Maserati has finally brought the Levante GT Hybrid to the Philippine market. This comes more than a year after the model made its world debut, representing the Italian luxury automaker’s sophomore electrified offering.
Maserati's Levante GT Hybrid makes its way to our market
“Maserati’s major step for its strategy for electrification started two years ago with Ghibli Hybrid. And this year, we give you the brand’s first electrified SUV,” said Bojan Jankulovski, General Manager for Maserati Australia, ASEAN, and India. “The Levante GT Hybrid boasts of faster, greener, and unique characteristics that give you the best in luxury performance.”
Exterior
Measuring 5,005mm long, 1,981mm wide, and 1,693mm high on a 3,004mm wheelbase, the Levante GT Hybrid uses a shortened version of the M156 platform underpinning the current Quattroporte luxury sports sedan.
Adaptive LED headlamps surround the grille
At the front, vertical chrome-lined slats on the grille serve as the backdrop for the trademark Maserati trident, flanked on either side by adaptive LED headlamps with daytime running lights. The fog lamps resting just below are accompanied by two sensors apiece, hovering over side openings on the front bumper that feature intricate grillework.
Moving up to the front fenders, the GT badge is displayed on top of the iconic Maserati triple ports which feature blue highlights, proclaiming the vehicle’s powertrain. A rising beltline forms part of the chrome trim surrounding the greenhouse, leading to another Maserati Trident lying squarely in the middle of the C-pillar.
Boomerang LED tail lamps surround the rear hatch, below which quad tailpipes surround a rear diffuser, conveying the model’s sporty character. A set of 19-inch alloy wheels inhabits the Levante GT Hybrid’s four corners.
Interior
The Levante GT Hybrid’s interior is awash in leather, from the seats and dashboard to the door panels, featuring blue contrast stitching as an available trim. Up to five occupants take their places in the luxurious cabin.
Leather is abundant inside the cabin
Apart from the standard glovebox on the front passenger side, a raised center console provides more storage with a split-opening lid. The 60:40 split-fold rear seats also provide pass-through access to the 580-liter rear cargo area, where the SUV’s battery is stored underneath the floor.
Tech & Safety
Communications, infotainment, and navigation are all handled by the onboard Maserati Connect software running on the touchscreen interface nestled between the central vertical air vents. The system can monitor vehicle health and is able to alert the driver when periodic maintenance service is due.
Smartphone and smartwatch integration are supported, with Amazon Alexa and Google Assist as additional connectivity options.
Active safety features on the Levante GT Hybrid include blind spot monitoring, active lane-keeping system and adaptive cruise control.
According to Maserati Global Product Manager Massimo Capaldi, the model is also equipped with Level 2 autonomous driving capability through Active Drive Assist, although this feature has not been confirmed for the Philippine version as it requires regulatory approval.
Engine & Drivetrain
For propulsion, the Levante GT Hybrid relies on a 2.0L turbocharged gasoline inline-4 engine with direct injection, paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid belt starter generator working with eBooster unit.
A 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine works with a 48-volt electric motor
The result is 330 horsepower and 450 Nm of torque, with a top speed in excess of 240 kilometers per hour. An 8-speed automatic transmission delivers the output to all-wheel drivetrain with rear-drive bias. According to Maserati, the Levante GT Hybrid reduces CO2 emissions and delivers 18 to 20 percent greater fuel efficiency compared to the V6-powered Levante.
Maserati Chief Engineer for Electrification Corrado Nizzola explains that a mild-hybrid powertrain offered the best compromise in striking a balance between performance and efficiency. “As you know, plug-in hybrids have a very big battery in the rear which has a big impact on the weight distribution and dynamic performance of the vehicle,” he said.
Pricing
The Maserati Levante GT Hybrid can now be seen in the metal
Interested customers can avail of pricing information for the Levante GT Hybrid by request. Meanwhile, they can already view Maserati’s first electrified SUV in the metal at the automaker’s flagship outlet in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.
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