2017 Maserati Levante

Although nothing is officially known about the look of the Maserati Levante, there have been technical images leaked prematurely which came from a patent office. The brand’s first SUV shares its architecture with the Quattroporte and Ghibli. The Levante’s powertrain choices essentially mimic Maserati’s sedans, and will include a 3.0-liter, twin-turbo V-6 that’s mated to an eight-speed automatic.

2017 Maserati Levante

2017 Maserati Levante

Horsepower figures haven’t been confirmed for the U.S., but the same engine in the Quattroporte S makes 404 hp (the engine will make either 350 hp or 430 hp in Europe). Maserati says its “Q4” all-wheel drive system is standard while Levantes sold in Europe will also be offered with a V-6 turbodiesel option. Maserati previously said a hybrid powertrain is on the way and rumors suggest a V-8 is also in the works.

2017 Maserati Levante

2017 Maserati Levante

2017 Maserati Levante

The SUV is instantly recognizable as a Maserati thanks to the grille dominated by the brand’s trident logo and front fenders with the automaker’s signature port vents. Also similiar to the Maserati Ghibli, Quattroporte and GranTurismo models, the fenders are fitted with three vents to maintain Maserati's heritage-laced style. The patent images show the Maserati Levante having a much sportier silhouette than the Porche Cayenne or Land Rover's Range Rover Sport, two of its closest rivals.

As Porsche discovered with the Cayenne in 2002, an SUV is a great way for a luxury performance car make to significantly increase sales and, more importantly, profit margins. With Ferrari soon to be spun off entirely from Fiat Chrysler, there's an increased pressure on Maserati–along with Alfa Romeo–to bring home the bread.

2017 Maserati Levante

2017 Maserati Levante

2017 Maserati Levante

2017 Maserati Levante

Inside, the Levante showcases the same premium leather and accents found in the Quattroporte and Ghibli, though the automaker does point out the SUV has a new rotary knob that controls the infotainment unit. The system can also be control via the touchscreen.

The Levante will be available with a 3.0-liter V6 twin-turbocharged gasoline engine that delivers either 345 horsepower or 424 hp in the U.S. All engines are combined with the "Q4" intelligent all-wheel-drive system and an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The base 345-hp Levante accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds and has a top speed of 156 mph. The Levante S with the 424-hp engine accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds and has a top speed of 164 mph.

Hyman said "The diesel version of the Levante is not available in the U.S."

U.S. buyers can outfit the Levante with two optional packages. They are a Luxury package and a Sport package.

"They include a variety of distinctive stylistic and technical contents and enable customers to extensively personalize the exterior and interior of the Levante," Maserati said.

Optional driver-assistance systems include lane-departure warning, automatic brake assist, forward-collision warning, and adaptive cruise control.

Additional options include trailer options and a roof carrier.

The pricing strategy slots the Levante in between lower-end luxury SUV competitors, including the 2017 Jaguar F-Pace and 2016 Porsche Cayenne, and the high-end 2016 Land Rover Range Rover. GENEVA — The 2017 Maserati Levante, the brand's first SUV, will start at approximately $72,000 when it arrives at Maserati dealerships in the U.S. later this year, the automaker announced at the 2016 Geneva Auto Show. Edmunds says: Maserati aims for the sweet spot when it comes to pricing the new Levante.

Source: used cars for sale