THE first hybrid SUV from Maserati has broken cover as they Italian company gave a debut to its latest Levante.

The unveiling at the Shanghai Auto Show marked the introduction of the brand's first electrified SUV, following on from its Ghibli hybrid last year.

It is powered by 2.0-litre four cylinder engine with a 48-volt hybrid system to give it 330 horsepower and the car is all-wheel-drive.

That translates into a 0 to 62mph acceleration time of six seconds and a maximum of 150mph. Fuel economy is still to be announced but emissions are said to be in the range of 231 to 252g/km.

Performance is similar to that of the V6 Levante and while prices are still to be confirmed they are expected to start in the region of £70,000.