Maserati has unveiled its first ever SUV - the Levante - ahead of a Geneva Motor Show debut.

Completing the existing range of saloon and sports cars, the Levante’s ‘aggressive front’ introduces new tapered headlights separated into two elements, with the upper headlight unit connected to the radiator grille. Maserati's design signature is visible on the sides with the three iconic air vents on the front wings, the trapezoidal C-pillar with the “Saetta” logo and the large, frameless door windows. The rear is dominated by the tapered back window and streamlined shape, both typical of a high-performance sports car, says Maserati.

The chassis is designed to combine ‘outstanding on-road performance’ even on very low-grip surfaces with ‘an excellent off-road performance and ride’. All versions feature sophisticated electronic suspension with controlled damping and air springs, which can be set on several levels, “Q4” intelligent all-wheel drive and 8-speed automatic transmission, specially calibrated for the brand's new SUV. The Levante will be powered by both petrol and diesel engines that are all Euro6-compliant.

Built at the Mirafiori plant in Turin; the first cars have already come off the assembly line with the launch planned for this spring in Europe, to be followed by the rest of the world later this year.