Second Maserati SUV coming by 2020

The model will share the Stelvio\'s platform.

Maserati's quest to boost its annual sales will soon see it venture into the SUV segment for the second time. The Fiat-owned brand has confirmed plans to launch a brand-new soft-roader before the end of the decade.

Fiat-Chrysler Automobiles CEO Sergio Marchionne told Automotive News the model will slot a notch below the Levante, meaning it will compete in the same increasingly crowded segment as the Porsche Macan. But while the Levante (pictured) shares its platform with the Ghibli, its smaller sibling will borrow the architecture that currently underpins Alfa Romeo's Stelvio and Giulia models.

The Stelvio stands out as one of the best-handling SUVs in its competitive set, so we have high expectations for Maserati's second SUV. It's expected to make its debut before 2020.

The Levante hasn't been the hit Maserati expected. Marchionne recently reduced production "to align output with the market demand," according to Automotive News. The brand hopes marketing a smaller, more affordable model will finally provide the boost it's after.

Maserati sales are up to 36,000 units globally in the first three quarters of the year. Executives hope to reach a comfortable cruising speed of 70,000 to 80,000 units annually, so adding a more affordable model is of utmost importance. They also predict the smaller SUV will boost the brand's annual earnings to 1 billion euros.

Photos by Ronan Glon.