Maserati Levante Updated For 2019, Starting Price Drops By $15k

by Jim Kem under News on 12 Oct 2018 10:52:04 AM12 Oct 2018

Maserati Levante Updated For 201910

Australian pricing and specifications for the 2019 Maserati Levante have been announced by official importer Ateco, revealing that the Italian sports crossover will be spread over 6 variants that start $125,000 and can go as high as $189,990 excluding on-road costs.

While that doesn’t move the Levante into the affordable category, this updated model year version does make ownership a little more accessible as the new petrol-powered base Levante is some $15,000 less expensive than the outgoing starter variant, which used a diesel V6.

The Ferrari-sourced twin-turbocharged six-cylinder petrol was also available in the outgoing line-up but was only available in the higher specified Levante S, which produced 321kW and 580Nm. Above this new entry-level petrol V6, the more familiar V6 oiler is still available, offering 202kW and 600Nm in the midrange.

In the 2019 base Levante, though, the same engine has been given a less potent 257kW and 500Nm. Still plenty quick, fortunately, capable of boasting a 100km/h sprint time in less 6 seconds flat and a top speed of 251km/h (which isn’t electronically limited).

Of course, the 2019 Levante, like before, regardless of engine choice, receives a single transmission option: that being a ZF-sourced 8-speed torque converter automatic which funnels power to all four wheels via the Q4 all-wheel drive system. Even this base model comes with a limited slip differential, a dual-mode exhaust system, ‘Skyhook’ dampers, and adjustable air suspension.

Inside, there’s a redesigned gear lever, while standard fitments include fully hand-stitched leather upholstery and dashboard finished in piano black trim. But more luxurious or sportier appointments are available with by selecting either the GranLusso or GranSport trim options.

The exterior of the updated Levante has had some subtle tweaks done, but certainly nothing that jumps out at you. Rather, these are relegated to more common changes to both the front and rear fascias, which are naturally varied depending on those aforementioned trim levels.

Elsewhere, the newer Levante now includes Maserati’s IVC (Integrated Vehicle Control), which is a gussied up term for a Bosch co-developed advanced traction and electronic stability control management that helps prevents − rather than merely correcting − vehicle instability, ensuring greater active safety, better driving dynamics, and more exciting performance.