Maserati
Levante
Mercedes-Benz
GLS
Maserati Levante vs Mercedes-Benz GLS: 2023 Comparison
The short answer
Based on available data, the Mercedes-Benz GLS 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.
GLS
Overall
Sentiment is sharply divided and heavily dependent on ownership phase and powertrain. The vehicle is universally praised for its core attributes: exceptional ride comfort, often described as "like a magic carpet," spacious and comfortable third-row seating, a luxurious and well-appointed interior, and strong, smooth V8 performance in 550/580/63 models. However, this high praise is almost universally tempered by severe criticism of ownership costs and reliability concerns beyond the initial warranty period.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to declare a single "best" version. Feedback is split by priorities: the GLS 450 is noted for being the entry point with a sacrifice in power.
Known issues
- ⚠Exorbitant maintenance and repair costs: very frequent reports of routine dealer service visits costing $1,800-$2,200, with major repairs like air suspension or differential failure costing $5,000-$30,000. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Air suspension failures: described as a "common" point of failure leading to very expensive repairs ($2,250 minimum, often $5,000+). Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Premature tire and brake wear: rear tires last 15,000-20,000 miles; brake pads require frequent replacement; cited as an almost annual expense. Frequency: very frequent.
The verdict
The Mercedes-Benz GLS 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 GLS?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Maserati Levante and the Mercedes-Benz GLS. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Maserati Levante or the Mercedes-Benz GLS?
The Mercedes-Benz GLS seats more passengers than the Maserati Levante on its catalogued best-equipped version. Body type also differs: the Maserati Levante is classed as a SUV, the Mercedes-Benz GLS as a SUV.
Which has better fuel economy, the Maserati Levante or the Mercedes-Benz GLS?
The Mercedes-Benz GLS is more fuel-efficient on paper: 13.3-13.5 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 GLS?
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.