While much attention is on the new Grecale launched recently, Maserati’s first SUV – the Levante – has received updates for the 2022 model year. With the cosmetic updates, the Levante gains a more unified identity with the rest of the Italian carmaker’s range by adopting the common language for its key models.
The changes can be seen in the grille and new rear light clusters which have a boomerang shape inspired by the units on the 3200 GT styled by Giugiaro. To emphasise the boomerang shape, the light clusters are produced with a state-of-the-art 3K injection moulding technology, giving the unit a 3-colour lens. They are black around the edges, red in the middle and clear in the bottom section.
Coupe profile for SUV
Though it is a SUV, the design concept of the Levante has a couple profile which enhances aerodynamics. The imposing grille, which was inspired by the 2014 Alfieri concept, pays homage to historic Maserati cars like the Tipo 60 Birdcage. The new front grille with the tuning fork design now comes in chrome for the GranLusso trim and Black Piano for the GranSport.
The GranLusso trim is identified on the exterior by a series of elegant chrome inserts in the front fascia, chrome front/rear skid plates, body colour rear spoiler, black-painted brake callipers, 21-inch Anteo wheels and GranLusso badges on the fenders.
The wider, more muscular rear end has a sharper horizontal element and a body-colour lower extractor embracing the four exhaust tips. Alongside the sportier bumpers, the GranSport exterior is also discernible for the front and rear Black Piano inserts, the GranSport badges on the front fenders, red brake callipers and either 21-inch Helios or 21-inch Anteo wheels.
The existing differences between the various trims remain unchanged. On the GranSport trim, the side air intakes in the lower fascia have a more aggressive design, defined by two aerodynamic wings that give a sense of further stability, visually ‘pushing’ the weight of the car’s nose towards the massive front wheels. The side bezel blades and the splitter are styled to improve the airflow distribution.
Updates for instrument panel
Inside, the main changes of the 2022 Levante are largely seen in the 8.4-inch central display and instrument cluster. The central screen is now frameless for a more contemporary look, with almost all the surrounding bezel removed. The improved resolution, graphics and visual effect make it look like a single curved screen with the air vents cut into it, enabling vertical reading of the whole display.
The name Maserati is screen-printed on the back of the screen at the bottom of the display for a 3-dimensional effect. There is also a subtle but very sophisticated change to the instrument cluster, which now includes a large tachometer and speedometer (still analogue but with updated graphics) on either side of a 7-inch TFT display.
Much of the plastic from the previous version is eliminated and replaced with real anti-dazzle flat glass covers over the instruments. All these changes give the instrument cluster a more high-tech look and generate a richer impression. Effects are achieved by alternating glossy and matte blacks. The perimeter ring which contains the numbers is reflective glossy black, while the central ring containing the indicator lights is matte black.
Active Driving Assist
Newly added is Active Driving Assist (ADS), an evolution of Highway Assist introduced in 2018. The system works with Adaptive Cruise Control and keeps the vehicle centered in its lane. It uses a radar and forward-looking camera to scan the road ahead for other vehicles and hazards.
The latest Levante is available in Malaysia through Naza Italia and priced from RM808,800 (inclusive of taxes and duties) with full specifications and options.
