2018 Maserati Levante gains 321kW twin-turbo petrol engine

Maserati has added highly desired petrol variants to its Levante SUV range – powered by a Ferarri-built twin twin-turbocharged V6 engine.

The 321kW/580Nm 3.0-litre engine will power new S variants, which provide an alternative to the 205kW/650Nm 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel engines that arrived with Maserati’s first SUV earlier this year.

Similar to the diesel models, the Levante S will come in three grades, S, S GranSport and S GranLusso. Equipment will be the same, including the eight-speed automatic transmission, though the petrol engine commands a whopping $30,000 premium from the base model, and $20,000 over the diesel GranSport and GranLusso.

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Apart from the Ferrari cred and a decent soundtrack befitting the Trident brand, that $30K brings a 5.2-second 0-100km/h sprint, 1.7 seconds quicker than the diesel.

Claimed combined fuel use is 10.9L/100km, compared with the diesel’s thrifty 7.2L/100km.

The diesels retain their pricing for the 2018 model year despite gaining extra standard features also found in the petrol models.

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This includes a 360-degree camera, lane keeping assist, highway assist, blind-spot assist monitoring and mitigation, and traffic sign recognition on top of existing advanced driver assistance technology including adaptive cruise control with stop and go function, park assist and forward collision warning.

External changes include a 'Black Piano' front grille for GranSport models along with body-coloured rear sports spoiler and red brake calipers, while interior enhancements include 12-way adjustable power sports seats, adjustable power sports steering wheel, paddle shifters, brushed-steel sports pedals and a 900-watt, 14-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.

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The luxury-focused GranLusso models are distinguished by a chrome front grille, black brake callipers and panoramic sunroof, and a plush interior decked out with premium leather upholstery with Zegna silk inserts and 12-way power adjustments, wood interior trim and the 14-speaker sound system.

There are also five new wheel designs.

The 2018 Maserati Levante range, including the new S models is now on sale.

2018 Maserati Levante pricing

• Levante Turbo Diesel – $139,990
• Levante GranSport Turbo Diesel – $159,990
• Levante GranLusso Turbo Diesel – $159,990
• Levante S – $169,990
• Levante S GranSport – $179,990
• Levante S GranLusso – $179,990