Compare the2024 Maserati GrecaleVS 2024 Audi Q5

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 Q5 doesn’t offer knee airbags.

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 Q5 doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Both the Grecale and the Q5 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.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2023 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Maserati vehicles are better in initial quality than Audi vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Maserati above average in initial quality. With 39 more problems per 100 vehicles, Audi is rated below average.

The Grecale has more powerful engines than the Q5:

On the EPA test cycle the Grecale gets better mileage than the Q5 running its gasoline engine:

An engine control system that can shut down some of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the Grecale Trofeo’s fuel efficiency. The Q5 doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

The Grecale has 2.6 gallons more fuel capacity than the Q5 Hybrid’s standard fuel tank (16.9 vs. 14.3 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

An eight-speed automatic is standard on the Maserati Grecale, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a seven-speed automatic is available for the Q5.

For better stopping power the Grecale’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Q5:

The Grecale stops shorter than the Q5:

The Grecale GT’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 55 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Q5’s standard 60 series tires. The Grecale’s optional 255/40R21 front and 295/35R21 rear tires have a lower 40 series front and 35 series rear profile than the Q5’s optional 45 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Grecale GT has standard 19-inch wheels. Smaller 18-inch wheels are standard on the Q5. The Grecale’s optional 21-inch wheels are larger than the 20-inch wheels optional on the Q5.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Grecale’s wheelbase is 3.2 inches longer than on the Q5 (114.2 inches vs. 111 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the Grecale is .2 inches wider in the front and 3.4 inches wider in the rear than on the Q5.

The design of the Maserati Grecale amounts to more than styling. The Grecale has an aerodynamic coefficient of drag of .326 Cd. That is lower than the Q5 (.33 to .34) and many sports cars. A more efficient exterior helps keep the interior quieter and helps the Grecale get better fuel mileage.

The Grecale’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the Q5’s (5071 vs. 4400 pounds). Maximum trailer towing in the Audi Q5 is only 4400 pounds. The Grecale offers up to a 5516 lbs. towing capacity.

While the Q5 55 TFSI e can only tow 2000, any Grecale can tow a minimum of 5071 pounds.

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 Q5 doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

The Grecale’s standard easy entry system glides the driver’s seat back, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. An easy entry system costs extra on the Q5.

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 Q5 does not have an oil pressure gauge.

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 Q5 only has an intermittent setting, so in a hard rain visibility isn’t as good.

The Q5’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 Q5 doesn’t offer a house-current electrical outlet.