2017 Maserati Levante is a big first for the Italian brand (pictures)

Maserati faithful will find plenty of familiar design cues on the Levante, but the SUV form factor, on show here at the Geneva auto show, is all new for this Italian marque.

It's not a modern Maserati without fender vents, right?

There's a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 under the hood, brandishing up to 430 horsepower.

The Levante's steeply raked rear backlight is like that of a BMW X6, albeit much more fluidly integrated.

The tail lamps haves strange fender contours coming off of them. They're unique, but controversial.

The dead-on rear view is the Levante's least distinct aspect.

"Levante" means "rising" in Italian, appropriate for a lifted SUV and a brand still finding its comeback footing.

The Maserati's hatchback-like roofline helps give the design directional thrust.

The Levante's grille proudly displays one of the best emblems in all of motoring, Maserati's trident.

Headlamps are small and scowling.

The Levante will likely become Maserati's best-selling model in short order, such is today's demand for luxury SUVs.