Maserati has been lagging behind in the electric race, but when the MC20 supercar was revealed, the Italian firm seemed to find a renewed vigor. While Maserati has confirmed the next GranTurismo is going all-electric, the carmaker still has an interest in bigger engines with more power. While sonorous V8s have been a staple for some time, Maserati realizes that more cars need to be electrified, and now it has revealed its latest hybrid and the first SUV of that type. Meet the Levante Hybrid, a lighter and more efficient alternative to the traditional Maserati SUV.

According to Maserati, this new vehicle weighs less than the six-cylinder gasoline and diesel equivalents and has better weight distribution thanks to the battery being placed in the rear without compromising load capacity. Under the hood is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with a 48-volt hybrid system. This configuration produces 330 horsepower and 331 lb-ft of torque. Available exclusively as an all-wheel-drive vehicle, the Levante Hybrid can do 0-62 mph in just six seconds and will top out at 149 mph. But you don't need to pop the hood to tell it's a hybrid - various blue accents including on the side air ducts, brake calipers, and C-pillar logo indicate that this is electrified.

Inside, you get more of those blue accents, particularly on the embroidered seams of the seats. The SUV is being launched in a blue shade too, namely a metallic tri-coat hue called Azzurro Astro. Maserati says that the Levante Hybrid will also sound good, despite its humble powertrain, but we'll reserve judgement until we hear it ourselves. Although we're already seeing what it looks like and what its engine is capable of, the full launch will happen online and physically at this month's Auto Shanghai Show in China, which runs from April 21-28. Hopefully, this is the start of Maserati regaining widespread appeal.