At the ongoing Auto Shanghai 2021, Maserati has unveiled a new offering. It’s called the Levante Hybrid – the brand’s first electrified SUV. Just like the rest of the range, the new variant is just as appealing to behold. But, with that ‘Hybrid’ badge in the mix, it will attract even more eyeballs.

The main highlight of the Levante Hybrid is its powerplant. The SUV borrows it from the Ghibli Hybrid, which became Maserati’s first-ever electrified model. Coupled to a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine are a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, an 8-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel-drive system. With 330 horsepower and 450Nm of torque, the Levante Hybrid can hit 100kmph from a standstill in 6 seconds and breach past 240kmph at full stretch.

As is the case with a mild-hybrid setup, it recovers energy when the car decelerates or brakes. That energy aids the internal combustion engine during acceleration. Theoretically, the addition of a 48-volt mild-hybrid system should help gain extra mileage. Maserati says that the Levante Hybrid weighs less than the six-cylinder equivalents, diesel and petrol, and boasts a better weight distribution. As a result, the new variant is more agile on the move.

Like the Ghibli Hybrid, the Levante Hybrid features subtle design cues to denote an electrified character. The SUV is finished in a new metallic tri-coat colour called Azzurro Astro, which is part of Maserati’s customization programme. Apart from that, the hybridized Levante boasts an array of blue-coloured elements, including side air ducts, brake callipers and the logo on the C-pillar. Indoors, the blue garnishing is the most prominent on the seats. The Italian luxury carmaker has also equipped the Levante Hybrid with the Maserati Connect program, which dials in a wide range of connected-car features.

The Levante Hybrid doesn’t have a two-engine setup, like a true hybrid or a plug-in hybrid vehicle. And yet, it is very desirable. It is promising to see that Maserati is trying to move on with the times without compromising on its character. Expect more such chapters to unfold shortly.