Cars & Autos | Wednesday 26 October, 2016 5:06 am |

The Maserati Levante was named the “Best Luxury SUV” at the 10th edition of the EXCS International Luxury Motor Show in Jeddah. A group of automotive experts and media representatives from Saudi Arabia chose Maserati’s first ever SUV model as the best among a variety of high profile competitors. The award was presented by HE The Undersecretary of the Ministry of Transport, Eng. Mohammed Tawfiq Madani, to Mr. Fathi Allam, General Manager of Fast Auto Technic (FAST), the official dealer for Maserati in Saudi Arabia.

Commenting on winning the prestigious award, Fathi Allam stated: "It’s a great honour for us to receive this distinguished award. The Levante is a completely new model in our line-up and the award is proof that Maserati was successful in developing an SUV that looks sounds and performs like a Maserati – on-road and off-road - while delivering the advantages of an SUV. Based on customer feedback we are happy to confirm that the Levante is a full success in Saudi Arabia and a great addition to the Maserati family." Allam also assured that Fast Auto Technic (FAST), will continue its efforts to provide the best customer service to its clients and aims to add more achievements to its record of success in the Saudi Arabian market.

The Levante is available in two variants, the Levante and the Levante S, both featuring latest evolution of the Maserati 3-litre V6 engine with twin turbo. The top of the range Levante S with 430hp makes it to 100km/h in just 5.2” and has a top speed of 264 km/h. The 350hp Levante achieves the 0-100 km/h sprint in 6.0” and a 251km/h top speed. Both versions adopt an eight-speed automatic ZF gearbox with a choice of drive modes: “Normal”, I.C.E., “Sport” or “Off-road”.

The Levante is here to excite any sports car driver counting on performance-oriented features, such as the extensive use of lightweight materials, ideal 50-50% weight distribution, the lowest centre of gravity and the best aerodynamic efficiency in its segment. On a par with this, the off-road equipment, including the standard Air Springs, electronically controlled Skyhook shock absorbers and the intelligent Q4 All-Wheel-Drive system, completes a product made to surprise avid travellers and adventure lovers as well.

The Levante also comes with a wide range of new options and content, including: Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go function, Forward Collision Warning and Brake Assist System, Lane Departure Warning, Surround View camera, a 8.4" Touch Screen display and a high level of customisation that includes two cutting-edge packages: Luxury and Sport. With the Levante a new wind is blowing through the SUV segment, guaranteeing the passion, flair and exclusivity that have distinguished all Maserati models for over a century.