The fastest Levante in Maserati's history destined for South Africa
The Maserati Levante SUV has been in the country for quite some time, although buyers have never really been able to indulge in a Maserati-badge-worthy high performance variant. That’s about to change following Maserati South Africa’s decision to launch the roaring V8 ‘Trofeo’ SUV into the local product line-up next year.
The Maserati Levante Trofeo makes use of a pair of turbochargers and a fire-breathing 3.8-litre petrol V8 to produce 433kW of power and 730Nm of torque. This enables the Super-SUV to accelerate from 0-100km/h in 3.9-seconds before topping off at 304km/h.
“Aside from being one of the most powerful Maserati models ever, the Levante Trofeo’s sporting interior offers all the comfort of a prestigious SUV. It is built to the enduring principles of a Maserati grand touring vehicle,” says Rens Rademeyer, Dealer Principal at Maserati Johannesburg.
Rens also mentions that every Trofeo brought to South Africa will be fitted as standard with Maserati’s exclusive Pieno Fiore Italian leather interior as well as the powerful 17-speaker Bowers & Wilkins premium surround sound audio system. The exterior of the Trofeo is carbon fibre galore, with the lower splitter, the side blades in the front air intakes, the side skirt inserts and the rear extractor all finished in high gloss carbon fibre. Moving to the side view, Maserati has equipped the Levante Trofeo with massive 22-inch ‘Orione’ wheels made from lightweight forged aluminium, available in both matte and polished finishes.
“The Trofeo will also have unique carbon fibre exterior details, and our customers can, as always, indulge in their creativity in the Maserati fit and finish studio to further custom design their Trofeo.”
“Interest in the Levante Trofeo has already been overwhelming. The first unit, a specially numbered Launch Edition in Blu Emozione Matte, will arrive in the first quarter of 2020, with bespoke units following soon thereafter,” says Rademeyer.
Also worth a look: the Maserati GT2 Stradale: A Symphony of Speed and Opulence and the Maserati Quattroporte.
FAQ
Q: What does the Maserati Levante Trofeo cost in South Africa?
The Maserati Levante Trofeo is expected to start around R2,800,000 when it launches in South Africa, making it one of the most expensive SUVs in the local market but delivering serious supercar performance in return.
Q: How fast is the Maserati Levante Trofeo compared to other performance SUVs?
The Levante Trofeo rockets from 0-100km/h in just 3.9 seconds thanks to its 433kW twin-turbo V8, making it faster than most Porsche Cayenne variants and putting it in proper supercar territory for acceleration times.
Q: Is the Maserati Levante Trofeo worth buying over a Porsche Cayenne Turbo?
The Levante Trofeo offers more exclusivity and Italian flair than the Cayenne Turbo, plus it comes standard with premium Bowers & Wilkins audio and full carbon fibre exterior package, but you'll pay around R500,000 more for that privilege.
Q: What makes the Levante Trofeo the fastest Levante ever made?
The Trofeo's 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 produces 433kW and 730Nm, which is significantly more powerful than the standard Levante's V6 engines, and the 304km/h top speed makes it the fastest SUV Maserati has ever built.
Q: When will the Maserati Levante Trofeo be available in South Africa?
Maserati South Africa plans to launch the Levante Trofeo locally in 2024, with interest already overwhelming according to dealers, so early deposits will likely be required to secure one.
Should You Buy It?
The Maserati Levante Trofeo at around R2,800,000 is for buyers who want the most exclusive performance SUV experience money can buy in South Africa. Yes, you should buy it if you're after something more special than the usual German suspects, because nothing else combines 433kW of Italian V8 fury with genuine everyday usability and that unmistakable Maserati soundtrack. The Trofeo costs serious money, but it's the only way to get proper supercar acceleration in a luxury SUV that isn't a Lamborghini Urus, and the standard carbon fibre package plus Bowers & Wilkins sound system actually make it decent value at this price point. However, if you're budget-conscious or prioritise reliability over exclusivity, stick with a Porsche Cayenne Turbo and save yourself half a million rand.
