Maserati Levante review

Little known fact: the Levante has an adjustable pedal box. Like LaFerrari. Pointless? No, it does help the Levante cope with a wider range of body shapes and sizes. The driving position, therefore, is very adaptable, and most of the controls are well thought out and logically positioned.

As part of the facelift the gearlever has been redesigned. Might sound like a minor change, but it’s an important one as it now operates logically. A variety of buttons alongside allow you to tailor the ESP, dampers, height control and Sport mode, but less straightforward is the operation of the central screen. This features a double height rotary knob on the centre console. You’ll use it once, then just operate the 8.4-inch screen by touching it.

It’s an OK set-up, but hardly cutting edge. You’ll be using the sat nav on your phone. More importantly the Levante feels well made from quality materials. It feels solid, expensive. And it’s a good size – provided you’re not viewing it as a potential rival to an Audi Q7 or Land Rover Discovery. Unsurprisingly, a Maserati SUV is prepared to compromise practicality in favour of design.

The boot might have a large floor area, but hound-friendliness is compromised by the angle of the tailgate. Two people will be very happy in the back, but a third will be sitting less comfortably on a raised perch.