Maserati Levante (2016)Ralf Roletschek, GFDL 1.2, via Wikimedia Commons

Maserati Levante Trofeo V8

2016 — Italy

Luxury CarTruck / SUVItalianV8 EngineTurbo/Supercharged4WD / AWDRecord BreakersElectric PioneersOver 500 Horsepower
Engine3,799 cc V8 Twin-Turbo
Power580 hp
Torque538 lb-ft
Transmission8-speed automatic (ZF)
DrivetrainAWD
Body StyleSUV
Weight4,784 lbs
0–60 mph3.8 sec
Top Speed187 mph
Original MSRP$158,450
BrakesVentilated Disc / Ventilated Disc
SuspensionIndependent, double wishbones, air springs, Skyhook adaptive dampers / Independent, multilink, air springs, Skyhook adaptive dampers

Maserati Levante Trofeo V8

The Maserati Levante, named after a warm Mediterranean wind, was Maserati's first foray into the lucrative luxury SUV market when it launched in 2016. The Trofeo variant, introduced in 2020, brought the Ferrari-built 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V8 to the Levante, creating one of the most powerful and fastest luxury SUVs on the market.

The Trofeo's V8 engine produces 580 horsepower and 538 lb-ft of torque, the same output as in the Ghibli and Quattroporte Trofeo models. Mated to a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission and Maserati's Q4 intelligent all-wheel-drive system, the Levante Trofeo can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds and reach a top speed of 187 mph, figures that would have been exceptional for a dedicated sports car not long ago.

The Levante's design, overseen by Lorenzo Ramaciotti before his retirement from Pininfarina, manages to translate Maserati's sedan proportions into an SUV body convincingly. The long hood, frameless door windows, trident grille, and concave side sculpting are all distinctly Maserati, while the raised ride height and practical proportions address the requirements of the SUV segment.

The Trofeo variant adds visual aggression with specific front and rear bumpers, side skirts, carbon fiber trim, and unique 22-inch wheels. The full-width rear light bar and quad exhaust tips emphasize the sporting intent. Inside, the Trofeo receives sport seats in premium leather with Trofeo embroidery, a Harman Kardon audio system, and performance-oriented instrumentation.

The chassis features air suspension with Maserati's Skyhook adaptive damper technology, providing an impressively comfortable ride in normal driving while firming up considerably in Sport and Corsa modes. The Q4 all-wheel-drive system is rear-biased in normal conditions, sending up to 50 percent of torque to the front axle only when additional traction is needed.

The Levante competes in a fierce segment against the Porsche Cayenne Turbo, BMW X5 M, and Aston Martin DBX, offering a uniquely Italian alternative with greater character if not always the most polished execution. The Ferrari V8 exhaust note alone differentiates it from the competition in a way that specifications cannot capture.

$80,000 – $150,000

Verify complete dealer service history. The Ferrari V8 requires specialized maintenance. Check for electronic and infotainment issues. Skyhook suspension components are expensive. Air suspension system should be checked for leaks. The ZF gearbox is reliable but service intervals must be observed. Interior trim should be inspected. Significant depreciation makes used examples compelling value.

The Levante was introduced in 2016, Maserati's first SUV. The Trofeo V8 variant arrived in 2020. Built on the Maserati-Chrysler platform with extensive modifications. Q4 all-wheel drive is standard. Air suspension with Skyhook adaptive dampers. Produced at Maserati's Turin facility. The Levante accounts for a significant portion of Maserati's sales volume.