$120,000 Maserati Levante GTS Coming to Los Angeles Auto Show

With the arrival of this model, the Levante range has four flavors in North America. There are two twin-turbo Ferrari-assembled V6 versions, this and the 590-hp top-of-the-line Trofeo model that shares the 3.8L twin-turbo V8. That being said, this doesn't feel like a real debut, since FLA organized a media driving event for the GTS a couple of months ago.

The model that it's mostly going to be compared to is the Porsche Cayenne Turbo, which currently stickers for $124,600. And because Maserati is failing, we don't expect the Levante to compete well. Also, there are going to be performance versions of the BMW X5 and Mercedes GLE soon.

The 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 is a little smaller than what all the above-mentioned rivals have/will have. But with 550 horsepower at 6,250 rpm and peak torque of no less than 538 lb-ft between 2,500 and 5,000 rpm, you can't complain. And like all the other Levante models, it has Maserati’s Q4 Intelligent All-Wheel-Drive System and the eight-speed ZF gearbox with a manual mode. While the SUV will do 62 in about four seconds, it also has an off-road mode and a suspension lift.

As we've already mentioned, the full 2019 model range is coming to LAAS 2018. For example, you can look forward to the new "Pieno Fiore" leather, which is said to be super-soft and develop character over the year. It's going to be shown in black, tan or red, depending on the model.

Also, Maserati has tweaked the front grille and side skirts on the Quattroporte GTS GranSport, which now features double vertical bars in glossy Black Piano and side skirt inserts in the same color. A new tri-coat color is also available, the deep dark Blu Nobile, which will be presented on the Levante S GranLusso and Quattroporte S GranLusso.