Compare the2024 Maserati LevanteVS 2024 Audi SQ8

Both the Levante 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, daytime running lights, blind spot warning systems, around view monitors, 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 SQ8’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.

The Levante Modena S’ standard 3.8 turbo V8 produces 50 more horsepower (550 vs. 500) than the SQ8’s 4.0 turbo V8 hybrid. The Levante Trofeo’s standard 3.8 turbo V8 produces 80 more horsepower (580 vs. 500) than the SQ8’s 4.0 turbo V8 hybrid.

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

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 SQ8 doesn’t offer launch control.

The Levante stops much shorter than the SQ8:

The Levante’s optional 295/30R22 rear tires provide better handling because they have a lower 30 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the SQ8’s optional 35 series tires.

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 SQ8 doesn’t offer drift compensation steering.

For better maneuverability, the Levante’s turning circle is 2.4 feet tighter than the SQ8’s (41.2 feet vs. 43.6 feet).

The Maserati Levante may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 150 to 200 pounds less than the Audi SQ8.

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 SQ8 doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

The Levante has 3.1 inches more front headroom and 1 inch more rear headroom than the SQ8.

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 SQ8’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 SQ8 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 SQ8 does not have an oil pressure gauge.

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 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 Levante’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.