The era of electrified vehicles is irreversible. Luxury car manufacturers also don’t want to be left behind in this segment. Maserati finally officially introduced the second hybrid model in the current lineup the Levante Hybrid. A choice of vehicle products with environmentally friendly technology is now available in the form of a luxury and sporty SUV, following last year’s Maserati Hybrid pioneer through Ghibli. The debut of the Maserati Levante Hybrid is at the same time as the 2021 Shanghai Auto Show in China.
This variant complements the current range of Levante trim options, as the “Maserati of SUVs”. Regarding technology, this Italian manufacturer claims to adopt a hybrid system that is more or less the same as that used in the Ghibli Hybrid. So, like its position as the only SUV model, the Levante Hybrid is also Maserati’s first hybrid SUV.
Carrying the motto, “Faster, greener” Maserati clearly wants to show that even environmentally friendly cars can still have great performance and power. The pacemaker of this car is claimed to be more powerful and environmentally friendly than the diesel or gasoline engines.
Maserati combines a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine 1,995 cc to be precise – with a 48-volt belt-operated starter-generator. Yes, like the Ghibli, the hybrid system on the Levante is a mild-hybrid type, which generates a total of 325 hp at 5,750 rpm and 450 Nm of torque that has been pouring out since 2,250 rpm.
The 8-speed automatic transmission is integrated with the all-wheel-drive (AWD) drive system that has become a mainstay of the Levante. This SUV is capable of accelerating from 0-100 km/h in just 6 seconds. Meanwhile, the maximum speed that can be achieved is 240 km/hour. Maserati said the Levante Hybrid provides performance like the V6 variant while cutting fuel consumption by up to 16 percent.
Despite getting additional devices in the hybrid system, the Levante Hybrid is claimed to have a lighter weight than the V6 and diesel-engined Levante, which is 2,090 kg. With a battery pack mounted on the back, the Levante Hybrid is also claimed to provide better weight distribution. Even though it is electrified with a four-cylinder engine, Maserati guarantees that the sound of the Levante Hybrid engine will remain as beautiful as typical Maserati.
The differences in appearance are minor. It has a variant marker through blue accents on the exterior. The touch of blue appears on the air vents on the side of the bonnet, brake calipers, and the trident logo mounted on the C pillar as well as on the interior, which remains unchanged and gets blue accents on the embroidered logo of the manufacturer on the headrest. This is to show if it is a hybrid car.
Another difference between the Levante Hybrid and the previous variant is the infotainment system. Maserati introduces the new Maserati Connect system, as part of a facelift for Levante. The 10.1-inch touch screen in the center of the dashboard has a sharper resolution and a classier frameless design.
The new Maserati Connect system is based on Android Automotive as the operating system, to ensure excellent connectivity for users. Infotainment can also be operated through the Maserati Connect App or virtual personal assistants such as Amazon Alexa and Google Assist. So, users can always connect with their beloved Maserati, to get various kinds of information on their gadgets.
Currently, the price has not been released by Maserati for the Levante Hybrid. However, an exterior color option is available with a new metallic tri-coat effect, the Azzuro Astro. This new color can be selected through a customization and personalization program through Maserati Fuoriserie.
