In 2020, Maserati began its electrification journey with the Ghibli Hybrid, followed a year later by the Levante Hybrid. By the end of this decade, the Italian brand plans to have its entire range composed of fully electric models.
The brand’s electrification has also been taking place in Malaysia as Naza Italia began selling the Ghibli Hybrid at the end of 2021. Now it is also offering the latest Levante GT Hybrid for those who want the versatility of a SUV. Priced at RM738,000 (including duties, other taxes but without insurance premium), the model comes with a 3-year warranty with no mileage restriction.
The mild hybrid powertrain of the Levante Hybrid is similar to that used in the Ghibli Hybrid consisting of an electric motor working with a 4-cylinder, 2-litre turbocharged petrol engine. Total system output is 330 ps with peak torque of 450 Nm at 2,250 rpm, with more than 90% of this generated from 1,750 rpm.
The Maserati DNA includes the signature soundtrack and despite being a hybrid, it is still present. The sound is achieved with no use of amplifiers, solely by acting on the fluid dynamics of the exhausts and using resonators, tuned to produce the characteristic sound.
All-wheel drive is standard and besides having a claimed 0 to 100 km/h time of 6 seconds, the Levante Hybrid can also get up to a maximum speed of 245 km/h. Apart from having lower CO2 emissions from the tailpipe, the SUV also consumes 20% less fuel than the 350 ps V6 model – while having the same level of performance It’s not only using the electric motor that helps achieve better fuel efficiency but also a ‘sailing’ function which disconnects the gearbox when decelerating.
The Levante GT Hybrid powertrain also has a 48V Belt Starter Generator (BSG). This component supports the engine when more power is needed, recovering energy during braking and deceleration, charging the lithium-ion battery pack in the boot.
The eBooster works in tandem with the conventional turbocharger, sustaining the engine’s power output even at low rpm. Together with the BSG, it also provides the extra boost when peak rpm is reached (in Sport mode).
Five metres in overall length and sharing the same overall design as the other Levante versions, the Hybrid version comes with the new Maserati logo on the bonnet), new Trident logo on the C-pillar and refreshed lettering on the rear.
For the model imported by Naza Italia, the standard equipment includes Full-LED Adaptive Matrix headlights, chrome-plated accents and 20-inch alloy wheels. Interior equipment includes an 8.4-inch Touchscreen MTC+ with Navigation, leather-covered comfort seats and Piano Black Trim.
