A long drive into Oman's mountains with Maserati Levante GT
Published: 04:05 PM,May 27,2022 | EDITED : 07:05 PM,May 27,2022
Oman is an amazing country for outdoor adventures. To see some of its best kept secrets, one has to explore mountains and brave challenging deserts to understand what the country is all about.
How would a Maserati Levante GT fare into these challenging landscapes? There was no better way to check it out but rather take it for a test drive.
Riding the current wave of love for coffee sweeping the country, we put this car to the test taking it to a non-stop nearly 16 hour long drive across different locations. From the capital Muscat, the exploration of some of the remote but best coffeeshops brought the car to popular destinations like Birkat al Mouz, Nizwa, Bahla until finally reaching the scenic Misfat al Abriyeen. Here's what we discovered.
Understanding the basics
The design concept of the Levante combines coupé lines with interior space for five people and exceptional aerodynamic efficiency. “The Maserati of SUVs” is instantly recognisable from a distance, thanks to its imposing grille inspired by the sensational Alfieri concept car, but also pays homage to historic Maserati cars like the Tipo 60 Birdcage. With the MY21, the look of the Levante’s front had already been updated to feature the innovative front grille with tuning fork design. This front grille comes in chrome for the GranLusso trim and Piano Black for the GranSport.
The three new trim levels – GT, Modena and Trofeo – have been developed not only to meet all customers’ requirements and expectations, but also to epitomise the various over-arching themes of the Maserati range: innovation, performance and design.
The Brand’s DNA is thus expressed in unique proposals, the result of the synergy that has played out between the Centro Stile Maserati and the Product Development Team, on research into materials, design cues and dedicated features.
From a stylistic point of view, the three new trim levels (GT, Modena and Trofeo) feature the new Maserati logo on the bonnet (included in the range from the MC20 onwards), new Trident logo on the C-pillar and refreshed lettering on the rear. There is also a specific trim level badge (bearing the wording “GT”, “Modena” or “Trofeo”) on the sides, just above the three iconic air intakes. The new Maserati lettering appears on the central screen as well, as does the new “Trofeo” logo on the headrests.
Just like the previous MY21 version, Levante MY22 features taillights with the boomerang design that recalls the history of the Trident Brand.
GT trim level
GT embodies the brand’s most urban, minimal and contemporary spirit. It is well suited to dynamic and curious global citizens who pay attention to fashion, yet have a refined style of their own. Levante GT is equipped with a four-cylinder 330-hp Mild Hybrid engine.*
Externally, this trim level embellishes the models in the range with chrome-plated accents, plus 18” alloy wheels.
Completing the look of the interior are leather comfort seats and the Piano Black Trim.
Levante GT Hybrid pairs the two-litre four-cylinder internal combustion engine with a 48-volt Hybrid system that can recover energy when decelerating to brake. In perfect harmony with its DNA, Maserati has selected a hybrid solution that aims most of all at maintaining performance, whilst simultaneously reducing consumption.
The result achieved is outstanding: improved performance and lower consumption. The same engine excellence and performance as the petrol V6 is maintained, although consumption is reduced, making the Levante GT Hybrid even more efficient than the Levante versions fitted with petrol.
The 48-volt Maserati hybrid system consists of four components: BSG, battery, e-Booster and a DC/DC converter.
The Belt Starter Generator (BSG) acts as an alternator, recovering energy when braking and decelerating, and charging the battery located in the boot, which in turn powers the e-Booster fitted to the engine.
The purpose of including an electric compressor in the car is to support and work in conjunction with the conventional turbocharger, assisting the engine to deliver power at low rev counts. The operating strategy of the hybrid system always keeps the e-Booster available if needed, using the battery or BSG.
The pairing of BSG and e-Booster gives a further boost even when the engine is running at full capacity in Sport mode, when all the benefits of performance can be fully exploited. In Normal mode, it is used to balance consumption and performance.
The entire Levante GT Hybrid is designed in search of the best performance.
The hybrid car weighs less than its counterpart with a six-cylinder engine (petrol), but most of all it has an improved weight distribution, thanks to the engine being the front and the battery in the rear. Even so, the load capacity is not compromised and the vehicle’s weight is optimally balanced. Together with the compact hybrid system, the lighter engine weighs 20 kg less than the version fitted with the 350-hp V6, which also improves the 50:50 weight distribution.
All this makes the Levante GT Hybrid even more manageable and fun to drive.
The four-cylinder, two-litre engine is the result of in-depth engineering work conducted at the Maserati Innovation Lab in Modena on the internal mechanical components, to achieve higher torque and power from the turbocharger and e-Booster. The engine electronics have also changed completely, switching to one of the latest Bosch control units. The engine is produced at Termoli.
Courtesy of the 330 hp of maximum power and the peak torque of 450 Nm @ 2,250 rpm – more than 90% of which can be achieved from 1,750 rpm, the performance of the Levante GT Hybrid, which still comes with all-wheel drive, are vitally important: maximum speed of 245 km/h, 0 to 100 km/h possible in 6 seconds, impressive power-to-weight ratio with 165 hp/L. Most of all, it clocks up the advantage of significantly lower gCO2/km emissions, in the WLTP cycle now between 220 and 243 gCO2/km with savings on fuel consumption of over 20% compared to the 350-hp V6 version whilst maintaining the same level of performance.
Thanks to the “sailing” function, the Levante Hybrid improves its efficiency in terms of emissions and fuel consumption. This result is made possible by the system that disconnects the gearbox when decelerating, available in the “Increased Control and Efficiency” drive mode.
The Levante Hybrid remains the “Maserati of SUVs” through and through, including for its sound that retains the usual characteristics of any other Trident-brand car, despite being a hybrid. The sound is achieved with no use of amplifiers, solely by acting on the fluid dynamics of the exhausts and using resonators, tuned to produce that characteristic sound. From the moment you get into a hybrid Maserati onwards, you still hear the unmistakable sound of a Maserati engine.
* In the USA and in markets where the Levante Hybrid is not available, the GT trim level is equipped with the 350-hp V6 engine.
Thoughts on the experience
For city driving, Maserati Levante GT is an amazing car that offers you not just the convenience and efficiency you would need. Some of the car's features are very helpful in navigating different locations and with Muscat's beautiful roads, is a great car to roam around.
Taking the car to Birkat al Mouz until Nizwa was not an issue and it conveniently navigated even small alleys without problems. In the middle of summer where the sun can be very harsh and the heat blantantly uncomfortable, the air conditioning system also fared well.
Overall, the Levante GT is only appropriate for certain types of roads and conditions and city driving is where its strength lies.
How would a Maserati Levante GT fare into these challenging landscapes? There was no better way to check it out but rather take it for a test drive.
Riding the current wave of love for coffee sweeping the country, we put this car to the test taking it to a non-stop nearly 16 hour long drive across different locations. From the capital Muscat, the exploration of some of the remote but best coffeeshops brought the car to popular destinations like Birkat al Mouz, Nizwa, Bahla until finally reaching the scenic Misfat al Abriyeen. Here's what we discovered.
Understanding the basics
The design concept of the Levante combines coupé lines with interior space for five people and exceptional aerodynamic efficiency. “The Maserati of SUVs” is instantly recognisable from a distance, thanks to its imposing grille inspired by the sensational Alfieri concept car, but also pays homage to historic Maserati cars like the Tipo 60 Birdcage. With the MY21, the look of the Levante’s front had already been updated to feature the innovative front grille with tuning fork design. This front grille comes in chrome for the GranLusso trim and Piano Black for the GranSport.
The three new trim levels – GT, Modena and Trofeo – have been developed not only to meet all customers’ requirements and expectations, but also to epitomise the various over-arching themes of the Maserati range: innovation, performance and design.
The Brand’s DNA is thus expressed in unique proposals, the result of the synergy that has played out between the Centro Stile Maserati and the Product Development Team, on research into materials, design cues and dedicated features.
From a stylistic point of view, the three new trim levels (GT, Modena and Trofeo) feature the new Maserati logo on the bonnet (included in the range from the MC20 onwards), new Trident logo on the C-pillar and refreshed lettering on the rear. There is also a specific trim level badge (bearing the wording “GT”, “Modena” or “Trofeo”) on the sides, just above the three iconic air intakes. The new Maserati lettering appears on the central screen as well, as does the new “Trofeo” logo on the headrests.
Just like the previous MY21 version, Levante MY22 features taillights with the boomerang design that recalls the history of the Trident Brand.
GT trim level
GT embodies the brand’s most urban, minimal and contemporary spirit. It is well suited to dynamic and curious global citizens who pay attention to fashion, yet have a refined style of their own. Levante GT is equipped with a four-cylinder 330-hp Mild Hybrid engine.*
Externally, this trim level embellishes the models in the range with chrome-plated accents, plus 18” alloy wheels.
Completing the look of the interior are leather comfort seats and the Piano Black Trim.
Levante GT Hybrid pairs the two-litre four-cylinder internal combustion engine with a 48-volt Hybrid system that can recover energy when decelerating to brake. In perfect harmony with its DNA, Maserati has selected a hybrid solution that aims most of all at maintaining performance, whilst simultaneously reducing consumption.
The result achieved is outstanding: improved performance and lower consumption. The same engine excellence and performance as the petrol V6 is maintained, although consumption is reduced, making the Levante GT Hybrid even more efficient than the Levante versions fitted with petrol.
The 48-volt Maserati hybrid system consists of four components: BSG, battery, e-Booster and a DC/DC converter.
The Belt Starter Generator (BSG) acts as an alternator, recovering energy when braking and decelerating, and charging the battery located in the boot, which in turn powers the e-Booster fitted to the engine.
The purpose of including an electric compressor in the car is to support and work in conjunction with the conventional turbocharger, assisting the engine to deliver power at low rev counts. The operating strategy of the hybrid system always keeps the e-Booster available if needed, using the battery or BSG.
The pairing of BSG and e-Booster gives a further boost even when the engine is running at full capacity in Sport mode, when all the benefits of performance can be fully exploited. In Normal mode, it is used to balance consumption and performance.
The entire Levante GT Hybrid is designed in search of the best performance.
The hybrid car weighs less than its counterpart with a six-cylinder engine (petrol), but most of all it has an improved weight distribution, thanks to the engine being the front and the battery in the rear. Even so, the load capacity is not compromised and the vehicle’s weight is optimally balanced. Together with the compact hybrid system, the lighter engine weighs 20 kg less than the version fitted with the 350-hp V6, which also improves the 50:50 weight distribution.
All this makes the Levante GT Hybrid even more manageable and fun to drive.
The four-cylinder, two-litre engine is the result of in-depth engineering work conducted at the Maserati Innovation Lab in Modena on the internal mechanical components, to achieve higher torque and power from the turbocharger and e-Booster. The engine electronics have also changed completely, switching to one of the latest Bosch control units. The engine is produced at Termoli.
Courtesy of the 330 hp of maximum power and the peak torque of 450 Nm @ 2,250 rpm – more than 90% of which can be achieved from 1,750 rpm, the performance of the Levante GT Hybrid, which still comes with all-wheel drive, are vitally important: maximum speed of 245 km/h, 0 to 100 km/h possible in 6 seconds, impressive power-to-weight ratio with 165 hp/L. Most of all, it clocks up the advantage of significantly lower gCO2/km emissions, in the WLTP cycle now between 220 and 243 gCO2/km with savings on fuel consumption of over 20% compared to the 350-hp V6 version whilst maintaining the same level of performance.
Thanks to the “sailing” function, the Levante Hybrid improves its efficiency in terms of emissions and fuel consumption. This result is made possible by the system that disconnects the gearbox when decelerating, available in the “Increased Control and Efficiency” drive mode.
The Levante Hybrid remains the “Maserati of SUVs” through and through, including for its sound that retains the usual characteristics of any other Trident-brand car, despite being a hybrid. The sound is achieved with no use of amplifiers, solely by acting on the fluid dynamics of the exhausts and using resonators, tuned to produce that characteristic sound. From the moment you get into a hybrid Maserati onwards, you still hear the unmistakable sound of a Maserati engine.
* In the USA and in markets where the Levante Hybrid is not available, the GT trim level is equipped with the 350-hp V6 engine.
Thoughts on the experience
For city driving, Maserati Levante GT is an amazing car that offers you not just the convenience and efficiency you would need. Some of the car's features are very helpful in navigating different locations and with Muscat's beautiful roads, is a great car to roam around.
Taking the car to Birkat al Mouz until Nizwa was not an issue and it conveniently navigated even small alleys without problems. In the middle of summer where the sun can be very harsh and the heat blantantly uncomfortable, the air conditioning system also fared well.
Overall, the Levante GT is only appropriate for certain types of roads and conditions and city driving is where its strength lies.