Maserati Levante

We tried the Maserati Levante S, and the more powerful engine catapulted the 4,600-pound SUV to speed. Not only is the power delivery rich and muscular, but the accompanying sound effects are part of the experience. Ranging from a tingle to a snarl, then to a roar, the Levante emits the Maserati-trademark soundtrack, which, depending on your attitude, can be heartwarming, grin-inducing, or obnoxious. No matter what, remaining indifferent to the sound is not an option.

The eight-speed automatic transmission helps the orchestra with quick, smooth shifts. If your foot is planted into the gas pedal, upshifts come in with a blatty bark from the muffler pipes. In Sport mode, the maestro from Modena amplifies the symphony, but it might be over the top for you or your passengers' eardrums.

Handling also belies the size of this beast. The Levante feels planted and instills confidence in corners, whether on the road or on a track. It hugs the road with very little body lean. The sharp steering communicates actual feedback that's rare these days, making the Levante gobble corners quite enjoyably. But this SUV/coupe casts a large shadow, so in tight quarters and parking situations, given the broad stern and so-so rear visibility, you might need to have the skills of a Venetian gondolier.

Benefiting from the standard air suspension, the ride is commendably steady and composed. The suspension easily absorbs undulations and corrugations in the road, but the low-profile 20-inch tires transmit quite a bit of road texture and sharp bumps tend to be pronounced. Adjustable ride height comes courtesy of the air suspension. It can enable extra ground clearance for light off-road excursions, hunker down the SUV for a more aerodynamic high-speed cruise, or gracefully lower the body almost two inches for easier access.

Upon entering the cabin, you may think you stepped into one of Milan's fashion houses. The stunning interior is another treat for the senses, with cappuccino-color leather, painstaking stitching, and touches of wood and chrome. As expected, a jewel-like analog Maserati clock sits atop the dashboard.

Since Maserati is now part of the Fiat-Chrysler corporate entity, some Chrysler switchgear is apparent. Most notably the UConnect infotainment touchscreen. Annoyingly, you have to press "Accept" after every start to get the screen to work, otherwise, it won't even show temperature or your chosen radio station. Chrysler models, by the way, no longer require you to go through this ridiculous step. Fortunately, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility is included. Some actions can be performed through a central knob rather than reaching the screen--a welcome addition.

The shifter, however, is nothing less than an ergonomic disaster--it's too easy to overshoot Reverse and end up in Park. From Reverse to Drive, you have to depress the lever's trigger instead of just slapping it into Drive as you normally would.