Maserati Levante Trofeo
Flagship SUV gets 572bhp V8 and a sky-high price
THE Maserati Levante is only three years old, but in that short time it has become the marque’s best-selling car by a significant margin. Now the SUV range is expanding further, with the introduction of two V8-powered models, which are designed with ultimate performance in mind.
The Levante GTS develops 523bhp and 710Nm of torque from its 3.8-litre petrol engine, while the top-specification Levante Trofeo takes these figures up to 572bhp and 730Nm, making it the most powerful series production Maserati ever. That puts it in direct competition with high-performance SUVs like the Porsche Cayenne Coupé Turbo and the recently revealed Audi SQ8.
The V8 engine is similar to the one already used in the Maserati Quattroporte GTS (although that’s not sold in the UK) and the Ferrari 488 models, but with some detail alterations to ensure it works in tandem with the Levante’s Q4 all-wheel-drive system and eight-speed automatic transmission.
Both the GTS and Trofeo versions of the Levante send 100 per cent of their torque to the rear wheels in normal driving, only switching some to the front when required. A mechanical limited-slip differential is also fitted as standard, while torque vectoring contributes to the Levante’s agility by braking the inside rear wheel in corners.
To cope with the additional performance, the Levante’s air suspension and electronic Skyhook damping have been recalibrated, and both new V8 models also benefit from Integrated Vehicle Control, an electronic system designed to anticipate a driver’s actions, adjusting the engine, brakes and steering operation in advance – instead of reacting in the manner of the ESP.
Visually, the hottest Levantes are easy to spot. The GTS model gets more aggressive front and rear body-coloured bumpers with piano black detailing, a subtle rear spoiler and a chrome surround for the front grille.
The more exclusive Trofeo that we’re driving here adds carbon details to the larger front bumper, a bonnet with enlarged cooling ducts, and carbon detailing on the rear bumper. Both models are fitted with 21-inch wheels as standard, and 22-inch versions are available as an option.
Inside, there are upgraded leather seats, premium sound systems and a redesigned gearshifter that is easier to operate – both in manual and automatic modes.
Start the Levante Trofeo, and even with the drive mode set to Normal, the V8 fires up with a significant rumble from the exhaust. In fact, the engine dominates the driving experience, whether you are cruising on the motorway or making the most of the available performance on a winding back road. With so much torque on offer, it is a relaxing car to drive; the automatic gearbox shifts smoothly and with reasonable speed.
Despite the raucous engine, noise levels are kept low, with only the occasional growl from the exhaust if you hit the throttle. A little less impressive is the ride quality; on most roads the Levante Trofeo feels composed and comfortable, but the air suspension sometimes struggles to cope with larger undulations, resulting in some diagonal body movement. Even so, it fulfils the brief of offering luxurious, comfortable transport in a desirable SUV body.
The Levante Trofeo is at its best in the racier Sport or Corsa modes, and when you ask the engine to give its all. Switch the gearbox into manual mode and the 3.8-litre V8 engine will rev with freedom and purpose all the way up to 7,000rpm – accompanied by an intoxicating roar from the exhaust, which opens up in the more aggressive modes.
The performance itself is equally impressive, despatching the 0-62mph sprint in a fraction over four seconds
“With a significant rumble from the exhaust, the engine dominates the driving experience”
and running comfortably close to 190mph. The Trofeo certainly never feels slow.
The engine’s enthusiasm encourages you to drive it hard, in fact, and although the motor is undoubtedly the Trofeo’s strength, the rest of the dynamics are up to the mark. The gearbox is a conventional automatic, but it shifts promptly and quickly via the paddles, with only the slightest occasional pause during a downshift.
Even under extreme use, the brakes remain consistent and powerful, and the steering is improved further still in the more dynamic settings – both the GTS and Trofeo have revised programming for the electric power assistance. Traction is excellent, even in slippery conditions, and the Trofeo rewards drivers with accurate responses to inputs.
However, there’s no getting away from the price. At almost £125,000, the Levante Trofeo costs more than twice as much as the entry-level diesel model and £20k more than the fantastically agile and surprisingly characterful Porsche Cayenne Coupé Turbo.