while 0-62mph takes just 6.0 seconds.

Despite battery vehicles generally weighing more than their ICE peers, Maserati has bucked the trend, with the hybrid weighing less than the diesel and petrol equivalents. With the battery placed in the rear (without compromising load capacity), it has a better weight distribution, too, in theory promising an agile and dynamic drive.

Maserati’s new Connect program features, allowing the driver to keep an eye on the car’s vital statistics, while also remotely adjusting parameters from their phone, smartwatch or home personal assistant (Amazon Alexa & Google Assist).

The Hybrid is marked out by subtle blue interior and exterior details, such as brake calipers and seat embroidery, while a new metallic tri-coat colour of Azzurro Astro will be available through inhouse customisers Maserati Fuoriserie.