We’ve enjoyed our share of big-engined cars. But with the rising fuel prices, owning one seems like a tough pill to swallow and so considering fuel-efficient options makes for a sensible choice. The Maserati Levante GT Hybrid is one such car that promises to raise performance and style to new heights, without compromising on efficiency. Launched at a price of Rs. 1.45 crore (ex-showroom), the Maserati Levante GT Hybrid is the entry point into the Levante range that consists of the more powerful, V6 & V8 driven Levante Modena and the Levante Trofeo respectively. But more importantly, Maserati claims the Levante GT Hybrid is a nice blend of luxury, sportiness, and sustainability to motor around. But does it have enough in its arsenal to take on the mighty ring leaders in the busy mid-size luxury SUV segment? Well, we have the answer to that.
The Levante GT Hybrid looks smashing in this Bianco (White) colour scheme.
Compare with the standard Levante, there’s barely anything to separate the two apart from the GT badge above a trio of side vents on the guards that are tinged in anodised blue. The grille is a new addition inspired by the classic Maserati 3200GT. It has chrome highlights, as does the front bumper, while the brake calipers and a sliver of the iconic Trident badge on the C-Pillar are also in anodised blue to match the vents. It is also a hint of its hybridised heart, which looks very cool.
1. Headlamps sadly get bi-xenon set-up. 2. The grille looks brilliant but the Trident emblem looks even more stylish. 3. Maserati made the effort to add 20-inch alloys as standard. 4. The boomerang-style effect is reminiscent of the Maserati of the 90s.
Even the rear is pretty much inspired from the late 90s with the boomerang-style effect adorning the tail lamps. The letters ‘GT’ on the fenders sit in an artistic font to match the ‘Maserati’ script on the tailgate. Does it break the monotony? Most definitely! The car looks impressive if not imposing whichever way you look at it, especially in a segment that consists of the Audi Q7, BMW X5, Range Rover Sport, Mercedes-Benz GLE, and Porsche Cayenne. The Maserati stands out as one of the most distinctive and visually attractive with its crossover-SUV styling.
1. The Trident badge takes centre stage and instantly distinguishes the car as a Maserati. 2. Blue highlights on the side air vents is a nice touch. We also like the artistic font used for the GT lettering. 3. The Maserati badge adds a nice contrast with the white & blue colours. 4. Huge Maserati lettering on the tailgate looks awesome.
Like many modern cars, the Maserati Levante GT Hybrid is fitted with high-quality materials. Wrapped in piano black trim & standard grain leather, Maserati offers several colour and trim options available to buyers. If you are driving, then you get to experience all the latest features that the car has to offer on the 8.4-inch screen.
Rich colors and design in a well-appointed cabin are some of the key attributes.
But the screen's poor resolution and small, tricky-to-hit buttons will frustrate you while driving. It also controls the eight-speaker Harman/Kardon audio system, while for extra bucks, you can also opt for 17-speaker Bowers & Wilkins premium sound system. You can also use these features remotely with the Maserati Connect program.
1. We would've loved a larger centre display. 2. Sound from the Harmon/Kardon music system elevates your overall experience. 3. We love the beautiful Italian craftsmanship. 4. Even the key fob is nicely designed.
There’s also wireless tech for charging, apart from the usual Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. We particularly like Maserati’s trademark egg-shaped clock that sits proudly on the dash. A tad bit small honestly, but a nice touch, nonetheless. The car still gets toggle switches for its climate control up front in addition to knurled volume and tuner dials. Yes, the world has moved on from switches to touch-based controls, but it honestly doesn’t hurt to still have it around.
All the touch points have a nice soft touch, but the cockpit generally is missing some tasteful contrast stitching to match the blue highlights outside. In terms of space, the Maserati Levante GT Hybrid is great for four including the driver with an electric seat and wheel adjustment, but knee room in the back is nothing more than average. The space is also restricted due to the transmission tunnel hump. If you are expecting to load up the car with large suitcases, then you will be craving for more from the 580-litre boot. Yet, it has the nicest cabin in the segment that doesn’t try to be what it's not.
1. Panoramic sunroof gives a nice airy feel to the cabin. 2. Rear space is decent but seating five will be difficult due to the transmission hump. 3. Passengers at the back get individual ports for charging and air con that can be regulated. 4. Boot space in the Levante is not the largest in the segment.
Producing 325 bhp and 450 Nm from its 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged engine paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission, the Levante GT Hybrid replaces the V6 engine used previously. It can sprint from 0-100 kmph in flat, 6 seconds before topping out at 240 kmph. A 48V mild hybrid helps to add the extra thrust required when the motor hits its optimum in Sport mode.
The Levante GT is the only four-cylinder Levante in the model range.
On paper, it is better than the V6 petrol and the V8 diesel, with much better fuel efficiency, 18 per cent to be exact while producing even greater power output. Regenerated power is stored in the battery via the usual way of deceleration by brakes or even while cruising, which helps in reducing emissions, improving fuel consumption, and boosting performance.
The ZF-sourced 8-speed automatic transmission is slick.
The electrically driven e-booster compressor, on the other hand, supports the regular turbocharger at lowering revs to cancel out turbo lag and provides more torque with a better grunt. In simple terms, the car has a smooth power delivery and doesn’t require much effort in case of quick overtakes, even though a mild-hybrid unit is in play.
Let me start by saying that the Levante GT Hybrid might not make the best sound that Maserati has to offer but it hits the absolute sweet spot in the range if you are looking for a dynamic yet comfortable car. It weighs less than other variants and has better weight distribution especially since we have the battery at the rear axle. And so going into corners the Levante GT Hybrid feels agile at the front and is more than willing to tail out if chucked around, considering it weighs slightly north of 2 tonnes.
The engine bodes well with the Levante GT’s deft handling prowess.
There's very little to complain with the driving dynamics of the car. The engineers at Modena have sorted out the chassis and suspension set-up as the car feels planted while ironing out the worst of broken roads. Even if you push it hard on some bad patches, the car has a certain ‘give’ thanks to its rigid chassis that doesn’t make the ride unpleasant. The car easily manages to cushion any bumps with the standard-fit air suspension. It feels floaty on occasions but doesn't affect cornering or high-speed stability. And all this is from the Normal mode. In the Sport mode though, the tuning is much more controlled yet refined. Then there's the Off-Road mode for the go-getters that liberates more space between the underbody and the road to tackle tough terrain. You can also adjust the ride height manually via a toggle switch on the centre console.
Adaptive air suspension comes fitted as standard and so does a set of driving modes.
These modes also determine the efficiency of the car returns by the way. In my time with the car, I managed to achieve close to 9.1 kmpl which included a variety of situations from clear roads to being stuck in traffic due to the sudden downpour the national capital experienced on the day of the shoot. In fact, it is not bad at all considering the other cars in the segment are huge fuel guzzlers.
The Maserati Levante GT Hybrid feels agile at the front and is even more than willing to be chucked around at corners.
We also need to factor in that the hybrid system is not just a gimmick here to hijack the headlines. The hybrid powertrain is active right from 10 kmph till you push the car to its limit, but more so when cruising. Even from a standstill, the car manages to quickly get on with its duties without being a slouch. It just keeps pulling with zero lag.
There’s no doubt that the Maserati Levante GT Hybrid is a beautiful piece of machinery. It's got brilliant handling and ride quality that counts for more as a daily driver. While it may look like a mild facelift from the outside, underneath the Levante Hybrid GT is anything but.
The Levante GT Hybrid is one large SUV that drives as well as it looks.
This car will also pave way for the upcoming cars from the Italian marquee as it prepares to electrify its range by the end of this decade. But all said and done, the Maserati Levante GT Hybrid is a superb-looking SUV regardless of what’s under the bonnet.
Photography by: Apoorv Choudhary
