New Maserati Levante Hybrid brings improved agility and efficiency

Maserati has taken its next step towards electrification with the unveiling of the Maserati Levante Hybrid, which follows the Ghibli saloon in adopting 48V mild-hybrid functionality for improved efficiency. 

On sale late this year, the new Levante variant pairs a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with a belt-integrated starter-generator, which recovers energy under braking and deceleration to charge a boot-mounted battery. 

This in turn powers an ‘eBooster’ electric motor to provide a slight power boost under acceleration and at low revs. 

Despite cutting emissions by 18% (to 231-252g/km) over the non-electrified petrol V6, the all-wheel-drive Hybrid offers comparable outputs of 325bhp and 332lb ft, which gets it from 0-62mph in six seconds, and to a top speed of 149mph. 

The new powertrain also weighs less than the V6 and offers improved weight distribution - courtesy of the battery pack being mounted at the rear, so the Hybrid is “even more agile and fun to drive”, according to the firm. 

A traditional Maserati ‘growl’ is said to still be emitted, without the use of amplifiers. “Anyone on board a Maserati hybrid must still hear the unmistakeable roar of a Maserati engine,” said the firm, suggesting a similar treatment for all upcoming electrified - and possibly electric - models. 

As with the Ghibli, the Hybrid is marked out by way of subtle blue detailing - namely to the characteristic three side air vents, brake callipers and side logo. The theme continues inside, where the seats are stitched in blue and a new logo is introduced for the infotainment system. 

The Levante Hybrid is offered in a new range-topping GT trim, which brings chrome detailing for the front bumper and grille, bespoke badging and range-topping interior materials. 

The Hybrid and GT versions of the Levante arrive as part of a mid-life refresh for the entire SUV range, four years after it first went on sale. Tweaks for 2021 include reshaped tail-lights, a new grille design, a higher-resolution infotainment screen and a range of new driver aids and connectivity services.