It looks like everyone’s getting on board with the current worldwide trend towards electric mobility, even if it’s at their own staggered pace. Italian luxury carmaker Maserati isn’t about to be left behind as it premieres the 2021 Levante Hybrid.
The New Maserati Levante Hybrid Global Digital Premiere
This is the first Maserati SUV to come with electric-assisted propulsion, a follow-up of sorts to the Ghibli Hybrid, the marque’s first hybrid model that debuted in July 2020. The Levante Hybrid joins the existing lineup which includes a 3.0L twin-turbo gasoline V6, 3.0L twin-turbo diesel V6, and a 3.8L twin-turbo gasoline V8. Not quite the all-electric vehicle you’ve been hoping for as the brand is keen on retaining the trademark engine note for now, but baby steps are better than nothing.
Exterior
The new Levante Hybrid largely retains the original’s shape that came out in 2016. The fascia still looks aggressive, emphasized even more by downturned LED daytime running lights over full LED headlamps flanking the massive grille. Just behind the front fenders lie the signature Maserati triple air vents with light blue detail, followed by a clean profile that blends into the SUV’s haunches. Light blue brake calipers hide behind the 19-inch multi-spoke two-tone alloy wheels.
The Levante Hybrid comes in the new Azzuro Astro custom color
The redesigned tail lamps look sleeker than ever, hovering over the subtly revised rear bumper and quad tailpipes. Maserati tridents also adorned with light blue accents rest just beyond the rear quarter window. The entire bodywork is rendered in a new metallic tricoat blue shade that Maserati calls Azzuro Astro, available through the Maserati Fuoriserie customization program.
Interior
Inside, the same shade of blue is apparent on the contrast stitching of the leather seats that can seat five occupants, complete with the Maserati trident on the headrests. The material and accent can also be seen on the dashboard.
Blue stitching signifying hybrid cars can be found on the upholstery
The doors even flash courtesy lights in the shape of the carmaker’s logo when opened, complemented by scuff plates illuminated by the Maserati text. Even with all seats occupied, the Levante Hybrid boasts interior space that’s good for 580 liters of cargo.
Tech & Safety
The centerpiece of the Levante Hybrid’s tech array is the Maserati Connect software on the 8.4-inch touchscreen that lets users interact with the car from the comfort of home through a virtual personal assistant. Conversely, drivers can manage their smart home devices even while away behind the wheel using Alexa’s Skills and Google Assist functionality. The software will also alert drivers on upcoming maintenance schedules, as well as help them keep tabs on the vehicle through their smartphones or smartwatches.
The dashboard could be the Levante Hybrid's most high-tech location yet
Voice commands add convenience to the user interface, while a dedicated Maserati Intelligent Assistant (based on Android Auto) enhances onboard navigation with real-time traffic information and updated maps. An onboard wifi hotspot allows up to eight devices to connect.
No details have been released regarding safety features, but it would be safe to assume that the Levante Hybrid will be equipped with default equipment found on the standard Levante such as Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Lane-Keeping Assist, Surround View Camera, Active Blind-Spot Assist, and Traffic Sign Recognition.
Engine & Powertrain
Taking a page out of the Ghibli Hybrid’s playbook, the Levante Hybrid runs a 2.0L turbocharged direct-injection gasoline engine supplemented by a 48-volt mild hybrid system. The eBoost functionality gives the SUV a total system output of 330 hp and 450 Nm of torque, while the belt starter generator recovers energy from braking and uses it to charge the onboard battery. An 8-speed ZF automatic transmission shunts power to the drive wheels.
It offers comparable performance to more mainstream Levante variants while improving efficiency
Maserati says that the hybrid powertrain cuts down CO2 emissions by 18 percent compared to the conventional gasoline model, and 3 percent less against the diesel version. The all-wheel drivetrain with limited-slip rear differential is still there, shifting up to 100 percent of torque to the rear wheels when necessary. Zero to 100 km/h is achievable in six seconds, and the carmaker is proud that no artificial sound enhancement was necessary to produce the engine note, just tweaks to the exhaust and the addition of resonators.
Pricing
No pricing information has been made available yet for the 2021 Maserati Levante Hybrid, but dealers in Europe are reportedly accepting pre-orders, with units expected to arrive in showrooms by June.
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