Already confirmed for a worldwide launch at March’s Geneva Motor Show 2016, the Maserati Levante will break new ground for the firm.

Incorporating many visual cues from 2011’s Kubang concept as well as the Alfieri sports car of 2014, the Levante is, according to brand manager Giulio Pastore, of great importance to the future of Maserati.

By 2018, the Italian company intends to be producing 70,000 cars annually, which is 5,000 less than its initial plan. The Levante will unquestionably be the most important car in achieving this goal. It will also need to do well in order to generate the profits needed for Maserati’s future product plans and to ensure the brand can fill the void left by Ferrari within Fiat Chrysler Automobiles.

Pastore told Autocar that “the Levante is a critical part of building a sustainable business; there is no life for a company that sells only sports cars, so its success is key to us. That is why we have invested so much in the Levante. It is our design, engineered entirely by Maserati and built to our values. It is a sports SUV with an emphasis on the sport, but with credible off-road capability and the unique Maserati qualities around style and sophistication”.

Maserati’s first-ever SUV will be based on the same platform as the Ghibli and Quattroporte sedans. Additionally, it will share their range of V6 and V8 engines, transmissions and advanced all-wheel drive system.

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