Maserati has announced that a new V6 petrol powered version of its Levante SUV – the first SUV from the Italian marque in its 103 year history – is now on sale in the UK, injecting a little extra power and performance into its Porsche Cayenne rival.
It’s a 424bhp 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 developed and built by Ferrari and fitted with this engine, the Levante can do 0-62mph in 5.2 seconds and go on to a top speed of 164mph. This automobile takes on the Levante S moniker, and is on sale now priced from £70,755. 
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It lines up alongside the £54,335, 271bhp turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 diesel originally provided to buyers as the sole engine choice. 
• New Maserati Levante 2016 review

The relocation goes against Maserati’s original argument that the 275bhp 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel was the only suitable engine for the UK market. Brits – like buyers in many European markets – predominantly choose diesel power for their premium SUVs.
The diesel is the eco choice in the range thanks to it emitting 189g/km of CO2 compared to the petrol’s relatively dirty 253g/km figure.
While the decision will delight many, European markets still get much more choice. There’s a smaller output 350bhp version of the Ferrari-built V6 too, as well as a much more economical but less powerful diesel.
Maserati Levante hybrid for 2018
Maserati has also confirmed that plug-in hybrid power is for the Italian brand, likely to be appearing in the range in 2018. Although unconfirmed, the Levante will be a prime model for the new powertrain.
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“Chrysler has just launched the Pacifica so we have the technology within the group,” Harald Wester, former Maserati boss told us last year. “The technology will be made available for other brands in the group, too.” he added.