The marketplace for high-end sports utility vehicles gets even more crowded today with the launch of Maserati’s first ever SUV, the Levante, at the Geneva Auto Show. The new car is headlining the firm’s lineup at the show, alongside its Quattroporte, Ghibli, GranTurismo and GranCabrio models.

Design features on the Levante are strongly aligned with the Maserati brand and its unique Italian expression. The front is aggressively designed to showcase tapered headlights with two distinct elements, giving the upper headlight a more prominent appeal with its attachment to the radiator grille.

Along the sides, the Levante shows design features that are expected in a typical Maserati. These include the trio of iconic air vents on the SUV's front wings, the C-pillar shaped like a trapezoid with the "Saetta" logo, and the huge non-framed door windows. At the rear, the Levante features a highly tapered window and a streamlined shape.

Many Rivals

The Levante SUV will feature both diesel and gasoline engine options which are Euro6 compliant. All models come with ‘intelligent’ all-wheel drive which allows the vehicle to adjust to road conditions.

In Association with

But the car enters a crowded market, with analysts wondering whether it can lure buyers away from rivals such as the Porsche Cayenne. Lamborghini, Aston Martin and Rolls-Royce also compete in the popular segment.

Analysts expect the Levante to cost €70,000 to €140,000, similar to the Cayenne, but wonder if the car can match the success of its German rival. Maserati's recent track record also hangs over the launch. Weak demand in the US and China dragged sales down 11% last year and its operating profit margin more than halved to 4.4%.

Still, workers placed on short time are happy to have been rehired in full to build the first models and are celebrating full pay packets rather than the €800 or so per month their ‘idling’ setting brought home.