Maserati Levante (Diesel)

The Maserati Levante Diesel is a luxurious SUV that stands out with its Italian design and sporty performance. Powered by a robust diesel engine, it offers a blend of comfort and agility. The interior is opulent, with comfortable and well-adjusted seats, a panoramic roof, and a leather-covered dash. The ride and handling have been improved, making it more agile and enjoyable to drive, especially in sportier modes. The Levante also features a ZF automatic transmission and large metal paddleshifters, adding to the tactile pleasure of driving. While the touchscreen interface and some cabin materials could be better, the overall package makes the Levante a desirable choice for those seeking a luxurious, performance-oriented SUV with a unique identity.

The Maserati Levante Diesel is a luxury SUV that offers a unique blend of Italian design, comfort, and performance. While it excels in terms of its elegant aesthetics and the luxurious feel of its interior, there are some areas where it falls short. The diesel engine, though powerful, may not be as sonorous as its petrol counterpart, but it still provides a smooth and responsive driving experience. However, the cabin could benefit from more premium materials, as some components feel like they are carried over from more affordable FCA vehicles. The touchscreen interface is also not up to the standards of its competitors. Despite these drawbacks, the Levantes improved ride, sharpened handling, and the exclusivity of the Maserati badge make it a compelling choice for those seeking a luxurious and sporty SUV.

Maserati has discontinued the diesel engine option for the Levante, a decision made as part of the parent company FCAs strategy to move away from diesel engines. This change was implemented despite the diesel variants solid sales. The move aligns with similar decisions by other manufacturers like Hyundai and Volkswagen. I believe this shift reflects the industrys broader trend towards more environmentally friendly options.

The Maserati Levante, although no longer available with a diesel engine, can still be enhanced with performance upgrades from companies like NOVITEC. For the diesel models that were previously available, NOVITEC offers tuning modules that increase power and torque, such as boosting the 3.0-liter turbodiesel to 237 kW / 322 HP and 680 Nm of torque. I think these upgrades can significantly enhance the driving experience for those who still have the diesel variants.

The decision to axe the diesel option from the Levante has been accompanied by other updates, including a fresh new look and significant tech upgrades. However, this has also led to a notable price hike for the vehicle. I think the design updates, such as the new grille and boomerang light clusters, are a nice touch, but the price increase might be a deterrent for some buyers.

For those who miss the diesel option, its worth noting that NOVITECs customizations can still make the gasoline-powered Levante quite appealing. Their tuning can increase the 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engines output to 363 kW / 494 HP and 660 Nm of torque, making it a formidable performer. I believe these upgrades can help fill the gap left by the absence of the diesel variant.

In the past, the Maserati Levantes diesel models were popular, especially in certain markets. NOVITECs performance kits for these diesel engines included improvements such as increased power, torque, and even a more thrilling exhaust sound when in Sport mode. I believe these customizations would have appealed to many who valued the diesels performance and efficiency.

In India, the Maserati Levante Diesel is priced in the range of Rs. 1.49 crore to Rs. 1.64 crore ex-showroom, depending on the trim level. For instance, the Levante GranSport Diesel starts at around Rs. 1.50 crore, while the Levante GranLusso Diesel is priced at approximately Rs. 1.54 crore. On-road prices can vary based on the state and local taxes but generally add another 10-15 to the ex-showroom price. This places the Levante in a competitive segment against other luxury SUVs like the Range Rover Sport and Porsche Cayenne. While it may not undercut its rivals in terms of price, the Levantes unique design and performance make it a worthwhile investment for those who value exclusivity and a sporty driving experience.

The Maserati Levante Diesel offers decent mileage for a luxury SUV, with an estimated fuel efficiency of around 12 kmpl. This is relatively good considering the vehicles size and performance capabilities. However, actual mileage can vary based on driving conditions and habits. For users concerned about running costs, the diesel variant is likely to be more economical than the petrol version, especially for long drives.