Maserati slashes pricing across most models

MASERATI Australia has overhauled its model line-up for 2019, reducing pricing by up to $46,000 and deleting several low-volume variants while ushering in some minor updates.

“With the arrival of the 2019 model-year range, we have taken the opportunity sharpen the pricing of the best-selling variants in the range and make the more exclusive variants available to special order only,” Maserati Australia chief operating officer Glen Sealey said.

The Levante large SUV continues to kick off from $125,000 plus on-road costs for the base petrol variant, but its diesel counterpart is now $10,000 cheaper, at $129,990.

Performance-orientated GranSport and luxury-focused GranLusso versions of the pair are identically priced at $144,990, making them $15,000 more affordable than before.

This price reduction has also been applied to the Levante S that now starts from $164,990, while its GranSport and GranLusso variants have contracted by $10,000, to $179,990 each.

As part of its MY19 update, the Levante’s GranSport and GranLusso versions have been visually tweaked inside and out for further differentiation.

Additionally, a new gear selector for all variants, particular filters for the petrol engines, pedestrian detection for the autonomous emergency braking system, and the option of Matrix LED headlights are now available.

“These changes to the Levante range represent not just a change in price, (as) this is combined with additional features and equipment that enhance the exclusivity and personalisation of Maserati’s unique SUV,” Mr Sealey said.

“If the equipment offered by key rivals is matched against Levante, its value for money becomes even more self-evident, and that is before the Levante’s exclusivity and unique Italian style and craftsmanship is taken into account.”

Meanwhile, the Ghibli large sedan now kicks off from $139,990, making it $4000 cheaper than before, but its GranSport and GranLusso variants still cost $163,990 apiece.

The model’s diesel variants are now special order alongside the Ghibli S, although its GranSport and GranLusso versions are now $11,000 more affordable, at $184,990 each.

“The changes to the Ghibli range have been determined by the reduced popularity of diesel propulsion in this particular market sector, as in most areas of the world, along with a preference by clients purchasing the most powerful Ghibli, the 430bhp Ghibli S, to make full use of the unique and exclusive equipment offered by the GranSport and GranLusso versions,” Mr Sealey said.

The Quattroporte upper-large sedan’s entry-level petrol and diesel variants are now special order, but the former’s GranSport and GranLusso versions remain available at $224,990 apiece – a $15,000 contraction.

While Quattroporte S variants have also been made special order, their flagship GTS GranSport and GranLusso siblings return with the largest price reduction of all the models, at $46,000 for a $299,990 starting price each.

“Once again the changes to the Quattroporte range are accounted by client preference for the GranSport and GranLusso variants and client preference for the value they represent in terms of equipment and style,” Mr Sealey said.

“Equally, our clients looking for a performance Quattroporte have a clear preference for the ultimate variant, the 390kW twin-turbo V8, which blends effortless performance, luxury and a unique driving experience.”

GranSport versions of both the Ghibli and Quattroporte feature a more aggressive front fascia, while Pieno Fiore natural leather upholstery is now available inside either model alongside new trim and the Levante’s aforementioned gear selector.

The GranTurismo coupe and GranCabrio convertible are Maserati Australia’s only models to not be impacted by the price readjustments, with the former checking in at $295,000 for the Sport and $345,000 for the MC, while the latter’s corresponding variants cost $40,000 and $10,000 more respectively.

As reported, Maserati Australia’s sales decreased by 13.2 per cent in 2018, to 642 vehicles. The Levante was its best-selling model (346 units, -19.3%), followed by the Ghibli (194, 11.4%), GranTurismo/GranCabrio (58) and Quattroporte (44, +29.4%).

2019 Maserati Levante pricing*

*Excludes on-road costs

2019 Maserati Ghibli pricing*

*Excludes on-road costs

2019 Maserati Quattroporte pricing*

*Excludes on-road costs

2019 Maserati GranTursimo pricing*

*Excludes on-road costs

2019 Maserati GranCabrio pricing*

*Excludes on-road costs