Following numerous sightings of jacked-up Ghilbi test mules and few details about the production version, Maserati’s first SUV – dubbed Levante – has finally been spied in production form.
The design of the Cayenne-rivalling Levante was first previewed by the Kubang concept at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, and then detailed further in patent sketches leaked earlier this year.
Despite the heavy disguise used on the vehicle in the spy shots, it seems that the body underneath is almost complete and the headlight and tail light designs seem to echo the patent images we covered in May, while the general design and proportions of the body echo that of the Kubang concept.
From the spy images there appears to be the trademark large front intake however the iconic three-slat gills behind the front wheel arch isn’t viewable under the heavy disguise.
The Levante’s performance intentions are made very clear from the mule’s quad-tailpipe outlets at the rear, large alloy wheels along with the massive drilled front and rear brakes.
Not much has been revealed about the mechanical specifications of the upcoming SUV, however it is believed it will sit on the same modular platform shared with the Ghilbi and Quattroporte sedans, despite earlier rumours that it would utilise a modified Jeep Grand Cherokee platform, and it will only be offered with Maserati’s Q4 all-wheel-drive system.
Maserati confirmed back in 2011 that the production version of the Kubang concept would drive through an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The Italian premium SUV won’t be a slouch by any means, set to be powered by the Ferrari-built family of bi-turbo six and eight cylinder petrol engines, as well as a turbo-diesel for those more concerned about efficiency.
Maserati boss Harald Wester confirmed last month that the company’s first SUV will make its production debut at the Geneva Motor Show in early March 2016.
The Levante is poised to be the Italian brand’s top seller following its late 2016/early 2017 release, helping the company to achieve its goal of 75,000 sales per annum by 2018.