MASERATI has begun a fresh assault on the premium car part of the market with the unveiling of a medium-sized SUV, the Grecale, available first with conventional internal combustion engines or a hybrid and, in a year's time a fully electric version.

Three versions will be rolled out at launch:GT, powered by a four-cylinder mild hybrid engine capable of delivering 296 bhp;Modena, with a four-cylinder 325bhp mild hybrid engine; and the powerfulTrofeo, equipped with a high-performance 3.0L 523bhp petrol V6 based on the Nettuno engine fitted to the MC20 two-seat supercar.At launch, the Grecale is also available in thePrimaSerie Launch Edition, a limited edition featuring exclusive content.

To complete the range, theGrecale Folgore, the 100 per cent electric version with 400V technology joins the range in 12 months.

Maserati says the Grecale is best-in-class in terms of interior space and acceleration (0-62mph in 3.8 seconds - on the Trofeo), top speed of 177mph - again on the Trofeo.

Its dimensions are a major factor: in the GT version, Grecale is 4,846 mm long with a wheelbase of 2,901 mm, a height of 1,670 mm, a width of 2,163 mm (including door mirrors), with a rear wheel track of 1,948 mm (and even greater in the Trofeo).

Inside, in the cabin, the standout tech specs include the traditional Maserati clockface, this time digital for the first time.

Maserati says everything in the cockpit becomes touch-based. The technology is controlled from the displays: the large 12.3ins central screen, the largest ever seen in a Maserati, another 8.8ins display for the extra controls and a third for the passengers in the rear seats.

The in-car sound can include a Sonus faber 3D sound system which includes 14 speakers, or 21 speakers on demand at High Premium level.

No news yet on prices or when the car will go in sale in the UK.