Maserati Levante 2018 review<br /><br />The entry-level V6s are offered in three trim levels: Levante, GranLusso and GranSport. The GranSport gets new, more aggressive front and rear bumpers inspired by the Trofeo, and rides on 20-inch alloy wheels. The GranLusso is the more luxurious alternative, featuring more chrome trim and 19-inch wheels. LED Matrix lights are available for the first time, and there are two new paint colours. The dark blue shown in these pictures is one of them, and features a glass flake which gives a spectacular sparkle in sunlight.<br /><br />Little separates the latest Levante from the old one out on the road, and that’s a good thing. It may weigh comfortably over two tonnes, but that mass is kept in brilliant control; that it does so while maintaining such a soft, yielding ride makes it all the more impressive. The steering, though electrically assisted, is precise and well-weighted, and there’s loads of grip. In normal driving, 100 per cent of the drive is sent to the back wheels, with power only sent to the fronts when slip is detected.<br /><br />That slip is kept in check thanks to the introduction of Integrated Vehicle control. First seen on the Ghibli, it’s an ESP system that works proactively rather than reactively against a loss of grip, meaning intervention is so progressive it’s almost seamless. It’s a smart system, but one drivers will rarely benefit from on public roads.<br /><br />The 3.0-litre diesel driven here remains unchanged. It delivers decent performance, and even sounds fairly smooth by diesel standards. Unfortunately, when against such wonderful Ferrari-developed V6 petrol alternatives - both faster and more tuneful - it’s tough to recommend.
