The Maserati Levante Trofeo is the high-performance iteration of the full size, five-seater SUV. It registers more like a supercar rather than a family car, considering the performance specs available. The Levante has been part of the market for a few years, though the new model is the most powerful yet. The new high rider increases the pedigree of the typical performance SUV. One might argue that it raises the pedigree of the Maserati.

Exterior

There are some sweeping changes that the Levante goes through for the Saetta logo on the C-pillar. The front end appears to be unique though there is a new front bumper with wide apertures, which has also been introduced. 

The Levante Trofeo has been shod with pretty carbon fibre bits as well. The lightweight composite material may be carried on along the lower sills, and the rear underscores the entire treatment. It is a subtlety the brand can pull off well as it works well with the loud paintwork. 

The LED taillights follow a pattern similar to other current Maserati models. The Levante badge on the Trofeo also comes available with an additional Saetta line underneath.

Interior

The materials in the Maserati Levante Trofeo's cabin denote sophistication and exquisiteness. The Piero Fiore leather is the best that money can buy. It retains the durability while being supple to the touch, and you can smell it outside the car when the windows are down. On the hard surfaces, carbon fibre is layered on top of the soft leather, providing a contrast in texture. 

When it comes to ergonomics, the driving position in the cockpit is structured for track driving. There is an emphasis on style and comfort. Front passengers are provided with a lot of breathing room and multiple storage options, such as a large storage box between the armrests and an oddments tray in front of the gear shifter. 

There is plenty of head and legroom in the back for three adults as well. If the rear seats are folded 60/40, the cargo volume will be at 580 litres, while a port flap allows for accommodation of extended things. If the rear seats are dropped, the cargo space expands to 1,625 litres. There are elastic straps, tie-down anchors, and a 12-volt socket entrance.

Technology

Here are some inclusions to the 3D matte carbon interior: auto-dimming exterior mirrors, automatic LED headlights, LED DRLs, fog lights, indicators, and taillights. There is also active cruise control, a power cargo door, 12-way electrically adjustable and ventilated front seating and power-adjustable steering columns. 

An 8.4-inch media touchscreen allows media and satellite navigation compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. There is also a 7.0-inch digital screen within the instrument cluster. A soft door close feature is present as well, along with panoramic glass sunroof.

Performance of the Maserati supercar

A 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 90-degree all-alloy engine powers the Levante Trofeo, featuring direct injection and valve train structures. The turbos are fed by an intercooler and rated at 440 kW at 6,250rpm and 750 Nm. The Trofeo engine is linked to an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission. It is controlled by the brand's Q4 intelligent all-wheel-drive system with a mechanical limited-slip differential at the rear. 

It sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds and can go past 300. The 2020 Levante Trofeo has a fuel economy of 13.5 litres per 100 km. Its ride and handling are handed by Maserati's suspension strategy known as Skyhook. There are five height modes, with height variance of 75 mm. The lowest setting is Corsa mode.

Safety

There is a usual complement of six airbags onboard, distributed among the driver, passenger, front side, and dual curtains. The ANCAP safety institutions have not yet evaluated it though it is arguable that the dynamic ability of the Maserati SUV is the most significant safety benefit. There are also top tether points for securing child restraints across the rear seats and ISOFIX anchors in the outer positions. 

Driver assistance packages are present as expected, such as stability and traction control, traffic sign recognition, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure and lane-keeping assist, and active blind-spot warning. There are also rear cross-traffic, front and rear parking sensors along with a hill holder function.

Costing

The Maserati Levante Trofeo retails for $330,000, which is quite pricey, though understandable due to the specifications of performance and interior packages. The car does come available with a three-year unlimited warranty across the model range that is off the mainstream marketplace, five years. The plus side is that there are 24 hours roadside assistance included for the warranty duration and the servicing only takes place for every 25,000 km or 24 months depending on what comes first. 

The prepaid servicing levels are available in two levels, which are the premium and the premium plus. The former covers the required inspections and components. Premium Plus adds rotors, brake pads, and wiper blades to the package.

Final thoughts

The Maserati Levante Trofeo is a high-priced sports crossover and probably the best in the market. It is ferociously fast, considering the acceleration time, and it is quite luxurious. The Piero Fiore leather says it all, adding freshness to the supple nature of the cabin. The technology packages are at the level one would expect for a top-of-the-line crossover. 

Similarly, the exterior attributes do not let down the sporty Levante or Trofeo badge. Yet, the sportiness does not mean it is not family-friendly in any way. It can deliver performance on demand but keeps its sophistication. The packages offered through warranty may not be as comprehensive as other crossovers in the same class though it does make up for it with durability.

Find more about 2020 models like the Maserati Levante Trofeo in the upcoming Car Reviews right here on Carpart.com.au!