Compare the2023 Maserati GrecaleVS 2023 Audi SQ8

The Maserati Grecale has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags helps prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The SQ8 doesn’t offer knee airbags.

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The Grecale has standard Active Park Braking that uses rear sensors to monitor and automatically apply the brakes to prevent a rear collision. The SQ8 doesn’t offer backup collision prevention brakes.

The Grecale’s optional driver alert monitor detects an inattentive driver then sounds a warning and suggests a break. According to the NHTSA, drivers who fall asleep cause about 100,000 crashes and 1500 deaths a year. The SQ8 doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Both the Grecale and the SQ8 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, all wheel drive, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, rearview cameras, available lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, around view monitors and rear cross-path warning.

The SQ8’s redline is at 6800 RPM, which causes more engine wear, and a greater chance of a catastrophic engine failure. The Grecale has a 5800 RPM redline.

The battery on the Grecale is in the trunk, which protects it from hot underhood temperatures that can degrade battery life. By keeping the Grecale’s battery 20 to 30 degrees cooler, its life is increased by years. The SQ8’s battery is in the hot engine compartment.

The Grecale Trofeo’s standard 3.0 turbo V6 produces 23 more horsepower (523 vs. 500) than the SQ8’s 4.0 turbo V8 hybrid.

On the EPA test cycle the Grecale gets better mileage than the SQ8:

An engine control system that can shut down some of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the Grecale Trofeo’s fuel efficiency. The SQ8 doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Maserati Grecale higher (5 out of 10) than the Audi SQ8 (3). This means the Grecale produces up to 16.5 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the SQ8 every 15,000 miles.

The Grecale Trofeo’s launch control uses engine electronics to hold engine RPM’s precisely in order to provide the most stable and rapid acceleration possible, using all of the available traction. The SQ8 doesn’t offer launch control.

The Grecale’s optional 295/35R21 rear tires provide better handling because they have a lower 35 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the SQ8’s optional 40 series tires.

The Maserati Grecale may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 800 to 950 pounds less than the Audi SQ8.

The Grecale is 5.8 inches shorter than the SQ8, making the Grecale easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The design of the Maserati Grecale amounts to more than styling. The Grecale has an aerodynamic coefficient of drag of .326 Cd. That is significantly lower than the SQ8 (.4) and many sports cars. A more efficient exterior helps keep the interior quieter and helps the Grecale get better fuel mileage.

Pulling a handle automatically lowers the Grecale’s rear seats, to make changing between passengers and cargo easier. The SQ8 doesn’t offer automatic folding seats.

Standard Trailer Sway Mitigation on the Grecale uses the Electronic Stability Program sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. The SQ8 doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

The Grecale’s instruments include an oil pressure gauge and a temperature gauge - which could save your engine! Often ‘idiot lights’ don’t warn you until damage has been done. The SQ8 does not have an oil pressure gauge.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are optional on the Grecale to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The SQ8 doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

To improve rear visibility by keeping the rear window clear, the Grecale has a standard rear fixed intermittent wiper with a full on position. The rear wiper standard on the SQ8 only has an intermittent setting, so in a hard rain visibility isn’t as good.

The SQ8’s cornering lamps activate a lamp on the front corner when the turn signal is activated. The Grecale’s optional adaptive cornering lights turn the actual headlight unit up to several degrees, depending on steering wheel angle and vehicle speed. This lights a significant distance into corners at any speed.

The Grecale offers an optional 115-volt a/c outlet in the cargo area, allowing you to recharge a laptop or run small household appliances without special adapters that can break or get misplaced. The SQ8 doesn’t offer a house-current electrical outlet.