BMW
7 Series
Maserati
Quattroporte
BMW 7 Series vs Maserati Quattroporte: 2023 Comparison
The short answer
Based on available data, the BMW 7 Series comes out ahead of the Maserati Quattroporte on fuel economy and power. Check the specs table and owner sentiment below for the full comparison before deciding between the two. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
7 Series
Overall
Sentiment is mixed and heavily dependent on generation and ownership phase. Long-term owner reports for older generations (e.g., E65, F01, G11/G12) highlight significant concerns regarding high maintenance costs, complex electronics, and expensive repairs as the vehicles age, particularly when professional labor is required. These models are described as "over-engineered" with components prone to failure, leading to substantial out-of-pocket expenses.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to designate a specific "best" trim or model year. One owner of a 2015 diesel model reported satisfaction with its fuel economy, but no consensus exists on optimal configurations.
Known issues
- ⚠High maintenance and repair costs: very expensive parts and labor, especially for electronic components and engine-related repairs. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Complex electronic system failures: issues with control modules, sensors, and infotainment systems that are difficult and costly to diagnose and repair. Frequency: recurrent.
- ⚠Engine reliability concerns: specific mention of complicated, over-engineered engines (e.g., N63) that are expensive to fix; turbochargers noted as costly bespoke items on performance variants. 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 BMW 7 Series 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 BMW 7 Series or the Maserati Quattroporte?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the BMW 7 Series and the Maserati Quattroporte. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the BMW 7 Series 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 BMW 7 Series or the Maserati Quattroporte?
The BMW 7 Series is more fuel-efficient on paper: 12.8 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 BMW 7 Series or the Maserati Quattroporte?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the BMW 7 Series than the Maserati Quattroporte. See the known issues comparison above.