MASERATI has launched the petrol version of its super-fast Levante which has a top speed of 164mph and joins the diesel version of the high performance estate cum SUV introduced last year.

In line with Maserati's new range strategy, the new Levante S comes in two trim levels, the GranLusso and GranSport with prices starting at £70,755.

The GranLusso trim is recognisable by its metallic-finish front skid plates, GranLusso badges on the front wings, body-colour side skirts, black-painted brake callipers and 19-inch Zefiro alloy wheels.

The interior's feel is further enhanced with silk or premium Italian leather with open-pore wood trim and a leather steering wheel.

The GranSport model comes with a piano black front grille, skid plates and roof, body-colour side skirts, red brake callipers and 20-inch wheels. The inside features include leather sport seats with 12-way power, a power adjustable sport steering wheel with gear shift paddles as well as sport pedals in brushed stainless steel.

The Levante S is powered the latest Maserati 3.0-litre V6 engine which offers performance figures of 0-62mph in 5.2 seconds and a top speed of 164mph.

An eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox provides fast gear shifting, and drivers can choose between four drive modes - normal, ICE, sport and off-road.

Official fuel economy is 25.7mpg with emissions of 253g/km.

The 430bhp Levante S features a state-of-the-art braking system, all-wheel drive and a torque vectoring system and the chassis is set up to deliver GT-style on-road dynamics as well as off-road capabilities.

An enhanced package is optionally available with the Levante S, which includes new active functions such as lane keeping assist, active blind spot assist and traffic sign recognition.