Maserati
GranTurismo
Owner report available
Mercedes-Benz
CL
Owner report available
Maserati GranTurismo vs Mercedes-Benz CL
The short answer
Based on available data, the Maserati GranTurismo comes out ahead of the Mercedes-Benz CL on 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
GranTurismo
Overall
Sentiment is mixed and highly dependent on owner expectations and maintenance approach. The vehicle is described as an "emotional decision, not a logical decision," prized for its intoxicating Ferrari-derived V8 engine sound, striking design, and the visceral, comfortable grand touring experience, often compared to a "leather couch strapped to a Ferrari V-8." However, this generation is subject to widespread and severe criticism for ruinous unreliability, questionable build quality, and massive depreciation. The interior is frequently cited as dated, senseless, and prone to specific failures like sticky buttons and bubbling dash leather.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to specify a best trim or model year. Owner discussions focus on the model generation as a whole rather than comparing specific variants.
Known issues
- Catastrophic unreliability: widespread reports of frequent, expensive, and unpredictable mechanical failures. Frequency: very frequent.
- Interior build quality failures: sticky buttons, bubbling dash leather, falling headliner, broken glovebox latches, intermittent console lights, worn bolsters and armrests. Frequency: very frequent.
- Dated interior design and materials: criticized as senseless and lacking modern technology or quality compared to segment competitors. Frequency: recurrent.
CL
Overall
Owner sentiment is highly conditional, centered on the significant and well-documented maintenance costs associated with the complex Active Body Control (ABC) hydraulic suspension system. The vehicle is universally praised for its timeless design, luxurious feel, and potent V8/V12 engines, offering an exceptional driving experience when fully functional. However, the consensus is that ownership is a high-risk, high-reward proposition, suitable only for those with substantial maintenance budgets and access to specialized independent mechanics.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to designate a single "best" version. Discussions indicate a trade-off: earlier models (pre-2003) are noted to have first-generation ABC components with known issues, while later facelift models (2003+) may have addressed some of these problems.
Known issues
- Active Body Control (ABC) hydraulic suspension failures: includes leaking struts, failing accumulators (spheres), valve block issues, and pump failures. Very expensive to repair, with full system replacement sometimes required.
- High general maintenance and repair costs: attributed to the car's complex technology and luxury status. Electronics, plastic engine bay components, and other wear items are costly. Frequency: very frequent.
- Engine-specific concerns (varies by model year and engine): for 2007+ models (C216 generation, M273 V8), balance shaft sprocket/chain wear leading to potential engine failure is noted as a major issue.
The verdict
The Maserati GranTurismo is the better choice for most buyers.
It has more power on its best-equipped version than the Mercedes-Benz CL, based on the data above. If efficiency matters more to you than outright power, the Mercedes-Benz CL is worth a closer look instead.
Explore further
Common problems by model year
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Maserati GranTurismo or the Mercedes-Benz CL?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Maserati GranTurismo and the Mercedes-Benz CL. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Maserati GranTurismo or the Mercedes-Benz CL?
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 Maserati GranTurismo or the Mercedes-Benz CL?
The EPA rates the 2026 Maserati GranTurismo at 21 mpg combined and the 2014 Mercedes-Benz CL at 14–18 mpg, depending on the version.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Maserati GranTurismo or the Mercedes-Benz CL?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but reliability signals above are the closest proxy: fewer reported issues generally means lower repair costs over time.