First, to understand why the Levante is such a powerful beast, we look at the 350hp V6 engine, which sits under the bonnet. Designed by Maserati in collaboration with Ferrari—the Prancing Horse marque also manufactures the units—it features low-inertia parallel twin turbos, double continuous cam phasers for each cylinder head and high-pressure fuel injection. The V6 engine also features advanced valve control technology with hydraulic roller finger followers and four cam phasers, twin turbocharging and direct injection technology. All these results in a low fuel consumption rate despite the engine delivering 500 Nm torque from 1,750rpm up to 5,000rpm. Of course, with such a powerful engine, the Levante can complete the century sprint in a mere 6.0 seconds, while hitting a top speed of 251 km/h. 

Next, we look at all the different technology that goes into the enhancing the comfort of the ride. Take the Maserati Q4 Intelligent All-Wheel-Drive System for instance. It is developed to deliver a rear-wheel drive experience, even in low-grip road conditions and transfers traction to the front wheels on-demand and immediately. Thanks to the system, which takes into account various factors such as wheel speed and steering and yaw angle, the car allows for optimal vehicle dynamic management for any road condition, at any time. 

At the rear axle of the Levante is a mechanical limited-slip differential (LSD), an asymmetric locking feature that helps the engine put its power to the road more efficiently. Then, there is the torque-vectoring function, which has been re-designed to distribute more torque to the outer wheels by applying a slight braking force to the inner ones. The Maserati Q4 Intelligent All-Wheel-Drive System, together with the LSD and torque-vectoring function, ensures the Levante's sportiness as well as the comfort level of the drive. 

Another factor that Maserati has invested time and effort to further enhance the driving experience of the Levante is its suspension system. At the front, the Levante features double-wishbone suspension—a traditional feature of Maserati racing heritage—which gives the driver even better control of the car. The same goes for the  front and rear suspensions, both of which adopt a roll bar for less body roll and hence more control. 

The Levante is also equipped with the state-of-the-art Air Spring suspension, a system that comprises four independent air springs, each with a level sensor. This way, the driver can manually alter the car's height via a rocker switch or by choosing different driving modes on the central console, resulting in increased levels of comfort and safety. It also helps reduce fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions due to the lowering of the car and the reduced aerodynamic drag at medium to high speeds. 

And for those who want to push the limit on the Levante, there is the Sport Skyhook system, which stiffens the shock absorbers when activated to reducing longitudinal and lateral load transfer. The drive's sporty character is instantly revealed as the damping rate for each wheel is reduced.  

As for the aesthetics and interiors of the Levante, it is what one would expect from a top-notch Maserati creation. 

From the imposing grille, which was inspired by the sensational Alfieri concept car from 2014, to the its aerodynamic silhouette that flows from its feline headlights to the characteristic rear pillar, every element spells Maserati through and through. The Levante sports frameless doors, a signature feature of modern Maserati cars, while the muscular shape of its rear haunches exemplifies true Italian design flair. 

There is a palette of seven colours for the V6 Levante, of which one is a brand new tri-coat colour. The Blu Nobile, as the new shade is called, resembles sparkling glass flakes glimmering under the sunlight. The spacious cabin in the Levante blends innovative solutions, such as the state-of-the art infotainment system, with luxurious features like leather-trimmed upholstery and steering wheel, and premium leather seats. 

Whichever variant you end up choosing, all we can say is that the Maserati Levante V6 makes for a good start to a brand-new year indeed. La dolce vita, as the Italians would say. 

New owners, who order the Maserati Levante from Tatler Curates: Christmas Edition, will receive a Maserati Welcome Delivery Pack with an exclusive bottle of Ruinart Champagne from The Tatler Bar. Terms and conditions apply. For more information, visit tatlercurates.com.

(Related: Industry Leaders Leonard Lee, Shireena Shroff Manchharam And Marcus Ang On How They Pursue Excellence)