2019 Maserati Levante Levante S GranLusso Review

The luxury mid-size SUV market in Malaysia has always been a battleground between brand power and practicality. Consumers want the charm of an Italian supercar brand while also requiring space and comfort for daily family needs. The 2019 Maserati Levante S GranLusso, focusing on diesel power, highlights "luxurious texture + all-wheel-drive practicality." This time, we conducted a test drive to verify whether it can stand out among competitors in the same price range with a differentiated approach.

The exterior of the Levante continues Maserati's family-style design, with its front end featuring a large trident emblem combined with a vertical slat grille, providing high recognition. The lines of the body extend from the hood to the rear, with simple and powerful waistlines, complemented by 18-inch multi-spoke wheels, keeping the SUV's sense of stability while not losing a sporty vibe. At the rear, the twin round exhaust outlets on both sides echo the sharp-shaped taillights, which incorporate LED light sources, providing clear visual effects when illuminated at night. The overall design is not overly ostentatious, but every detail emphasizes its luxury positioning.

Inside, the GranLusso version's interior materials are notably inclined towards comfort. The seats are wrapped in genuine leather with a soft touch, and the front seats support multi-directional electric adjustment with customizable lumbar support. The center console layout is simple, with an 8-inch touchscreen located in the center. The system interface is logically clear, and operational smoothness meets the level of its class. The steering wheel features a three-spoke design and is wrapped in leather for a solid grip, with multimedia control buttons on the left side and cruise control functions on the right. It's worth noting that while the car comes standard with automatic headlights and front and rear parking sensors, the key is still a traditional mechanical key, which appears slightly retro for a luxury SUV.

In terms of space, the Levante has a wheelbase of 3004mm, providing ample rear legroom. When a passenger of 175cm sits in the rear, there is still two-fist distance between their knees and the front seatback. The middle floor of the rear isn't significantly raised, so the foot space for the middle passenger is not overly cramped. The trunk has a volume of 580L, which, in its standard state, can accommodate three 20-inch suitcases. The volume can be expanded further by folding down the rear seats, meeting storage needs for long family trips. The rear row is equipped with independent air conditioning vents and USB charging ports, catering to the needs of rear passengers in detail.

In terms of power, the Levante S GranLusso is equipped with a 3.0T V6 diesel engine, delivering a maximum power of 279PS and peak torque at 2600rpm. Paired with it is an 8-speed automatic transmission, offering smooth gear shifts. During daily driving, the upshifts are proactive, and the power output feels linear. At the start, the throttle response feels slightly reserved, but upon pressing it deeper, the turbocharger's involvement brings a noticeable push-back sensation. The official 0-100km/h acceleration time is 6.9 seconds, which is excellent for diesel-powered SUVs. The driving modes include Normal, Sport, and Off-Road. In Sport mode, the transmission delays shifts, and the RPM is maintained at higher ranges, making power readily available for highway overtaking. On the other hand, Off-Road mode optimizes the power distribution of the all-wheel-drive system to enhance drivability on complex road conditions.

In terms of handling, the steering of the Levante is precise with minimal play, and the body remains stable during cornering. The front double wishbone and rear multi-link suspension combination is tuned for comfort, effectively filtering out minor bumps on the road, while rebounding cleanly over larger speed bumps without unnecessary wobbling. At high speeds, the body maintains good stability, and wind and tire noise are kept within a reasonable range, allowing in-car conversations without the need to raise voices. The fuel consumption aligns with the advantages of diesel vehicles, with a consumption of about 10L per 100 kilometers in urban congested conditions, dropping to around 8L on highways. Combined with an 80L fuel tank capacity, it offers a range that meets long-distance travel needs.

Compared to models in the same class, such as the Porsche Cayenne diesel version, the Levante S GranLusso is more advantageous in terms of price. Although it lacks some technological features in its configuration, key features like leather seats and an all-wheel-drive system are not omitted. Overall, the Levante S GranLusso is suitable for consumers who value brand prestige while also needing to consider family practicality. It combines the luxurious feel of Maserati with the fuel economy of a diesel vehicle, while the all-wheel-drive system enhances adaptability to complex road conditions, making it a well-balanced luxury SUV.

If you seek the uniqueness of Italian design and your daily driving scenarios include urban commuting and weekend getaways, the Levante S GranLusso would be a great choice. It does not overly emphasize sporty performance but instead strikes a balance between luxury and practicality, making it ideal for those who are understated yet value a quality lifestyle.