Maserati’s upcoming Levante SUV has been spotted undergoing shakedown testing in the frigid temperatures or the Arctic Circle. Trapped in the gestational stage for the last several years, the Maserati Levante should finally make production later this year.
Maserati has been toying with the idea of a utility vehicle since the introduction of the Kubang concept in 2003, but finally got serious about the matter with a followup show car with the same name in 2011. Since then Maserati has been ironing out the details, with the finished product nearing completion.
The name has obviously changed, but that’s not the only revision that’s taken place since we last saw the Levante is concept form. Previously based on the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Maserati has totally scrapped those plans and has instead based the SUV on the same architecture that underpins the Ghibli and Quattroporte sedans. The Levante will also share powertrains with its car counterparts, meaning we should expect to see a 3.0L V6 and a 3.8L V8. A diesel engine could also be offered for the European market.
The interior of the Levante will closely mirror that of the Quattroporte. The center console will slightly differ, though, and we could see an update to Maserati’s infotainment interface.
Although no official announcement has been made, the Maserati Levante will likely make its global debut at the Geneva Motor Show. Following its Geneva introduction, look for the Levante to go on sale during the second half of 2016.
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