The first shipment of Maserati’s new Levante SUV arrived this week with Just 550 are destined for Australia in the first 12 months. However, such is the uptake on the Italian SUV the importer is already asking for a larger allocation. Striking visually this sophisticated all-wheel drive comes in three models from 4140,000 with one engine – a 3-litre V6 202kW turbo diesel with 600 Nm of torque . Sitting on the same platform as the Quattroporte sedan the Levante has a very sophisticated air suspension and all-wheel- drive system. I doubt if many will see Australian off-road conditions but it does have the where with all to tackle the rough if needed – the Q4 all-wheel- drive system has 7 drive modes, the suspension 4 ride heights.

With perfect 50/50 weight distribution and with 100 per cent of the torque to the rear wheels in normal conditions – its sophisticated drive system can move the drive to the wheel with the most grip in just 150 mille seconds. I’m David Berthon

Download this podcast here