EMBODIMENT OF ITALIAN PASSION
THE DRIVE
If you visit the Maserati website, there is a section where you can listen to the sound clip sample of each models listed. That’s because the exhaust note is what defines Maserati. More on this later.
I had a pretty high expectation for the Levante because not only is it the first sport utility vehicle (SUV) from Maserati, it also uses a Ferrari engine.
Well technically, no Ferrari uses a 3.0-litre V6 for now, but the engine rolled out of the same factory in Maranello, so that’s something very special.
At low speeds, the Levante S was very composed and solid, although there were some clunks in gear changes at low engine speed.
Cruising through kampung streets in the island, the size felt quite apparent; it’s wider than a Q7 and just as wide as the new Cayenne.
For the driving modes on the centre console, there’s Sport, ICE (Increased Control and Efficiency) and Off-Road.
I find that Sport mode should always be engaged whenever you are on paved roads. This is because the Sport mode opens up the exhaust flaps and plays one of the best internal combustion music one can
find on any SUV out there today.
The sensation I get the moment I started to apply throttle and lifting it off is spine-tingling. There’s deep induction note, and then pop and cracks later. It encouraged me to accelerate and upshift as much as I could and downshift later to immerse myself in the orchestra.
The ZF 8-speed automatic can be smooth and quick enough when needed.
Body control is excellent, too. During a hill climb to the peak of Gunung Raya, the Skyhook adaptive dampers did a great job in managing the weight shifting of the car along the twisty road.
I suspect the Levante can really bite sporty hatchbacks like the Golf GTi and Civic Type-R here. Mind you, the Levante S is a two-tonne car.
Power delivery is quite punchy and strong. The 580Nm pulls the Levante S from the lower rev range and the 430hp peaks just nicely at the upper range.
But turn off the Sport mode, and the Levante S can be a calm cruiser with an acceptable level of ride comfort.
I did not get to try the Off-Road mode, but basically it alters the drivetrain and suspension for undulating surfaces.
The adaptive air suspension can also be adjusted to four different heights via a toggle. Comfort and practicality wise, the Levante S is a lovely car to drive and to be driven in.
The front seats are not the most comfortable ones, but it provides sufficient support and displays a high level of quality and craftsmanship. The infotainment system was also easy to use and responsive.
Few downsides of the Levante S, however, are the ergonomics of the left-hand shift paddle and signal/light stalk.
The paddle is kind of obstructive in and I had to further rotate my left hand so that my fingers can reach the lefthand signal/light stalk.
Another one is the legroom that is pretty cruel to the middle rear passenger.
THE SOUND
Engine note has become an important brand statement and “vital in expressing a car’s character and the company’s emphasis on performance”, says Nicola Boari, Ferrari’s head of product marketing.
That is certainly true as the Levante has such a distinctive sound that you appreciate, you would never get tired of in this day and age where some carmakers mimic the sound of their cars through the audio system.
It also embodies Italian efforts in putting their passion into their product thus giving it unique soul and character.
VERDICT
The Maserati Levante S met my expectations; it was unmistakably Maserati, carries the brand’s ethos and can set its driver apart from the normal crowd.
It can deliver emotional drives but also has the everyday practicality of an SUV.
The Levante S starts from RM788,800 and Naza Italia will get you three years of standard warranty coverage with unlimited mileage plus a Maserati Premium Service Plus package.