Picture a Maserati. The first thing that comes to mind is a powerful, luxurious sedan that checks all the boxes that matter. But the Levante, the latest product from the Modena stables wants you to think a bit differently. The mid-size luxury crossover SUV aims to grab a share of this lucrative market segment and definitely comes loaded.   
Maserati have never been shy about showing off their logo and in case of the Levante the trident up front is more ‘move out of my way minion’ than ‘excuse me please’. Nestled between eight vertical slats, the Maserati logo is a tool of intimidation and one that will get vehicles out of your way in a flash. The trademark gills on the side, a stylish rear spoiler that houses the brake light and those quad exhausts all work effortlessly to make this an object of appreciation.
As one steps inside the luxury is expected but the Levante also comes loaded with creature comforts. The remote engine starter allows you to start up from a distance and enter a car that’s already cooled.
Another cool feature is the bird’s eye view of the SUV that comes up on the 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system when you switch to reverse gear. It gives a top view of the Levante and is extremely helpful when parking, especially in tight spaces. The driver’s seat comes with two memory positions. The engine start-stop button is conveniently located on the steering wheel. Then there is the lane-departure warning, a boot that can be opened with your leg, a single button that can switch on all the interior lights, two USB ports in the glove box – it’s attention to these small details that makes driving the Levante that much more of an experience.
We got to drive the Levante S and that comes with the most powerful V6 that Maserati has ever produced. The impressive 430hp takes you from 0-100kmph in just 5.2 seconds. This is the same 3.0-litre twin turbo V6 (manufactured by Ferrari in Maranello) that drives the Ghibli, except now it produces an extra 20 horses.     
With underpinnings from the Ghibli, the Levante is more sports car than SUV. Maserati claims it has the lowest centre of gravity among the SUV category and has 50-50 weight distribution. You can choose from six different ride height levels - 8cm of travel for those rare offroad adventures. And then there’s also the sport suspension. Press the sport mode button twice and, as always, it’s time for the symphony to begin. The engine growl is routed into the cabin and it’s the downshift sound that leaves you drooling. In regular mode, only two of the four exhaust pipes remain open. But in the sport mode, the butterfly valves on the inside pipes open up and let out a full-throated roar.
All in all, it’s an immersive experience. The Italian manufacturer has been working on this vehicle for 13 years (Kubang concept). It is the Maserati of SUVs, they say.