Compare the2023 Maserati LevanteVS 2023 Audi Q8

Both the Levante and the Q8 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, daytime running lights, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, available crash mitigating brakes and lane departure warning systems.

The battery on the Levante is in the trunk, which protects it from hot underhood temperatures that can degrade battery life. By keeping the Levante’s battery 20 to 30 degrees cooler, its life is increased by years. The Q8’s battery is in the hot engine compartment.

The Levante GT’s standard 3.0 turbo V6 produces 10 more horsepower (345 vs. 335) than the Q8’s 3.0 turbo V6 hybrid. The Levante Modena’s standard 3.0 turbo V6 produces 89 more horsepower (424 vs. 335) and 59 lbs.-ft. more torque (428 vs. 369) than the Q8’s 3.0 turbo V6 hybrid. The Levante Modena S’ standard 3.8 turbo V8 produces 215 more horsepower (550 vs. 335) and 169 lbs.-ft. more torque (538 vs. 369) than the Q8’s 3.0 turbo V6 hybrid. The Levante Trofeo’s standard 3.8 turbo V8 produces 237 more horsepower (572 vs. 335) and 169 lbs.-ft. more torque (538 vs. 369) than the Q8’s 3.0 turbo V6 hybrid.

As tested in Motor Trend the Maserati Levante is faster than the Audi Q8:

The Levante 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 Q8 doesn’t offer launch control.

For better stopping power the Levante S/GTS/Trofeo’s front brake rotors are larger than those on the Q8:

The Levante stops much shorter than the Q8:

The Levante’s optional 265/35R22 front and 295/30R22 rear tires provide better handling because they have a lower 35 series front and 30 series rear profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Q8 Premium Plus/Prestige’s optional 40 series tires.

The front and rear suspension of the Levante uses air springs for a smoother, controlled ride than the Q8, which uses coil springs. Air springs maintain proper ride height and ride more smoothly.

The Levante has a standard automatic front and rear load leveling suspension to keep ride height level with a heavy load or when towing. The Levante’s height leveling suspension allows the driver to raise ride height for better off-road clearance and then lower it again for easier entering and exiting and better on-road handling. The Q8 doesn’t offer a load leveling suspension.

The Levante’s drift compensation steering can automatically compensate for road conditions which would cause the vehicle to drift from side to side, helping the driver to keep the vehicle straight more easily. The Q8 doesn’t offer drift compensation steering.

The Levante Modena handles at .88 G’s, while the Q8 Prestige pulls only .83 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The Levante Modena executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.4 seconds quicker than the Q8 Prestige (25.5 seconds @ .74 average G’s vs. 26.9 seconds @ .69 average G’s).

For better maneuverability, the Levante’s turning circle is 2.3 feet tighter than the Q8’s (41.2 feet vs. 43.5 feet).

For greater off-road capability the Levante has a 3.9 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the Q8 (9.7 vs. 5.8 inches), allowing the Levante to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

The Maserati Levante may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs up to about 350 pounds less than the Audi Q8.

The front grille of the Levante uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The Q8 doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

The Levante has 3.1 inches more front headroom and 1 inch more rear headroom than the Q8.

A low lift-over cargo hatch design makes loading and unloading the Levante easier. The Levante’s cargo hatch lift-over height is 31.7 inches, while the Q8’s liftover is 33.7 inches.

Standard Trailer Sway Mitigation on the Levante uses the Maserati 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 Q8 doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

The Levante’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 Q8 does not have an oil pressure gauge.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are optional on the Levante to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The Q8 doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

To improve rear visibility by keeping the rear window clear, the Levante has a standard rear fixed intermittent wiper with a full on position. The rear wiper standard on the Q8 only has an intermittent setting, so in a hard rain visibility isn’t as good.

To help drivers see further while navigating curves, the Levante offers optional adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle. The Q8 doesn’t offer cornering lights.

The Levante has a standard heated steering wheel to take the chill out of steering on extremely cold winter days before the vehicle heater warms up. A heated steering wheel costs extra on the Q8.