2016 Maserati Levante SUV shown in official images

The exterior design of the new Maserati Levante SUV has been revealed in official images released by the Italian manufacturer ahead of the car's official debut at the Geneva motor show next month.

Maserati issued the pictures in reaction to leaked versions of the images, which were originally published on a Dutch news website and later circulated online.

Updated - see official pictures of the new Maserati Levante at the Geneva motor show

The manufacturer confirmed a few snippets of technical information about the new model, stating that its “chassis is designed to combine the outstanding on-road performance typical of every Maserati with unrivalled handling even on very low-grip surfaces and an excellent off-road performance and ride”.

All versions of the Levante will feature sophisticated electronic suspension with controlled damping and adjustable air springs, Maserati’s Q4 all-wheel drive system and an eight-speed automatic transmission calibrated specifically for the SUV.

Maserati has confirmed that the Levante - which has recently been spied testing - will be offered with a choice of petrol or diesel powerplants. However, the unofficial leaked information goes into more detail, suggesting that at least two petrol and one diesel version of the Levante will be available at launch.

It reports that both the Levante 350 and the Levante 430 will use the same 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine that already features in the Maserati Ghibli and Maserati Quattroporte. The Levante 350 is claimed to be capable of covering 0-62mph in 6.3sec with a top speed of 151mph, while the Levante 430 can manage the 0-62mph sprint in 5.2sec and goes on to a top speed of 164mph.

The diesel engine is also a 3.0-litre V6, and can cover 0-62mph in 6.9sec before hitting its top speed of 143mph.

As well as these powertrains, the Levante is likely to borrow the Quattroporte's V8 engine in a range-topping performance version. A plug-in hybrid version of the Levante is also planned.

The images reveal that the new Levante features a dramatically sculpured bonnet with a bold interpretation of Maserti's front grille, a new design of tapered headlights split into two elements and large front air intakes. Maserati's trademark three air vents feature on the front wings, while there are frameless door windows, a trapezoidal C-pillar featuring the Saetta logo seen on the Ghibli and other Maseratis, a spoiler mounted at the top of the boot and four exhaust exits.

There are also stylistic nods to 2011's Kubang concept car, which first signalled Maserati's intent to enter the SUV market.

Also among the leaked images, but not included in the official ones issued by Maserati, is a look at the new car's interior, which includes steering-wheel mounted paddles for the automatic transmission and a large central infotainment screen.