Maserati Levante 2021: new Trofeo gains cyclonic V8 with even more power

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Maserati has announced the range-topping 2021 Levante Trofeo has finally landed in Australia bringing even more V8-power to the performance SUV.

The Levante is one of three Maserati models to gain the Trofeo treatment, alongside the Ghibli and Quattroporte large sedans.

At the heart of each of these models is a 3.8-litre V8 twin-turbo petrol engine making 433kW of power and 730Nm of torque which is built by Ferrari at its factory in Maranello. 

On a somewhat tragic note, Maserati says this is the last time this engine will be used in any Maserati, amid tightening international emissions standards.

Despite pushing a 2,170kg kerb weight, with launch control activated, the Levante Trofeo sends its power through the eight-speed torque converter automatic to all four wheels to deliver a frightening 3.9 second 0 to 100km/h acceleration time. 

The Levante Trofeo has been available overseas for some time, with the performance SUV making its first appearance at the New York Autoshow in 2018 to much fanfare. 

It’s not just a one-trick pony either, with Maserati fitting the Bosch-developed Integrated Vehicle Control system that reads the road ahead and adjusts outputs such as wheel torque at each corner to help the large SUV corner flatter and faster.

Visually separating the new top-spec model from the pack is an aggressive grille design in piano black with carbon fibre laced around the front air intake and rear extractor.

Sitting at each corner is a set of 22-inch Orione style wheels while the side air vents seem to bleed a contrasting red colour which matches the Maserati Trident badging at the rear.

Additional styling tweaks include a full-grain Pieno Fiore natural leather interior along with a series of additional Trofeo badging in the headrests and around the cabin.

In Australia, we already have the Levante GTS which uses a slightly toned-down version of the same engine with power slightly down at 405kW but torque is exactly the same at 730Nm.

While the Levante GTS may be down on power, with a price of $268,990 it is significantly cheaper than the Levante Trofeo at $336,990 (both before on-road costs). But if you want the best, there still remains only one option.

Maserati Levante 2021: prices in Australia

All prices listed are before on-road costs.

• Levante 350: $127,000
• Levante GranLusso: $146,990
• Levante GranSport: $146,990
• Levante GranLusso S: $182,490
• Levante GranSport S: $182,490
• Levante GTS: $268,990
• Levante Trofeo $336,990