Maserati
Ghibli
Owner report available
Mercedes-Benz
E-class
Owner report available
Maserati Ghibli vs Mercedes-Benz E-class
The short answer
Based on available data, the Mercedes-Benz E-class comes out ahead of the Maserati Ghibli 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
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.
E-class
Overall
\nSentiment is mixed and heavily dependent on the specific generation and ownership context. For the W212 generation (approximately 2009-2016), owner feedback is generally positive regarding its solid build quality, reliability, and driving experience, with it being described as "pretty reliable" and "one of the best running cars" Mercedes has produced in recent decades. The W213 generation (approximately 2017-2023) receives praise for supreme comfort, refinement, and technology, particularly in plug-in hybrid (PHEV) diesel variants noted for excellent fuel economy.
Best version to buy
\nFor the W212 generation (2009-2016), the 2014-2017 model years are specifically recommended as being "well sorted." The E350 and E400 models with standard suspension (avoiding AIRMATIC air suspension if reliability is a priority) are cited as rock solid. For the W213 generation, the E300de (diesel plug-in hybrid) estate is highly praised for its combination of comfort, refinement, and fuel efficiency.
Known issues
- \nHigh maintenance and repair costs: Includes expensive routine servicing, premium fuel requirement, costly parts (e.g., wiper motor, brake lines, air suspension components), and labor.
The verdict
The Mercedes-Benz E-class 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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Common problems by model year
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Maserati Ghibli or the Mercedes-Benz E-class?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Maserati Ghibli and the Mercedes-Benz E-class. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Maserati Ghibli or the Mercedes-Benz E-class?
Both seat a similar number of passengers based on our data. The Maserati Ghibli is classed as a Sedan, the Mercedes-Benz E-class as a Station wagon, which affects cargo space and ride height for family use.
Which has better fuel economy, the Maserati Ghibli or the Mercedes-Benz E-class?
The EPA rates the 2024 Maserati Ghibli at 16–20 mpg combined and the 2027 Mercedes-Benz E-class at 25–28 mpg, depending on the version.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Maserati Ghibli or the Mercedes-Benz E-class?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Mercedes-Benz E-class than the Maserati Ghibli. See the known issues comparison above.