The Maserati Levante, with its “elegant surfaces, spacious interior, intuitive on-board controls and exceptional engineering”, was recently recognised with first place in the Best Mid-Sized Sport Luxury SUV category in the Off-Road Special Edition, an annual collaborative publication by Arab Motors Middle East and Maqina.
Arab Motors Middle East and Maqina found the Levante — which “exemplifies the sophistication, power and distinctive personality of Italian automotive design” — to be a “cut above the rest” in the highly competitive luxury SUV sector, according to a press statement from Alfardan Sports Motors, the official dealer of Maserati in Qatar.
Arab Motors Middle East and Maqina are two of the most influential voices in Qatar’s automotive media.
“Whether it was the sporty silhouette, the fine leather interior or the Levante’s performance, the judges ultimately determined that this iconic SUV outclassed its rivals to take the title as the finest mid-size sport luxury SUV available in the market,” the statement noted. 
The first aspect that the judges took into consideration was the exterior of the vehicle. The Levante draws on decades of Maserati design tradition, delivering a sleek and sculpted body featuring three eye-catching air vents on the front wings and the assertive front grille that references the great sporting Maserati vehicles of the past. 
The innovative engineering of the Levante incorporates a 50/50 weight distribution and a five-link rear suspension that delivers a sense of harmony between the driver and the road ahead. 
The Levante is available in the standard 350hp V6, which reaches 0-100km/h in 6.0 seconds and has a top speed of 251km/h, and the Levante-S, with its 430hp engine that reaches 0-100km/h in 5.2 seconds with a top speed of 264km/h.  
Within the Levante, fine exclusive craftsmanship and creative flair are seen in every fitting and finish. The judges were also drawn to the more subtle design detailing: the feline-shaped headlights, the 8.4” display featuring Maserati’s bespoke touch interface, as well as ergonomic seats that provide unparalleled style and comfort. 
Finally, the Levante’s end-to-end safety features, which include six dual-stage airbags, adaptive cruise control and ‘active’ safety technology designed to help prevent collisions, place it among the most protective vehicles on the road today. 
“We are delighted with the award and proud that the judges have confirmed what we have held from the moment the Levante launched,” said Charly Dagher, general manager of Maserati Qatar, Alfardan Sports Motors.