2017 Maserati Levante is the latest entry in the luxury SUV market

Luxury SUVs are all the rage these days with the likes of the Porsche Cayenne and the upcoming Tesla Model X considered some of the most desirable vehicles in this upper crust of the segment. Maserati's new Levante SUV is theier first entrée into the SUV market, the largest luxury auto segment in the world.

The Levante brings some Italian flair and luxury with a good measure of power, performance and handling. Revealed at the Geneva Motor Show, the Levante features comes to market with either of a pair of 3.0-liter twin-turbo gasoline-fed V-6 engines, offering 350 or 430 horsepower. The landmark feature is “Q4” intelligent all-wheel drive and an 8-speed automatic transmission, both specially calibrated for the new SUV.

More than just a pretty face, Maserati claims the Levante has the ideal 50/50 weight distribution and the lowest center of gravity in its class and a five-setting air suspension, which can lower for high-speed road work and raise up for off-road adventures.

In terms of performance, the Levante S (430hp) covers 0-100 km/h in 5.2 seconds, has a top speed of 264 km/h, and provides combined NEDC-cycle consumption and emission figures of 10.9 l/100 km and 253g CO2/km respectively. The Levante (350hp) accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.0 seconds and achieves a top speed of 251 km/h, with combined cycle consumption and emission figures of 10.7 l/100 km and 249g CO2/km respectively. The Diesel-powered Levante (275hp) covers 0-100 km/h in 6.9 seconds, and has a top speed of 230 km/h, while its combined cycle consumption and emission figures are 7.2 l/100 km and 189g CO2/km respectively.

Pricing for the Maserati Levante SUV is being pegged at US $ 72,000