Maserati
Levante
Mercedes-Benz
GLE
Maserati Levante vs Mercedes-Benz GLE: 2024 Comparison
The short answer
Based on available data, the Mercedes-Benz GLE comes out ahead of the Maserati Levante 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
Levante
Overall
Mixed sentiment with a clear generational divide. Owner experiences are sharply polarized between those who report reliable, enjoyable ownership and those who face significant financial and mechanical hardship. A strong consensus indicates that model year is the single most critical factor, with 2019 and newer models (especially 2020+) described as having substantially improved reliability over the problematic 2017-2018 launch years.
Best version to buy
2019 and newer model years are overwhelmingly recommended over 2017-2018 models. For powertrain, the V8 models (GTS, Trofeo) are celebrated for their "Ferrari-derived" engines, sublime exhaust notes, and relentless power, described as the heart of the Maserati experience.
Known issues
- ⚠Catastrophic depreciation: Loss of 50% or more of value within 2-3 years is standard, described as the single biggest financial factor. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Very high maintenance and repair costs: Dealer labor rates of $250-$400/hour, expensive OEM parts (e.g., $1,200+ for a fuel pump), routine dealer oil changes quoted at $400-$650. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Electrical/Gremlin issues: Infotainment/radio computer glitches, random disconnections, screen freezes, requiring multiple software updates. Also includes window switches/regulators and trunk latch mechanisms. Frequency: very frequent.
GLE
Overall
Mixed sentiment with a clear generational divide. Feedback on the 2020-2023 generation (W167) is generally positive, with owners praising its comfortable, cloud-like ride, stunning and spacious interior, ample power from six-cylinder engines, and overall refinement as a luxury family cruiser. However, significant and recurrent criticism is directed at the 2024-2026 model years, particularly regarding severe electrical and software reliability issues.
Best version to buy
For the 2020-2023 generation, the GLE 450 with the inline-six engine is frequently cited as the sweet spot, offering ample power without the extreme cost of the AMG models. The AMG Line package is appreciated for its aesthetics.
Known issues
- ⚠Severe electrical/software glitches (2024-2026 models): screens going blank, system resets, phantom alarm triggers, persistent error codes leading to "Turtle Mode" and performance crippling in the 450e PHEV. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Declining build quality (post-2020 models): increased interior rattles and creaks, body panel misalignment (e.g., gas cap not flush), sticky or faulty mechanical latches (third-row seats). Frequency: recurrent.
- ⚠Buggy driver assistance systems: over-sensitive automatic emergency braking when reversing, unreliable lane-keeping or adaptive cruise control. Frequency: recurrent.
The verdict
The Mercedes-Benz GLE is the better choice for most buyers.
It has better fuel economy on its best-equipped version than the Maserati Levante, based on the data above. If power matters more to you than running costs, the Maserati Levante is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Maserati Levante or the Mercedes-Benz GLE?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Maserati Levante and the Mercedes-Benz GLE. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Maserati Levante or the Mercedes-Benz GLE?
Both seat a similar number of passengers based on our data. The Maserati Levante is classed as a SUV, the Mercedes-Benz GLE as a Coupe, which affects cargo space and ride height for family use.
Which has better fuel economy, the Maserati Levante or the Mercedes-Benz GLE?
The Mercedes-Benz GLE is more fuel-efficient on paper: 12.4-12.7 L/100km combined versus 13.5 L/100km for the Maserati Levante, based on the best-equipped catalogued version of each.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Maserati Levante or the Mercedes-Benz GLE?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Maserati Levante than the Mercedes-Benz GLE. See the known issues comparison above.