We’re starting to see more and more announcements for Android Auto. Yesterday, Kia made their announcement about Android Auto for their models starting in Q3 this year, while Europe will have it in all their models by 2018. Today, Maserati announced that their SUV, the Levante will be getting Android Auto on its high-resolution 8.4-inch touchscreen that sits in the center console. So you’ll be able to use Android Auto and Apple CarPlay in the 2017 Maserati Levante, for those looking to pick one up soon.
In addition to bringing Android Auto and Apple CarPlay to the Levante, Maserati is also bringing Harman’s Aha Connected services to the SUV. They note in their press release that with their rotary controller and multi-touch screen, they have added a ton of infotainment features to the new Maserati Levante and making it easy to use. With Harman’s Aha Connected Services, you will get millions of HD internet radio stations, audio books, GPS and so much more – all of which is also available in Android Auto through various apps. The system can enable “dual Bluetooth pairing and phone status as well as Bluetooth music playback from any source.” Which means you’ll be able to connect two smartphones at the same time.
The 2017 Maserati Levante was just announced yesterday at the Geneva Auto Show, so there’s still going to be some time before it’s actually available for purchase. However we do know that US pricing will start at about $72,000 for the new model. Which may or may not include Android Auto, as that is typically part of a Tech package that will add one a couple thousand to the price.
With Android Auto, you have the ability to use Google Maps for navigation, not to mention the ability to stream music over Spotify, Google Play Music, Pandora, iHeart Radio and many other services. You also have audio books from Audible, podcasts from Pocket Casts, Stitcher, TuneIn Radio and more. It’s a great system that runs off of your Android smartphone (pretty similar experience with Apple’s CarPlay for those with an iPhone). We should see the Maserati Levante coming later this year.