Compare the2024 Maserati GrecaleVS 2024 Audi RS Q8

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 RS Q8 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 RS Q8 doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Both the Grecale and the RS 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, 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 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 RS Q8’s battery is in the hot engine compartment.

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.

On the EPA test cycle the Grecale gets better mileage than the RS Q8:

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Maserati Grecale higher (5 out of 10) than the Audi RS Q8 (3). This means the Grecale produces up to 16.5 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the RS Q8 every 15,000 miles.

For better maneuverability, the Grecale’s turning circle is 2.7 feet tighter than the RS Q8’s (40.8 feet vs. 43.5 feet).

The Maserati Grecale may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 1050 to 1400 pounds less than the Audi RS Q8.

The Grecale is 6.5 inches shorter than the RS Q8, 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 RS Q8 (.36) 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 RS Q8 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 RS Q8 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 RS Q8 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 RS Q8 only has an intermittent setting, so in a hard rain visibility isn’t as good.

The RS Q8’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 RS Q8 doesn’t offer a house-current electrical outlet.