Levante

If you can picture a bodybuilder wearing an Italian designer suit, that’s the 2024 Maserati Levante. It muscles onto the luxury-SUV scene with equal parts athletic performance and affluent style. The entry-level model is powered by a twin-turbo V-6, but the available twin-turbo V-8 is the one to get. Offered in either 550- or 572-hp potencies, the eight-cylinder provides meaty power that's easy to exploit. All Levante models sing an operatic tune at full chat, too, which adds to the rewarding feeling from behind the wheel. The cabin is lined with fine materials, including a unique leather-and-silk upholstery option designed in conjunction with Ermenegildo Zegna. Unfortunately, the cabin's luxury is marred by switches and buttons pulled from the Chrysler parts bin. But with that Italian soundtrack blaring from under the hood, you might not give a damn about the plastics used on the window switches. You may care about the price, though, know that the Levante commands a six-figure outlay no matter which version you choose.