Audi
A8
Maserati
Quattroporte
Audi A8 vs Maserati Quattroporte: 2024 Comparison
The short answer
The Audi A8 offers fuel economy, while the Maserati Quattroporte excels at power instead. Choose the Audi A8 if you prioritize fuel economy in daily driving, or the Maserati Quattroporte if power matters more for your needs. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
A8
Overall
Sentiment is generally positive among long-term owners, particularly for the D5 generation (2018+), which is praised for its exceptional ride comfort, quiet cabin, advanced technology, and strong value proposition on the used market. The D5 is frequently described as a "hovercraft" for its sublime, non-floating air suspension and is noted for being significantly lighter than its rivals due to its aluminum construction, contributing to better handling and fuel economy. Owner satisfaction is often tied to purchasing the vehicle as a lightly used or CPO example at a steep discount from MSRP, where its blend of luxury, technology, and driving dynamics presents a compelling alternative to the Mercedes S-Class and BMW 7 Series.
Best version to buy
For the D5 generation (2018+), a well-optioned example is highly recommended. Key desired options include the Executive Package (22-way seats with ventilation/massage, head-up display), Driver Assistance Package (adaptive cruise with traffic jam assist), dual-pane acoustic glass, the premium lighting package (HD Matrix LED, OLED taillights), and the Bowers & Wilkins audio system.
Known issues
- ⚠High maintenance and repair costs: very expensive parts (e.g., air struts ~$2,200 each, headlights ~$3,000) and labor, leading to high annual ownership costs. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Mild Hybrid System (Belt Starter Generator/BSG) failures: a known issue on D5 (2018+) models with the 48V system, potentially leading to expensive repairs; subject to a technical service campaign (27BQ). Frequency: recurrent.
- ⚠Electronic gremlins: concerns over long-term reliability of complex infotainment, driver aids, and other electronic systems; some isolated reports of issues requiring multiple resets. Frequency: recurrent.
Quattroporte
Overall
Sentiment is sharply divided and heavily dependent on the specific generation and powertrain. The consensus indicates that the vehicle is a deeply emotional purchase driven by passion for its design, sound, and driving character, not rational ownership. The Ferrari-developed 4.7L V8 models (circa 2004-2013) are frequently described as "fantastic," "beautiful," "iconic," and "intoxicating" to drive, with a sublime engine note and a "classy, baller feel." However, these older V8 models are almost universally associated with very high maintenance costs, expensive parts, and a high likelihood of significant reliability issues, particularly with early automated manual ("F1") transmissions and electrical systems.
Best version to buy
The 2009-2013 Quattroporte S or GTS with the 4.7L Ferrari-derived V8 and the ZF automatic transmission is most frequently cited as the desirable version. This configuration is praised for its glorious engine, improved transmission reliability over the earlier "F1" automated manual, and the classic Pininfarina design.
Known issues
- ⚠Catastrophic reliability concerns (general): Very frequent mentions of high likelihood of major, expensive failures, particularly on older, high-mileage V8 models. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Electrical system issues: Described as a "nightmare," with nagging gremlins, faulty modules, and persistent check engine lights. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Exorbitant maintenance and parts costs: Routine service (e.g., oil changes $200+), extremely expensive replacement parts (e.g., $80 oil filters, $3,000 front shocks), and dealer labor rates compared to mainstream brands.
The verdict
The Audi A8 is the better choice for most buyers.
It has better fuel economy on its best-equipped version than the Maserati Quattroporte, based on the data above. If power matters more to you than running costs, the Maserati Quattroporte is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Audi A8 or the Maserati Quattroporte?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Audi A8 and the Maserati Quattroporte. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Audi A8 or the Maserati Quattroporte?
Data on family-specific factors like cargo space is limited for one or both models, but based on available reports, both are positioned as practical daily drivers. Check the specs table above for seating and body type.
Which has better fuel economy, the Audi A8 or the Maserati Quattroporte?
The Audi A8 is more fuel-efficient on paper: 11.3 L/100km combined versus 14.7 L/100km for the Maserati Quattroporte, based on the best-equipped catalogued version of each.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Audi A8 or the Maserati Quattroporte?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Audi A8 than the Maserati Quattroporte. See the known issues comparison above.