Maserati updates entire line-up
Maserati has used the Frankfurt motor show to display its updated product range, all of which will land in Australia by early next year, starting with the petrol-powered Levante S.
Also revealed on the show floor, the model year 2018 Quattroporte luxury sedan receives a number of updates to keep it fresh against rivals such as the BMW 7 Series and Mercedes-benz S-class.
The refreshed Quattroporte gains a number of new assisted driving technologies, including highway assist, lane keeping assist, active blindspot assist and traffic sign recognition, which are helped by the new vehicle control system and electric power steering.
Adaptive LED headlights are now standard across the range, while the 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 underpinning the Quattroporte S has increased its output by 20kw-30nm, up to 321kw580nm, matching the output of the incoming Levante S.
The petrol-powered Levante S will be the first of the refreshed Maseratis to arrive Down Under in the fourth quarter of this year, making it 119kw more powerful than the 3.0-litre V6 diesel version while forfeiting 20Nm of torque.
Mirroring the model grades of its rear-drive stablemates, the Levante will also be offered in Gransport and Granlusso trim levels, geared towards more sporty or luxurious styling.
The Levante gains the same safety upgrades as the Quattroporte thanks to the inclusion of electronic power steering.
Launched in February this year, Maserati has sold 307 examples of the diesel-only Levante range to the end of August.
Also on the Maserati stand was the updated Ghibli large sedan, which has been Maserati’s best-selling global model since launching in 2013.
The model year 2018 Ghibli gains tweaks to its styling, the Gransport and Grandlusso specification levels, and the upgraded turbo V6 for S variants.
It will also gain all the active safety features of the aforementioned models, and is due to landin Australia in 2018.
The oldest model in Maserati’s lineup, the Granturismo coupe and Grancabrio convertible pair, have also gained updates for the 2018 model year. New styling has been adopted including a scoop on the bonnet, while aerodynamic drag has also been reduced.
No changes have been made to the Granturismo’s sonorous 4.7-litre V8, while two equipment levels will continue to be offered – Sport and MC.
A new 8.4-inch touchscreen has been added to the interior, as have new Poltrona Frau leather seats with integrated headrests.
As a brand Maserati has sold 516 vehicles so far in 2017, representing a 45.8 percent increase year-on-year, thanks largely to the Levante which has been the brand’s best-selling model.