Maserati Skyhook suspension works automatically by adjusting the Levante’s damper response as road and driving conditions change. Depending on the model year and configuration, drivers may also be able to influence the suspension through drive-mode, damping and ride-height controls.
For drivers comparing the Maserati Levante, this system is designed to balance everyday comfort with more controlled handling when road conditions or driving preferences change.
Start with the normal driving configuration for everyday paved-road use. Select a firmer or raised setting only when it suits the road, speed and conditions, then return the vehicle to its normal configuration afterward.
Skyhook damping and the Levante’s active air suspension are related, but they perform different jobs. Available controls, settings and system behaviour can vary by model year, version, market and equipment.
Skyhook Suspension Versus Active Air Suspension
The Levante may combine two separate suspension functions:
Skyhook damping controls how firmly or softly the dampers respond.
Active air suspension controls the vehicle’s ride height.
Drive modes may influence one or both systems, but they should not be treated as the same feature. A driver may change the vehicle’s handling response without manually changing its height, or adjust its height for suitable conditions when the vehicle provides a separate ride-height control.
Official Levante documentation describes an active air suspension that can raise or lower the vehicle and notes that available ride-height positions depend on the driving situation.
How to Use Maserati Skyhook Suspension
Step 1: Start in the Normal Setting
Start the Levante and allow the suspension to enter its regular driving configuration.
The normal setting is the appropriate starting point for typical paved-road driving, commuting and general highway use.
Step 2: Identify the Available Controls
Before changing a setting, locate the controls fitted to that specific Levante.
Depending on the model year and configuration, these may include:
- A drive-mode selector
- A suspension-damping control
- A ride-height control
- A Sport setting
- An Off-Road setting
- A low-grip or stability-oriented setting
Do not assume that every Levante uses the same buttons or menu layout.
Step 3: Select a Setting for the Conditions
Choose a setting based on the road and the type of driving.
A normal or comfort-oriented configuration is generally suited to daily driving. A sport-oriented setting may provide a firmer and more responsive feel on appropriate paved roads.
An Off-Road or raised-height setting should be reserved for suitable low-speed terrain when that function is equipped. It should not be treated as a universal setting for all snow or winter driving.
Step 4: Adjust Ride Height Only When Needed
When the Levante has a separate ride-height control, select a higher position only when additional clearance is appropriate.
A lower setting may be intended for easier entry, parking or higher-speed driving, depending on the vehicle. Some height changes may occur automatically based on speed or drive mode.
Do not select or maintain a raised ride height at speeds or in conditions that are outside the limits shown in the vehicle documentation.
Step 5: Return to the Normal Configuration
After leaving uneven terrain or finishing performance-oriented driving, return the Levante to its normal configuration for regular paved-road use.
This avoids leaving the vehicle in a setting that does not suit the next part of the trip.
| Driving Situation | Suitable Starting Point | What to Remember |
|---|---|---|
| Daily city driving | Normal configuration | Allow Skyhook to adjust damping automatically |
| Highway driving | Normal or an appropriate road setting | Ride height may change automatically on some versions |
| Responsive paved-road driving | Sport-oriented setting, when appropriate | Expect a firmer suspension response |
| Uneven low-speed terrain | Raised or Off-Road setting, when equipped | Use only where added clearance is suitable |
| Snow or icy pavement | Setting suited to available traction | Do not use ride height as a substitute for safe winter driving |
What the Different Settings May Change
Normal Driving
The normal configuration is intended to balance ride comfort and handling for everyday roads.
Skyhook continues to adjust the dampers automatically as pavement and driving inputs change.
Sport-Oriented Driving
A sport-oriented setting may produce firmer damping and a more responsive feel.
Use it only when road, traffic and weather conditions make a firmer vehicle response appropriate. The exact changes depend on the Levante version.
Raised or Off-Road Driving
A raised suspension position can provide additional clearance for suitable low-speed terrain.
Do not assume that Off-Road mode is the best setting for every rough road or winter situation. Snow-covered pavement, deep snow and uneven terrain create different traction and clearance needs.
Lower Ride Height
Some Levante versions can lower the body for easier entry, parking or higher-speed driving.
The vehicle may manage certain height changes automatically. Always follow the operating limits shown for the exact model year.
Using Skyhook Suspension on Winnipeg Roads
Winnipeg roads can change considerably between neighbourhood streets, patched pavement, construction areas and open highways.
For regular city driving, leave the Levante in its normal configuration and allow Skyhook to manage damper response automatically. A firmer setting may make rough pavement feel more noticeable, even when it provides a more responsive handling feel.
When approaching potholes or damaged pavement, reduce speed safely rather than relying on the suspension to absorb every impact. Adaptive damping can manage suspension response, but it does not prevent wheel, tire or suspension damage from severe road hazards.
During Manitoba winter driving, choose settings based on traction and vehicle control rather than ride comfort alone. Skyhook and air suspension do not replace suitable tires, reduced speed or additional following distance.
A raised ride height may provide more clearance in appropriate conditions, but it does not create additional tire grip on snow or ice.
Why Did the Levante Change Height Automatically?
Depending on its model year and configuration, the Levante may automatically raise or lower itself based on factors such as speed, selected drive mode or vehicle operation.
An automatic height change can be part of normal system behaviour. It may help the vehicle balance clearance, stability, comfort or access.
Before assuming there is a fault, check:
- The selected drive mode
- The selected ride-height position
- The vehicle’s current speed
- Whether a door or liftgate is open
- Whether the vehicle is parked on uneven ground
- Any warning shown in the driver display
Consult the documentation for the exact Levante when the vehicle does not reach the selected position or displays a suspension warning.
What to Do If a Suspension Setting Is Unavailable
A requested setting may not be available under every condition.
The vehicle may limit or delay a suspension adjustment because of speed, vehicle position, system temperature, an open door or another operating requirement.
When a setting cannot be selected:
- Park the vehicle safely.
- Confirm that the doors and liftgate are closed.
- Check the driver display for a message.
- Return the vehicle to its normal setting.
- Turn the vehicle off and allow its normal shutdown process to finish.
- Restart the vehicle and check the controls again.
Do not attempt an unverified suspension reset procedure from another Levante model year. Control layouts and operating requirements can differ.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Maserati Skyhook suspension?
Skyhook is an electronically controlled damping system that continually adjusts the Levante’s shock-absorber response as road and driving conditions change.
Does Maserati Skyhook work automatically?
Yes. Skyhook manages damper response automatically. Drivers may also be able to influence suspension behaviour through the available drive-mode or damping controls.
Is Skyhook the same as the Levante air suspension?
No. Skyhook manages damper firmness, while the active air suspension manages ride height. The two systems may work together, but they perform different functions.
Does Sport mode make the Levante suspension firmer?
A sport-oriented setting may provide firmer damping and a more responsive feel. The exact suspension changes depend on the model year, version and selected controls.
How do I raise or lower a Maserati Levante?
Use the ride-height control fitted to the vehicle and select an available position while following the operating limits in the owner documentation. Some height changes may occur automatically.
Should I use Off-Road mode in snow?
Not automatically. Off-Road mode is intended for suitable terrain and may raise the vehicle when equipped. Select a setting based on traction, snow depth, road conditions and the instructions for the exact Levante.
Why did my Maserati Levante lower itself?
Automatic ride-height changes may occur based on speed, drive mode or vehicle operation. Review the driver display and owner documentation when the height change appears unusual.
Does every Maserati Levante use the same suspension controls?
No. Available suspension settings, buttons, ride heights and system behaviour can vary by model year, version, market and vehicle equipment.
