If you’re going to disrupt a segment dominated by German efficiency and British pedigree, you’d better bring something unapologetically charismatic to the table. And that’s precisely what the Maserati Levante Modena S does (with Italian flair to spare). This is not just another performance SUV. This is the Maserati of SUVs – a machine that wears its heart on its sleeve and wears it well.
While the Levante name has adorned South African roads since 2016, the Modena S variant brings a more focused persona. For those who want elegance, dynamism and the occasional heart-racing moment wrapped into one, the Modena S trim is where the magic happens. Positioned between the base GT and fire-breathing Trofeo, it’s the sweet spot for those seeking balance (and a bolder way to arrive anywhere).
BORN IN TURIN, TUNED FOR AFRICA
Maserati’s Centro Stile in Turin may be a world away from the jacaranda-lined boulevards of Pretoria or the twisty coastal roads near Hout Bay. Still, the design ethos behind the Levante Modena S feels right at home here. Inspired by the warm, rising wind named after it, the Levante moves with a sense of purpose. Every contour and crease is functional, yet emotive. Think more sculpture than shell.
For 2024, the Modena S benefits from what Maserati calls “athletic refinement.” Sport bumpers trimmed with Black Piano inserts visually drop the nose closer to the tarmac, while a set of gloss-black 20” alloys ensures this Modena S stands tall and purposeful in any parking lot. From up front, the tuning-fork grille signals the car’s intent: fast, fashionable, and unafraid to be both.
THE RED-BLOODED V6
While the base Modena makes do with a still-impressive 350 hp (257 kW) twin-turbo V6, the Modena S dials things up to a properly invigorating 430 hp (316 kW) and 580 Nm. That’s good for a zero to 100 km/h time of just 5.2 seconds – swift by any measure, but doubly so for something with this level of luxury and road presence.
There’s a musicality to this engine that defies the more anodyne tones of many turbocharged rivals. Push past 3,000 rpm, and the Levante Modena S clears its throat with a raspy growl that feels wonderfully old-school in a time of digital enhancement. The ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic gearbox shifts with smooth assurance that belies the car’s sporty pretensions. Want to row through the gears yourself? Magnesium paddle shifters answer the call with a satisfying click.
A CHASSIS THAT PUSHES THE LIMITS
Thanks to Maserati’s Q4 all-wheel-drive system and Skyhook adaptive damping, the Levante Modena S walks the tightrope between grand tourer comfort and agile cross-country confidence. The system constantly monitors grip, steering angle and yaw to shift power as needed (especially useful when navigating gravel backroads, or when a summer storm leaves the N1 slick with spray).
A centrally mounted torque vectoring system means the Modena S doesn’t just plough through corners, but actively pivots around them. The adjustable air suspension, meanwhile, can be raised or lowered at the press of a button, meaning kerbs, speed bumps, or soft-sand lodge entrances are dealt with gracefully.
And because Maserati understands that performance should never come at the expense of refinement, the cabin remains whisper-quiet at a cruise. Double-glazed windows and active noise cancellation ensure that the only soundtrack is the one you choose.
LA DOLCE VITA, DIGITISED
Stepping into the Levante Modena S feels like slipping into a bespoke Italian suit. The wraparound leather seats hug you in the right places without ever feeling tight. The Black Piano Trim adds a depth of texture to the otherwise classically styled dash, while soft ambient lighting and Maserati’s distinctive analogue clock on the centre stack keep things feeling unmistakably premium.
At the heart of the cabin lies Maserati’s Intelligent Assistant infotainment system. Controlled via a crisp 8.4” touchscreen (or rotary dial), it features smartphone mirroring, navigation, and access to drive modes and vehicle functions. It’s intuitive, responsive, and refreshingly free of the laggy menus and cluttered layouts plaguing some rivals.
More importantly, the cabin is a place you want to spend time in. Besides the aural treat delivered by the Harmon Kardon sound system (as standard) to all passengers, rear occupants are treated to generous legroom and their own climate control zone, while boot space (578 litres with the seats up) is more than adequate for a weekend escape to the Winelands or a brisk airport run.
LOCAL APPEAL AND OWNERSHIP INCENTIVES
Perhaps one of the more compelling reasons to consider the Levante Modena S right now is Maserati South Africa’s current dealer assistance programme. Targeted specifically at the Modena S variant, this initiative brings the usually out-of-reach Italian stallion within range for a greater number of performance SUV enthusiasts.
And it’s not just about price. With dedicated aftersales support, a growing local dealer network, and a brand investing heavily in electrified and combustion platforms, Maserati has committed to selling cars in SA and supporting them for the long haul.
A STATEMENT ON EVERY ROAD
In a segment where brand loyalty often trumps genuine differentiation, the Levante Modena S dares to colour outside the lines. It’s not as clinical as a Porsche Cayenne, nor as brash as some AMG-badged alternatives. Instead, it delivers something intangible: soul.
It’s the way it makes you feel when you unlock it in the morning. The way passers-by double-take at the trident on the grille. The way the exhaust note dances off concrete walls in an underground parkade.
This is a car for those who want to be seen (but on their own terms), and who care as much about how they drive as what they drive.
LAST WORD
The Maserati Levante Modena S is not perfect. Some of its interior switchgear still echoes its FCA roots. The boot lip is a touch high. And yes, fuel economy (averaging around 11.5 l/100 km in real-world conditions) won’t impress your accountant. But none of that really matters.
Because once you’re behind the wheel, windows down, sun cutting through the clouds over the Highveld, and the engine singing its operatic tune, everything else fades into the background.
LEVANTE MODENA S: SPEC SNAPSHOT
Exterior Features
• Sport bumpers with Black Piano inserts
• Nerissimo Pack (black exterior elements)
• 20″ alloy wheels with red brake callipers
• Full-LED adaptive headlamps
• Dual exhaust system with chrome tips
Interior Highlights
• Full premium leather upholstery
• Black Piano interior trim
• Sports seats with power adjustment
• Heated front seats
• Maserati analogue dash clock
• Aluminium paddle shifters
Technology & Convenience
• Maserati Intelligent Assistant infotainment (8.4″ touchscreen)
• Apple CarPlay / Android Auto integration
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Keyless entry & remote start
• Premium 8-speaker sound system
• Adaptive air suspension with Skyhook damping
Driver Assistance & Safety
• Forward collision warning
• Adaptive cruise control
• Lane departure warning
• Blind spot monitor
• 360-degree surround-view camera
Report by BERNIE HELLBERG JR | Images © MASERATI SOUTH AFRICA
