One of the smartest things Porsche ever did was build a luxury sport-utility vehicle. It not only helped out the company financially in a desperate time, it also brought Porsche into many households where the brand made a broader impact. And then came the Panamera.
Talk about a one-two punch.
Maserati took a bit of a different route. The legendary Italian marque decided to first introduce a more economical sedan — the Ghibli — which I cannot seem to get out of my sights every drive into Manhattan. I spot at least several on a given day, which makes it unscientifically just as popular as the Audi A6. Now, comes the big boy.
But, what is a Maserati SUV really like? Well, let's find out.
CNN's resident automotive reviewer took a crack at one. Here's an excerpt from his brief driving impressions:
...In normal driving though, the Levante's cabin is a peaceable place, quiet and comforting.
From the driver's seat, the interior is all elegance with richly veined wood trim and nice leather. Our backseat passenger wasn't quite so fond of the legroom which she found to be a bit snug but, according to Maserati's measurements, it's not bad. Cargo space also seemed copious, especially given the Levante's swooping body lines...
...Maserati expects the Levante to quickly become its best-selling product. In an era when it seems nearly impossible for any SUV to sell badly -- we just can't seem to get enough of them -- that would probably be true regardless. As it is, I'd say that is a sure bet.
This has us wondering: IF the Maserati is just THAT good, will it be a sales DARLING like the original, first-gen Porsche Cayenne? THINK: How many X5, GLE-Class, Q7, Range Rover drivers are BORED of the same 'ol business as usual thing?
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