With a new two-lane gear lever featuring a dedicated Park button, the sophisticated eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox delivers improved comfort, faster gear shifting, better fuel consumption and an even more refined driving experience. The new system negates the need for the Manual button, as the driver can now simply push the gear lever into the left channel to select this mode. The different settings, listed below, can be selected via the switches next to the gear lever:

• Auto Normal: this default mode provides smooth gearshifts at low revs to maximise ride comfort and minimise fuel consumption.

• Manual Normal: the driver can change gear using the optional paddles behind the steering wheel or the lever on the central tunnel

• Auto Sport: in this mode, gear changes are faster (under 100 ms) and occur at higher revs for a much sportier driving experience

• Manual Sport: the driver is in full command of the transmission; the only automatic feature is downshifting if the revs drop too low

• Manual Off-Road: when the driver selects a chosen speed in this mode, the Levante continues at that pace, even when climbing

• Auto Off-Road: this mode retains all the benefits of the Off-Road setting but adds the convenience of automatic shifting

• I.C.E. (Increased Control & Efficiency): not just for use in icy or low-grip conditions, this mode ensures an even quieter, smoother ride plus lower fuel consumption

• Corsa Mode: only available on Levante Trofeo, this immediately creates the most dynamic settings for the engine, gearbox, air suspensions, Skyhook, steering, exhaust system, traction control and stability control.

This system is developed to deliver the hallmark Maserati rearwheel- drive experience, even when grip is poor. In normal conditions, the Q4 system sends all torque to the rear wheels, for perfectly balanced Maserati driving dynamics and optimal fuel consumption. If traction is lost due to sudden acceleration or low grip on the rear axle, Q4 can alter the torque split from 100 per cent rear-wheel drive to 50-50 between the front and rear wheels. It all happens in an imperceptible 150 milliseconds – or less than the blink of an eye. Torque vectoring and a mechanical Limited-Slip Differential at the rear axle, unique for this class of vehicle, also provide essential support when it comes to dynamic driving stability.

Dynamic Suspension Layout

Double wishbone suspension layouts are another Maserati tradition. With the Levante, the all-aluminium set-up at the front is designed to ensure precise handling coupled with accurate and communicative steering. At the rear, a five-arm multilink system provides the perfect blend of comfort and dynamic performance. Both front and rear suspension, feature anti-roll bars to keep the driving experience relaxed and enjoyable at all times.

 

Sport Skyhook System

The Levante features the Sport Skyhook suspension, which continuously adapts shock absorber damping to suit the situation. The system monitors body and wheel movement, damper settings and suspension height. Depending on the selected driving mode, the damping rate is then adapted separately for each wheel.

 

Brakes

All versions of the Maserati Levante feature powerful Brembo brakes carefully matched to engine performance. The discs are dual-cast, combining the strength of cast iron with the lightness of aluminium to reduce unsprung mass and, therefore, increase handling prowess.

The interior of the Levante is built around a driver interface that is intuitive, uncluttered and simple to use. The instrument cluster features large analogue gauges for the tachometer and speedometer, alongside a 7” TFT display. The 8.4” Maserati Touch Control Plus (MTC+) unit takes pride of place at the centre of the Levante dashboard. With very few buttons and a highly responsive interface, it is designed to help the driver maintain focus on the road ahead - using it is straightforward. In addition, MTC+ controls the front seat heating, as well as the ventilation, steering wheel heating and the operation of the rear sunblind, where fitted. The screen also displays the rear view depicted by the reversing camera, with guidelines for easy of use. The state-of-the-art system features both Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto® mirroring functions. In addition, for iPhone® users, Apple’s Siri® system acts as a personal assistant, allowing them to carry out tasks using voice command. Through naturally spoken language, it is possible to make a call or access music, messages, reminders, emails, websites and much more. The infotainment system also includes an Aux-in, USB sockets and the SD card reader.

Driving the high-riding Maserati Levante is an uplifting experience in many ways – not least when it comes to the on-board audio entertainment. The optional Harman Kardon Premium Sound brings the most elevated levels of audio refinement to the Maserati Levante. At its core is a state-of-the-art, 12-channel 900-watt amplifier, delivering rich and detailed sound quality, whatever the source: be it radio, MP3 player, iPhone® or audio streaming device. The 14 high-powered speakers – four tweeters, four mid-woofers, five mid-range speakers and a 20-litre bass box subwoofer – are carefully sited throughout the cabin, promising sublime sound for all on board.

For those seeking the ultimate acoustics in their Maserati Levante, the answer is the optional new-generation Bowers & Wilkins Surround Sound system – the last word in sound perfection. Seventeen speakers, with mid-range drivers and rear-woofers made from Kevlar®, have been strategically built into the SUV’s architecture, while a 1,280-watt amplifier ensures immersive sound for all on board. The system features QuantumLogic™ Surround Sound Technology, which digitally remodels signal streams and reconstructs the original recording of a musical piece, creating a concert hall experience in the car. Along with this, the Clari-Fi music restoration function restores detail lost in digitally compressed music, and also removes distortions caused by the process. The Bowers & Wilkins system is compatible with most disc formats and features a built-in USB connector for a smartphone, iPod or MP3 player. Alternatively, tracks can be directly streamed via Bluetooth®.

Beyond just offering distinctive style to the appearance of the Levante, the newly available option of Full-LED Adaptive Matrix headlights deliver additional safety and convenience for the driver and other road users. With 15 LEDs operating at full beam, these headlights offer a 200% greater field of vision than traditional halogen lights. The advanced technology, which includes an Adaptive Driving Beam, can be activated and deactivated using the relevant virtual button in the infotainment system. It cleverly turns corners before you do and instantly responds to other road users to avoid dazzling them. The reaction time is less than 2 seconds for a vehicle between 100 and 800 metres away, and less than 1.25 seconds for any vehicle or person within the 100-metre range.