Maserati has officially launched its first ever SUV - the Levante - at a star-studded event in London's Royal Horticultural Halls.

The luxury car maker also confirmed the SUV will start at £54,335 OTR, and can be upgraded with a Sport pack bringing the price up to £60,285. A Luxury Pack Zegna Edition can also be specified for £61,185, featuring bespoke Zegna Mulberry Silk.

The event was hosted by TV and radio presenter Lisa Snowdon alongside Giulio Pastore, Maserati Europe’s General Manager and was attended by a host of celebrities and VIPs, including Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Alex James, Olivia Grant and Little Mix singer Leigh-Anne Pinnock.

Celebrations began with the unveiling of the Levante to the audience, while the party continued afterwards with music from celebrity DJ duo, Amber Le Bon and Becky Tong. Reportage artist Anna-Louise Felstead was on hand to paint a real-time canvas depicting the Maserati Levante with a London skyline backdrop, in her signature style.

Giulio Pastore commented: “The launch of Levante tonight marks a truly significant moment for Maserati in the UK. With strong demand for luxury SUVs, we are now able to appeal to an even wider audience. The best thing about Levante is that it’s a true and pure Maserati that has perfect on-road and off-road capabilities, offering owners the ultimate in terms of elegance, practicality and comfort of a luxury SUV yet retaining the marque’s performance DNA.”

Featuring active air suspension as standard, which offers five varying ride heights, the Levante includes the lowest centre of gravity in its class, says Maserati and is powered by a 3.0 litre V6 Turbo Diesel engine.

The car will be on sale in the UK from next month, with first customer deliveries expected in the autumn.