Maserati Karif Is A Digital Premium Compact Crossover For The Trident Brand

With the unveiling of the Levante almost three years ago, Maserati entered the SUV segment for the first time.

The Italian car firm’s answer to the Porsche Cayenne, Mercedes-Benz GLE duo and BMW X5 and X6 did expand the brand’s portfolio into a lucrative market, though sales didn’t meet expectations.

While its main rivals all have smaller SUVs to cater to their clients’ needs, Maserati is left without such a contender. However, such a model has already been sketched – only not by the automaker, but by rendering artist Vito Possidente.

Also Read: Maserati’s 542 HP Levante GTS Headlines Its LA Auto Show Lineup

The Karif, as it is named, has a very dynamic exterior design. At the front, it carries the car brand’s signature grille, flanked by a couple of fog lamps, which sit under the slim headlights. An aggressively styled front apron, hood, wide fenders, curvaceous rear end, sloping roofline and large wheels complete the design.

A compact crossover by Maserati would enter a much wider market segment, rivaling the likes of the Mercedes-Benz GLC and GLC Coupe, BMW X3 and X4, and Porsche Macan. Whether it would be able to convince enough buyers is a different story altogether, but given that consumers still flock to SUVs, we wouldn’t be surprised if Maserati eventually made such vehicle. Especially since sister company Alfa Romeo already has the Stelvio on the market, which could be used to underpin a smaller Maserati SUV.