Seemingly not a day can pass in 2019 without something performance SUV related emerging in the news. And today that is no different, with Maserati confirming availability of the V8 Levantes in the UK from £105,000.
The Trofeo was launched at New York last year (with the GTS following at Shanghai), to some considerable surprise; everyone thought that the F-Pace SVR was the super SUV of the show, only to be gazumped by a Maserati Levante boasting even more power. With a 0-60mph time of less than four seconds and a top speed approaching 190mph, the Levante's performance credentials in battling cars like the Range Rover Sport SVR and BMW X5 M aren't in any doubt.
Whether it will be able to match those cars elsewhere remains to be seen, though we do now know how much it will cost. Kicking off the V8 Levante range will be the 530hp GTS, priced from £104,900 and boasting what Maserati calls "and elegant exterior restyling"; with an "even more aggressive and head turning presence", the GTS is £5,000 more than a Cayenne Turbo, which will likely be its closest rival.
The 580hp Trofeo is described by Maserati as "unmistakable", and will cost from £124,900. That sort of prices places it beyond the conventional German rivals (though it does have more power), and there's further scope to do so with the Launch Edition. Distinguished by three exclusive colours - Blu Emozione, Giallo Modenese or Rosso Magma - and additional carbon fibre, there will be just 50 Trofeo Launch Editions in the UK. Each will cost £159,900...
With the cars available to order now and making a dynamic debut at Goodwood next month, the V8 Levantes can't be far off reaching UK customers. Would it be your super SUV of choice? Or do the more established rivals hold greater appeal?
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