What have we got here, then?

Maserati is adding a petrol model to its Levante SUV line-up for the UK. It's called the Levante S and it joins the existing 3.0-litre diesel variants that have been on sale since last year.

So what's under the bonnet? That biturbo V8 from the Quattroporte GTS?

Sadly not, although a biturbo 3.0-litre V6 from the same big saloon's mid-range model should surely be ample recompense? Especially when it packs 430hp, slightly up on the 410hp it makes in the QP. Torque should be around the 550Nm found in other Maserati applications of this engine. Either way, Maserati is happy to say the Levante S can do 0-62mph in 5.2 seconds, before going on to a 164mph maximum speed. So it's the fastest Levante of all... for now, at least.

Has Maserati worked on the chassis for the petrol model?

Not as such beyond the diesel examples, although the S does have a high-performance braking system, in the form of Brembo six-piston aluminium monobloc callipers with 380mm drilled front discs and floating callipers with 330mm ventilated, drilled discs at the rear. The eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox, with four drive modes (Normal, I.C.E, Sport and Off-Road), channels drive via Q4 Intelligent All-Wheel Drive to each corner of the SUV, while standard air springs and electronically-controlled Skyhook shock absorbers do their best to control the Levante's mass. Talking of which, Maserati is claiming the Levante S has 50:50 weight distribution and the segment's lowest centre-of-gravity, in order to deliver the best possible driving experience.

Is there anything else on the tech front to talk about?

An enhanced ADAS package is optionally available with the Levante S, which includes new active functions such as Highway Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist and Traffic Sign Recognition. There's also a new configuration of the Electronic Power Steering (EPS), which works with the ADAS pack.

What are the trim lines and prices for the Levante S?

It comes in the same specs as other Maseratis, which are GranLusso and GranSport. GranLusso majors on luxury and has 19-inch Zefiro alloys, black-painted brake callipers and metallic-finish front skid plates. Inside is Ermenegildo Zegna silk or full premium Italian leather with a Radica open-pore wood trim and leather steering wheel. GranSport makes the Levante S look a touch more dynamic, with 20-inch Nereo alloys, red brake callipers, blue inserts on all the car's exterior logos and then sporty addenda inside - such as 12-way adjustable, powered sport seats in the front, a sport steering wheel with paddle shifts and sport pedals in brushed stainless steel. Prices for the Levante S begin from £70,775 on-the-road and it's available to order right now.

Matt Robinson - 19 Oct 2017