Owners' views on the Levante
Discussion
Hi,
I am seriously contemplating a Levante in the next few weeks/months to replace our family SUV and am hoping to garner the thoughts of those that actually own one, or have owned one in the past.
I realise that there are many on here who do not like the car - please feel free to start a separate thread: 'big list of reasons why I don't like the Levante' - but I have liked them from the moment they were released and still do. Initially I went in a different direction when I first tried one due to the UK cars all being diesel, but now I am looking at the petrol cars; clearly the Trofeo would be nice but far too pricey.
For those that own the cars how have you found the ownership experience? Have there been any common reliability issues I should be aware of? Are there any must haves with regard to extra specifications? What is the UK Maserati network like in terms of support if a car under warranty has a problem? How have you found the drive on the UK roads?
Any other thoughts/tips you can offer would be greatly appreciated. Comparisons to other SUVs you have owned may help as in the past we have had a couple of L405 FFRR, a RRS, Cayenne, Macan Turbo and a few others.
I am seriously contemplating a Levante in the next few weeks/months to replace our family SUV and am hoping to garner the thoughts of those that actually own one, or have owned one in the past.
I realise that there are many on here who do not like the car - please feel free to start a separate thread: 'big list of reasons why I don't like the Levante' - but I have liked them from the moment they were released and still do. Initially I went in a different direction when I first tried one due to the UK cars all being diesel, but now I am looking at the petrol cars; clearly the Trofeo would be nice but far too pricey.
For those that own the cars how have you found the ownership experience? Have there been any common reliability issues I should be aware of? Are there any must haves with regard to extra specifications? What is the UK Maserati network like in terms of support if a car under warranty has a problem? How have you found the drive on the UK roads?
Any other thoughts/tips you can offer would be greatly appreciated. Comparisons to other SUVs you have owned may help as in the past we have had a couple of L405 FFRR, a RRS, Cayenne, Macan Turbo and a few others.
Whilst I haven't owned one, there is a good reason for that: I have driven one.
I won't explain what I didn't like, as you don't want to hear that. I will say: they aren't as good as the other SUVs you say you have owned.
I doubt many have ever actually been sold and it seems like they all end up at HR Owen with a big reduction immediately after being pre registered. I'm sure the owners love them, but they would say that.
I won't explain what I didn't like, as you don't want to hear that. I will say: they aren't as good as the other SUVs you say you have owned.
I doubt many have ever actually been sold and it seems like they all end up at HR Owen with a big reduction immediately after being pre registered. I'm sure the owners love them, but they would say that.
01WE01 said:
Whilst I haven't owned one, there is a good reason for that: I have driven one.
I won't explain what I didn't like, as you don't want to hear that.
Not so, I would genuinely be interested to hear what it was you didn't like about the car when you drove it. Definitely happy to hear opinions, be they positive or negative, from those who have actual experience of the car. I won't explain what I didn't like, as you don't want to hear that.
Fair enough. I think it looks good, and sounds good. I drove the V6. It drove fine, the engine was nice, felt rear wheel drive and had a decent ride. The seats were good too, though the back was cramped and the angle felt like you were at the dentist.
The negative was, for me, once you take away the first ten minutes of "this goes/sounds nice and has a trident" and looked a bit closer, it didn't feel like a luxury suv or particularly competent fast car.
I think the steering wheel, gear shift, doors - everything you touch - felt sub par. The upholstery was nice though.
The instrument binnacle and centre console reminded me of a rental qashqui. Every time you used or looked at this stuff it detracted from the feeling I wanted in this type of mile muncher - its not a sports car, so it's not like overlooking a stripped out or cheap interior in the face of amazing characteristics.
It didn't creak or rattle too much, but you can just tell it will having covered a few miles.
I couldn't see why anyone would buy one over a Cayenne or suchlike, aside from the rarity.
The negative was, for me, once you take away the first ten minutes of "this goes/sounds nice and has a trident" and looked a bit closer, it didn't feel like a luxury suv or particularly competent fast car.
I think the steering wheel, gear shift, doors - everything you touch - felt sub par. The upholstery was nice though.
The instrument binnacle and centre console reminded me of a rental qashqui. Every time you used or looked at this stuff it detracted from the feeling I wanted in this type of mile muncher - its not a sports car, so it's not like overlooking a stripped out or cheap interior in the face of amazing characteristics.
It didn't creak or rattle too much, but you can just tell it will having covered a few miles.
I couldn't see why anyone would buy one over a Cayenne or suchlike, aside from the rarity.
01WE01 said:
Fair enough. I think it looks good, and sounds good. I drove the V6. It drove fine, the engine was nice, felt rear wheel drive and had a decent ride. The seats were good too, though the back was cramped and the angle felt like you were at the dentist.
The negative was, for me, once you take away the first ten minutes of "this goes/sounds nice and has a trident" and looked a bit closer, it didn't feel like a luxury suv or particularly competent fast car.
I think the steering wheel, gear shift, doors - everything you touch - felt sub par. The upholstery was nice though.
The instrument binnacle and centre console reminded me of a rental qashqui. Every time you used or looked at this stuff it detracted from the feeling I wanted in this type of mile muncher - its not a sports car, so it's not like overlooking a stripped out or cheap interior in the face of amazing characteristics.
It didn't creak or rattle too much, but you can just tell it will having covered a few miles.
I couldn't see why anyone would buy one over a Cayenne or suchlike, aside from the rarity.
Thanks for your thoughts, some interesting points to consider. The negative was, for me, once you take away the first ten minutes of "this goes/sounds nice and has a trident" and looked a bit closer, it didn't feel like a luxury suv or particularly competent fast car.
I think the steering wheel, gear shift, doors - everything you touch - felt sub par. The upholstery was nice though.
The instrument binnacle and centre console reminded me of a rental qashqui. Every time you used or looked at this stuff it detracted from the feeling I wanted in this type of mile muncher - its not a sports car, so it's not like overlooking a stripped out or cheap interior in the face of amazing characteristics.
It didn't creak or rattle too much, but you can just tell it will having covered a few miles.
I couldn't see why anyone would buy one over a Cayenne or suchlike, aside from the rarity.
The big attraction for me is the looks, sound. rarity and the fact I haven't owned a Maserati yet. We had had a few Italian cars in the past and have always really liked them, in spite of their flaws. The German cars definitely have that premium feel and the ones we have owned have been bombproof, they just haven't really inspired any passion.
01WE01 said:
Stelvio QF? I have never driven one, but they seem to get rave reviews and the Guilia QF I drove felt alive. Same issues with dealer network, but I think they feel a bit more up to date.
That is the other car in the mix. Clearly the big plus is performance / engine, but the Alfa's poor reliability and appalling customer support is a concern. As this will be driven by my wife as much as me for the daily duties, we don't want the hassle of it being in & out of the dealership with electrical gremlins. I've had a Levante for over 18 mths now, and have been a bit of an Italian car fan for...well, forever. I'll give you my open and honest opinion regardless of the slight 'fandom'. I've had 3 GranTurismo's in the past and despite the "oh it must break down constantly", the 3 GT's never let me down, only ever had minor niggles and all 4 Maserati's I've had have proven to be more reliable than the 2 Cayenne's, Merc AMG GT-R, first C63 that tried to kill me on many occasions (not a driver issue, but a decidedly dodgy set-up of the gearbox / software)...etc...
As I say, I've had 2 Cayenne's - I forget what engine the first was, the second was a V8 diesel. It was a great and competent car, nothing wrong with it, but it was very German - black with black interior, far too many buttons and frankly pretty soulless. But, on so many levels it was all the car you would ever need to.
I'd been tempted by the Levante when they first came out but wasn't quite sure of the look, but this had grown on me. I bought from Motorline (I think) Maserati in Kent, but Maranello have looked after it as they're nearer and have looked after my GT's in the past. I must say that they're one of the best dealerships of any brand that I've ever dealt with (looking at you Mercedes Epsom for the bottom of the pile of service-side businesses).
I have the petrol V6 Levante, the most common petrol version, with 350bhp. They do a 430bhp version now, plus the GTS (I think) and Trofeo - but both of these are quite a jump into the low 6-figures. I actually looked for one with a non-black interior and got the light cream leather (don't ask me the Italian random name they give for it), with a blue metallic - this was from stock with delivery miles on it.
What do I like about the Levante? Almost everything. The build quality I've found to be as good as the Porsche (the Cayenne went wrong mechanically on a couple of occasions), the only issue I've had was a rattling passenger headrest. I've found it to be a very smooth gear change in auto, but actually generally drive it with the paddles, putting it in sport mode - which gives a nice rasp to the exhaust and stiffens the handling up, but still a nice balance of keeping it comfortable. The interior leather feels nice and the cabin is overall a nice place to be. The front windows are also double glazed so its pretty well sound-proofed. Oh... and it has soft closing doors - you know, if you don't quite shut them hard enough then it does it for you. I now deliberately try to not quite shut the doors, just because. Now the Cayenne didn't have that!
For an Italian car it is ergonomically pretty good, save for knocking my knee on the headlight switch fairly regularly as I get in or out. The media screen is actually one of the easiest I've found in terms of layout and use - its basically really obvious, which is never a bad thing when it comes to avoiding being distracted. The latest model has had this updated a bit I believe. Mine has the basic stereo which is still pretty good, although there are a couple of levels of upgrade available.
The rear carries my 6ft son without complaint too, so no complaints there, and it comes with USB sockets in the back, arm rest etc...anything you would ordinarily expect to find - so honestly nothing that you feel a bit short-changed about.
If you want to carry loads, its fine. There are bigger cars out there, but going to the tip or picking up the Christmas tree is fine - I mean, how much do you need to do I guess! And if you've a family of 4 going on hols I've no doubt it would cope admirably. When I first got it, I did a 400 mile round trip in a day and I must say it was the most relaxing trip, getting out without feeling like I'd just spent that long in the car.
Reliability wise it hasn't missed a beat. I had it serviced after 18mths (its a 2 year / 12,500 mile interval) and nothing to report.
And because I've been singing its praises so much to my partner - she has a Merc and always has had and swears by them, despite my best efforts - it decided to have a meltdown over Christmas. Without warning it decided it was -40 outside and would only blow hot air. Then a couple of days later the engine management light came on. And then it decided it was 85 degrees outside and blowing cold air. So its now with Maranello who will hopefully fix it!! Am I concerned? No, not at all - its genuinely been a very good and reliable car, and I wouldn't hesitate getting another.
I have considered getting a bigger engine - but to be honest, it's got plenty of poke in it when driven in sport mode, more than you'd ever need on the road. Frankly it would be money down the drain if I did. Equally, if I ordered from the factory I might choose to have a couple more toys such as the panoramic roof, and anyway, who doesn't like to sit on a configurator and see what price point they can hit! If I drove more for work - or at all, given the present circumstances - I may consider changing it at some point, otherwise it'll be with me for 3 years which is about 1-2 years more than is typical for me!
So of course there will be the naysayers, but other than it just having a current brainfart, its been absolutely trouble free motoring (even been in 4 wheel drive mode a couple of times off-road, and I bet there's not many of these that have done that! And it was perfectly capable). I'll spare you the saga with Mercedes in Epsom and the weeks upon weeks of struggling to fix what turned out to be a battery cable, or the damage they did to my car and then refused to pay for it - until I threatened to go legal, or the C63 that dropped power when pulling out at T-jcts and almost getting me T-boned...or......!
So, I'd give it a good 8/10 in my opinion - and I love the Italian-ness of it being just a little different.
As I say, I've had 2 Cayenne's - I forget what engine the first was, the second was a V8 diesel. It was a great and competent car, nothing wrong with it, but it was very German - black with black interior, far too many buttons and frankly pretty soulless. But, on so many levels it was all the car you would ever need to.
I'd been tempted by the Levante when they first came out but wasn't quite sure of the look, but this had grown on me. I bought from Motorline (I think) Maserati in Kent, but Maranello have looked after it as they're nearer and have looked after my GT's in the past. I must say that they're one of the best dealerships of any brand that I've ever dealt with (looking at you Mercedes Epsom for the bottom of the pile of service-side businesses).
I have the petrol V6 Levante, the most common petrol version, with 350bhp. They do a 430bhp version now, plus the GTS (I think) and Trofeo - but both of these are quite a jump into the low 6-figures. I actually looked for one with a non-black interior and got the light cream leather (don't ask me the Italian random name they give for it), with a blue metallic - this was from stock with delivery miles on it.
What do I like about the Levante? Almost everything. The build quality I've found to be as good as the Porsche (the Cayenne went wrong mechanically on a couple of occasions), the only issue I've had was a rattling passenger headrest. I've found it to be a very smooth gear change in auto, but actually generally drive it with the paddles, putting it in sport mode - which gives a nice rasp to the exhaust and stiffens the handling up, but still a nice balance of keeping it comfortable. The interior leather feels nice and the cabin is overall a nice place to be. The front windows are also double glazed so its pretty well sound-proofed. Oh... and it has soft closing doors - you know, if you don't quite shut them hard enough then it does it for you. I now deliberately try to not quite shut the doors, just because. Now the Cayenne didn't have that!
For an Italian car it is ergonomically pretty good, save for knocking my knee on the headlight switch fairly regularly as I get in or out. The media screen is actually one of the easiest I've found in terms of layout and use - its basically really obvious, which is never a bad thing when it comes to avoiding being distracted. The latest model has had this updated a bit I believe. Mine has the basic stereo which is still pretty good, although there are a couple of levels of upgrade available.
The rear carries my 6ft son without complaint too, so no complaints there, and it comes with USB sockets in the back, arm rest etc...anything you would ordinarily expect to find - so honestly nothing that you feel a bit short-changed about.
If you want to carry loads, its fine. There are bigger cars out there, but going to the tip or picking up the Christmas tree is fine - I mean, how much do you need to do I guess! And if you've a family of 4 going on hols I've no doubt it would cope admirably. When I first got it, I did a 400 mile round trip in a day and I must say it was the most relaxing trip, getting out without feeling like I'd just spent that long in the car.
Reliability wise it hasn't missed a beat. I had it serviced after 18mths (its a 2 year / 12,500 mile interval) and nothing to report.
And because I've been singing its praises so much to my partner - she has a Merc and always has had and swears by them, despite my best efforts - it decided to have a meltdown over Christmas. Without warning it decided it was -40 outside and would only blow hot air. Then a couple of days later the engine management light came on. And then it decided it was 85 degrees outside and blowing cold air. So its now with Maranello who will hopefully fix it!! Am I concerned? No, not at all - its genuinely been a very good and reliable car, and I wouldn't hesitate getting another.
I have considered getting a bigger engine - but to be honest, it's got plenty of poke in it when driven in sport mode, more than you'd ever need on the road. Frankly it would be money down the drain if I did. Equally, if I ordered from the factory I might choose to have a couple more toys such as the panoramic roof, and anyway, who doesn't like to sit on a configurator and see what price point they can hit! If I drove more for work - or at all, given the present circumstances - I may consider changing it at some point, otherwise it'll be with me for 3 years which is about 1-2 years more than is typical for me!
So of course there will be the naysayers, but other than it just having a current brainfart, its been absolutely trouble free motoring (even been in 4 wheel drive mode a couple of times off-road, and I bet there's not many of these that have done that! And it was perfectly capable). I'll spare you the saga with Mercedes in Epsom and the weeks upon weeks of struggling to fix what turned out to be a battery cable, or the damage they did to my car and then refused to pay for it - until I threatened to go legal, or the C63 that dropped power when pulling out at T-jcts and almost getting me T-boned...or......!
So, I'd give it a good 8/10 in my opinion - and I love the Italian-ness of it being just a little different.
BigR said:
I've had a Levante for over 18 mths now.
So, I'd give it a good 8/10 in my opinion - and I love the Italian-ness of it being just a little different.
BigR,So, I'd give it a good 8/10 in my opinion - and I love the Italian-ness of it being just a little different.
Many thanks for the comprehensive review of your ownership experience, I really appreciate you taking the time to write it.
I absolutely agree with you about the Cayenne. Mine was completely trouble free and very Germanic, in that it was well built and did everything I needed it to. Like you though, it just felt functional and didn't put a big enough smile on my face. The Range Rovers (both Vogue SEs) did feel a little more special, but again didn't quite ignite any passion, hence me looking at something Italian.
I have had plenty of nice cars including: DB9, DBS, 2 x 911s, Cal 30 and several others, but as flawed as it was my favourite to date was an Alfa Brera that I bought from new when they were first released. Unfortunately, the electrics stereotypically started to go pear shaped after about two years. Even so, the other SUV in the mix for me (as I mentioned above) is the Stelvio QF, but as it will be the family daily I don't want something that's spends too much time at the dealership.
I also agree with you about Maranello - I bought my Cali 30 from them in late summer 19 and they were superb from purchase through to customer support when I had a few niggles, which were all covered under warranty without any quibbles. I may well look to buy from them if I do decide on the Levante. As I will go for something 12 - 18 months old using a trusted dealer that I know will look after me if I have any problems is worth and the extra £s.
Interesting point about the 350 v 430. I had been doing the typical: "go for the more powerful car" thinking, but it is not as if I will ever look to drive it anywhere near the limit. Pleased to hear you say the cabin is a nice place to be and screwed together well. As I am buying used I would look for one with a pan roof and possibly uprated stereo; any other extras would be a bonus. Undecided on colour yet, but will go for a lighter interior to lift the cabin.
As me, my wife and daughter are from Middle Earth we don't need anything with too much leg room, and bar the odd run to the tip I won't need to lug anything too large.
I just need to sit on my hands now - have been known to go from browsing to buying in a day - as it makes no sense to buy something that will just sit there for the next month or two.
Edited by PJM986 on Sunday 17th January 13:13
You're welcome! Similarly have had / have a couple of other nice cars - Huracan, Vanquish... - but I have to say the Levante is one that I consistently like (not that I don't like my Huracan - far from it / childhood dream etc) and despite the best recent efforts of a salesperson at Maranello to try and get me to switch, I see no point. It would be a complete waste of £££. Relatively speaking, she's a keeper... until I get persuaded otherwise of course!
My son mentions the Stelvio quite regularly to me, but I'm not so taken by them. I've had a fairly basic one as a rental car abroad and it was fine, but didn't feel quite as nice as the Levante - but then its quite a bit cheaper too! He has has a Mito 170bhp - and he really enjoys it, as do I - we have no Italian heritage whatsoever, but they just tick the boxes well when it comes to being a bit different about cars.
My son mentions the Stelvio quite regularly to me, but I'm not so taken by them. I've had a fairly basic one as a rental car abroad and it was fine, but didn't feel quite as nice as the Levante - but then its quite a bit cheaper too! He has has a Mito 170bhp - and he really enjoys it, as do I - we have no Italian heritage whatsoever, but they just tick the boxes well when it comes to being a bit different about cars.
Big R has said it all, I have owned my Levante 350 for 14 months and absolutely love it. It was a stock model loaded with extras and got for a great price. Haven’t seen another in my area in all the time of ownership and it also has never missed a beat. Only bad points are flipping lights on with your knee and position of start button, wish they’d copied Alfa and put in on steering wheel.
Chazsmash said:
Big R has said it all, I have owned my Levante 350 for 14 months and absolutely love it. It was a stock model loaded with extras and got for a great price. Haven’t seen another in my area in all the time of ownership and it also has never missed a beat. Only bad points are flipping lights on with your knee and position of start button, wish they’d copied Alfa and put in on steering wheel.
Thanks Chazmash,Good to hear you are loving the car. I have been on a different Maserati site and heard lots of positives from others as well as speaking to somebody who knows the brand very well and gave me some sound advise. As with all things there are a few negatives, but overall I am fairly sure I will be buying one when things ease. I would go for petrol, probably the 430, pan roof, 21" wheels, carbon pack, heated seats and uprated stereo. The Stelvio QF still appeals, but poor customer support and reliability issues are very off putting.
That sort of spec would be more suited to a Gransport rather than Granlusso IMO, heated sport seats, black grille, extended leather dash ( on the S) shift paddles.
I’ve ran a couple of Levante & driven lots and prefer the sport seats but I’d always advise trying both to see which you prefer
I’ve ran a couple of Levante & driven lots and prefer the sport seats but I’d always advise trying both to see which you prefer
Some less familiar with the brand might not realise that the Granlusso & Gransport are models with a pre selected list off extras then given the badge. What I am trying to say is that there may well be things in those specs you don’t care for and you may well find a base Levante with what you desire.. cheaper. The “S” also comes at a cost ( for same engine ) and for 0.8 sec improvement 0-60 is it worth it, ok if it is you can get 460bhp from it with a remap ( SA Tuning ). I found a car sitting in the showroom pre reg with 10 miles on clock with 20” wheels, red callipers, tinted windows, roof rails, body colour mouldings, pan roof, heated sports steering wheel and heated seats for 20k off list 😎
Daveb257 said:
That sort of spec would be more suited to a Gransport rather than Granlusso IMO, heated sport seats, black grille, extended leather dash ( on the S) shift paddles.
I’ve ran a couple of Levante & driven lots and prefer the sport seats but I’d always advise trying both to see which you prefer
Thanks,I’ve ran a couple of Levante & driven lots and prefer the sport seats but I’d always advise trying both to see which you prefer
I think the you could be right, the Gransport may be best for me.
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