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In pursuit of perfectionTempus heads to Salon Privé to test drive Maserati’s new luxury SUV
On a beautifully sunny September day with hardly a cloud in the sky, there’s nothing better than a weekend that sees some of the finest classic and vintage cars in the world assemble here in the UK. Yes, I’ve returned to the annual Salon Privé, one of the world’s premier automotive shows, hosted in the grounds of Blenheim Palace and that, in its 14th consecutive year, has more than maintained its status as a leading concours d’elégance.
I’ve been invited by our friends at Maserati, the luxury Italian marque having taken somewhat pride of place at this year’s meet, showcasing the Levante V8 Trofeo and GTS. I was particularly keen to see the progress made on the Levante SUV offering. Launched specifically to secure Maserati’s credentials in the rapidly growing luxury SUV segment, market sales of which are increasing year on year as our appetite for impractical supercars continues to wane.
One of the first things that strikes me about Maserati’s approach is the exceptional array of options and specifications that the Levante offers. Naturally, this is reflected in the price points, which start from just over £60,000 for entry-level models and leads to high-specification variants at the top end for nearly three-times the price. These sporty SUVs contain Twin Turbo V8 engines, can deliver up to 580 hp and are tuned and trimmed to perfection. The top spec Levante V8 Trofeo is clearly designed to go head-to-head with the Bentley Bentayga and Range Rover Vogue SV.
Having spent the morning experiencing Maserati’s outstanding Italian hospitality, I’m eager to get behind the wheel of these sleek SUVs. My morning began with the brand whisking me to the impressive Blenheim Palace – ancestral pile of the Dukes of Marlborough and birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill – in a chauffeur-driven Levante. The model chosen for this drive was a fairly modest diesel model, finished in gleaming white with sports coupé lines. The interior was finished in simple black leather, but still carried the hallmarks of Maserati’s sporting lineage.
As I arrived at Blenheim, the long drive up to Britain’s most picturesque palace was a sight to behold: lines of the world’s finest motorcars flanked the entrance, with some of the finest cars in the world gathered from as far afield as Denmark, Dubai and the United States. With a garden-party ambiance, fine dining and pristine prestige vehicles assembled, the event is always well-attended.
After the supercar parade has made its way through the palace grounds – led, of course, by the Maserati Levante V8 Trofeo – it’s time for me to get behind the wheel myself. For me, it’s the V6 petrol-engine Levante S GranLusso SUV.
Driving the Levante is a totally different experience to being in the passenger seat. The Levante S GranLusso’s 430 hp engine is perfectly tuned, with a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission gearbox that, together with the responsive steering and choice of suspension settings, makes this SUV handle and perform like a high-performance GT car.
Throttle response is impressive and the glorious Maserati V6 exhaust note allows you to play sweet music as you fly through the gears and put the car through its paces along Woodstock’s country roads. It’s clear from the set up and tuning that Maserati has spent a lot of time harmonising the engine throttle up to the seamless gear changes, which means the car is not only quick, but immensely fun to drive.
The interior specifications on this model, such as Italian leather-clad racing seats and meticulously hand-finished details, are stylish and comfortable while the technologies available – infotainment and app connected displays and a Bowers & Wilkins Surround Sound system – are suitably high end.
Having not previously investigated the Levante in detail, I was impressed with its overall performance, which carried much of Maserati’s sporting lineage and driver experience into this lucrative luxury SUV sector. The Levante certainly provides a fun, practical and credible alternative to the usual suspects. Even better, the range of upgrades are enough to turn this solid luxury SUV into something very special indeed. While all Levante petrol-engines are developed in cooperation with Ferrari and assembled at its state-of-theart factory in Maranello, it’s the Ferrari-engineered V8 engine with more than 580 bhp beneath the bonnet – as well as the styling and tech to match – that is certain to be an interesting challenger toward to top end of the luxury SUV market.
As I return to the concours to end my day of fine motoring, it’s clear to me why Maserati so rightfully holds its admirable position in the world of performance motoring. What the brand has discovered in its history, and brings to its approach to new global challenges, creates a fusion of impressive performance, sporting style and now, effortless practicality.
