Audi
A7
Maserati
Ghibli
Audi A7 vs Maserati Ghibli: 2023 Comparison
The short answer
The Audi A7 offers fuel economy, while the Maserati Ghibli excels at power instead. Choose the Audi A7 if you prioritize fuel economy in daily driving, or the Maserati Ghibli if power matters more for your needs. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
A7
Overall
Overwhelmingly positive sentiment regarding the driving experience, design, and long-term reliability of the 3.0-liter supercharged V6 gasoline engine (3.0T) and 3.0-liter TDI diesel powertrains. The A7 is consistently praised for its gorgeous, timeless design, exceptional comfort, refined handling with Quattro all-wheel drive, and practical hatchback body style. Owner feedback indicates high satisfaction with the vehicle's performance as a daily driver and long-distance cruiser, with specific acclaim for its quiet cabin, comfortable seats, and high-quality interior build.
Best version to buy
The 2016-2018 model years with the 3.0T supercharged V6 gasoline engine (CREC version, 333 hp) are most frequently recommended. This iteration is noted for having design revisions that address earlier potential issues like carbon buildup (via dual port and direct injection) and updated chain tensioners.
Known issues
- ⚠Higher maintenance and repair costs compared to mainstream brands. Labor and part costs at dealerships are noted as expensive. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Water pump and PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) valve failure. Common replacement items typically needed between 60,000-100,000 miles (97,000-161,000 km). Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Emissions system complexity (TDI models). The Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF), Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system, EGR, and associated sensors are potential failure points with high replacement costs, especially beyond 100,000 miles…
Ghibli
Overall
Sentiment is sharply polarized and heavily dependent on model year and purchase context. The vehicle is widely criticized for its historically poor build quality, especially in early model years (2014-2016), with frequent mentions of cheap interior materials, shared Chrysler parts (e.g., window switches), and perceived lack of refinement for its original $85,000+ MSRP. Reliability concerns and extremely high maintenance/repair costs at dealerships are dominant themes, contributing to a reputation for being a financially perilous ownership proposition.
Best version to buy
2018 and newer models are strongly recommended over earlier versions. Owners and industry observers note that Maserati made significant electronic refinements and smoothed out many quality kinks by the 2017/2018 model years.
Known issues
- ⚠High maintenance and repair costs: extremely expensive dealer service, costly genuine parts (e.g., $1800 for an AC compressor, $1800 for brake parts, $500 per tire). Labor costs are also high. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Early model year build quality/reliability: cheap interior materials, shared Chrysler parts, panel fit issues, general electronic gremlins, primarily affecting 2014-2016 models. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Electrical issues: problems with the Body Control Module (BCM), infotainment, and AC blower motors, often requiring module resets or updates. Frequency: recurrent.
The verdict
The Audi A7 is the better choice for most buyers.
It has better fuel economy on its best-equipped version than the Maserati Ghibli, based on the data above. If power matters more to you than running costs, the Maserati Ghibli is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Audi A7 or the Maserati Ghibli?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Audi A7 and the Maserati Ghibli. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Audi A7 or the Maserati Ghibli?
Both seat a similar number of passengers based on our data. The Audi A7 is classed as a Liftback, the Maserati Ghibli as a Sedan, which affects cargo space and ride height for family use.
Which has better fuel economy, the Audi A7 or the Maserati Ghibli?
The Audi A7 is more fuel-efficient on paper: 1.3-1.6 L/100km combined versus 14.7 L/100km for the Maserati Ghibli, based on the best-equipped catalogued version of each.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Audi A7 or the Maserati Ghibli?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Maserati Ghibli than the Audi A7. See the known issues comparison above.