Maserati Levante Spied for the First Time

Jason Siu
by Jason Siu

Maserati‘s upcoming Levante SUV has been spied for the first time and it certainly looks unique.

The spy photos suggest that the Italian automaker might not be turning to the Jeep Grand Cherokee as the platform for its entry into the luxury crossover segment and instead could use the platform that underpins the Ghibli and Quattroporte sedans.

SEE ALSO: 2014 Maserati Ghibli S Q4 Review

Thankfully as a mule, it is unlikely that the production Levante will look as strange as this Ghibli turned high-riding SUV, which also sports a roof extension likely so the company can test the additional weight and balance that comes with a taller vehicle.

Most importantly, Maserati’s decision to start with its own existing platform means the upcoming Levante won’t be subject to criticism that it’s just a rebadged Jeep Grand Cherokee – something it’ll need to compete with the likes of Porsche’s Cayenne and other high-end SUVs.

GALLERY: Maserati Levante Mule Spy Photos

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Jason Siu
Jason Siu

Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.

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