2025 Maserati Grecale vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE
Comparison Overview
Deciding between Italian flair and German precision often boils down to budget versus bragging rights in the luxury crossover segment. The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE undercuts the 2025 Maserati Grecale significantly, starting at $62,250 compared to the Grecale's $76,500โa steep $14,250 difference. While the Grecale boasts a spirited 325 hp, the base GLE offers 255 hp. Daily practicality leans heavily toward the Mercedes, which provides substantially more utility with 33.3 cu ft of cargo space versus the Grecale's meager 18.9 cu ft. Both require premium fuel and achieve similar efficiency, with the Grecale hitting 24 MPG combined against the GLE's 23 MPG combined. However, if sheer road presence and immediate power are your priorities, the Grecale delivers 70 more horsepower, despite being slightly shorter overall at 190.9 inches compared to the GLE's 194.3 inches.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE
The GLE wins for commuters due to its lower initial cost and slightly better highway efficiency at 28 MPG.
2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE
The 2026 GLE is the clear choice for families, offering nearly double the cargo capacity at 33.3 cu ft compared to the Grecale's 18.9 cu ft.
2025 Maserati Grecale
The Maserati Grecale satisfies enthusiasts by delivering a significant 70 horsepower advantage with 325 hp.
2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE
The Mercedes-Benz GLE provides far greater utility and a $14,250 lower entry price, making it the superior value proposition.
Choose the Maserati Grecale if...
- You prioritize exhilarating performance and want 325 horsepower right out of the box.
- You prefer the tighter maneuverability offered by its shorter 190.9-inch length.
- You desire the unique badge appeal and inherent excitement associated with the Maserati brand.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLE if...
- You need maximum practicality, leveraging the GLE's massive 33.3 cu ft cargo area.
- Saving $14,250 upfront is a primary concern for your purchase decision.
- You prefer a slightly taller ride height, as the GLE sits at 70.7 inches versus the Grecale's 65.7 inches.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Maserati Grecale | Mercedes-Benz GLE |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 190.9" | 194.3" |
| Width | 77.9" | 76.7" |
| Height | 65.7" | 70.7" |
| Wheelbase | 114.2" | 117.9" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Maserati | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | โ | โ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | โ | โ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | โ | โ |
| Driver Attention Alert | โ | โ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | โ | โ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | โ | โ |
| Front Head Airbags | โ | โ |
| Rear Head Airbags | โ | โ |
| Electronic Stability Control | โ | โ |
| Traction Control System | โ | โ |
| LATCH System | โ | โ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | โ | โ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | โ | โ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | โ | โ |
| Brake Assist | โ | โ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | โ | โ |
| Automatic Headlights | โ | โ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | โ | โ |
| LED Headlights | โ | โ |
| Daytime Running Lights | โ | โ |
| Front Fog Lights | โ | โ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | โ | โ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | โ | โ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | โ | โ |
| Engine Immobilizer | โ | โ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | โ | โ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | โ | โ |
| Brake Drying | โ | โ |
| Brake Preparation System | โ | โ |
| Adaptive Headlights | โ | โ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | โ | โ |
| Front Power Adjustable Headrests | โ | โ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | โ | โ |
Engine
| Feature | Maserati | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | mild hybrid | mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 325 hp | 255 hp @ 5800 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Single overhead cam (SOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | โ | โ |
| Torque | โ | 295 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm |
Drive Train
| Feature | Maserati | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 9-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
| [object Object] | โ | โ |
| [object Object] | โ | โ |
| Hill Descent Control | โ | โ |
Fuel
| Feature | Maserati | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 22/28 MPG | 21/28 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 24 MPG | 23 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 371.8/473.2 mi. | 472.5/630.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 16.9 gal. | 22.5 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Maserati | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | โ | โ |
| Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Electric Power Steering | โ | โ |
| Rear View Camera | โ | โ |
| Front Parking Sensors | โ | โ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | โ | โ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | โ | โ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | โ | โ |
| Front Cupholders | โ | โ |
| Rear Cupholders | โ | โ |
| Front Door Pockets | โ | โ |
| Rear Door Pockets | โ | โ |
| Front Seatback Storage | โ | โ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | โ | โ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | โ | โ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | โ | โ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | โ | โ |
| Front View Camera | โ | โ |
| Side View Camera | โ | โ |
| Automatic Parking Assist | โ | โ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | โ | โ |
| Cruise Control | โ | โ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | โ | โ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | โ | โ |
| Interior Air Filtration | โ | โ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | โ | โ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Maserati | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 12.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | โ | โ |
| Premium Speaker Brand | Sonus faber | โ |
| Stereo Power | 860W | โ |
| Speaker System | 14 | โ |
| Subwoofer Count | 1 | 2 |
| Surround Audio | Discrete | โ |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | โ | โ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | โ | โ |
| USB Port | โ | โ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | โ | โ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | โ | โ |
| Satellite Radio | With Real Time Traffic | โ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 12 months | 6 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Maserati | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass Extended | 1st Row Power Glass |
| Keyless Entry | โ | โ |
| Heated Mirrors | โ | โ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Maserati | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Seat Material: Leather | โ | โ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | โ | โ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 10-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | โ | โ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 10-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | โ | โ |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Front Head Room | โ | 40.5 in. |
| Front Leg Room | โ | 40.3 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | โ | 59.3 in. |
| Front Hip Room | โ | 60.8 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | โ | โ |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | โ | 3 |
| Passenger Seat Memory Settings | โ | 3 |
Rearseats
| Feature | Maserati | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | โ | โ |
| Folding Center Armrest | โ | โ |
| Rear Head Room | โ | 36.9 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | โ | 40.9 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | โ | 58.3 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | โ | 59.8 in. |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Maserati | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | โ |
| Wheel Diameter | 20 in. | โ |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 295/40R20 | 255/50R19 |
| Wheel Material | โ | Alloy |
| Wheel Size | โ | 19 x 8.0 in |
| Spare Tire Type | โ | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | โ | Inside Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Maserati | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | โ | โ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | โ | โ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | โ | โ |
Warranty
| Feature | Maserati | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | โ | 6 yr./ 62000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Maserati Grecale and 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE.
Is the fuel economy significantly different between the 2025 Grecale and 2026 GLE?
Not really; both are thirsty for premium fuel. The Grecale has a slight edge with 24 MPG combined (22 city/28 highway), while the GLE delivers 23 MPG combined (21 city/28 highway).
Which vehicle offers better space for groceries and luggage?
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE is the undisputed champion here, offering a vast 33.3 cu ft of cargo space, which is substantially more than the Grecale's 18.9 cu ft.
What is the real-world impact of the horsepower difference?
The Grecale has 70 more horsepower (325 hp vs 255 hp), meaning the Maserati will feel quicker and more responsive during passing maneuvers and spirited driving compared to the GLE.
Why is the Maserati Grecale so much more expensive than the Mercedes-Benz GLE?
The Grecale starts at $76,500 while the GLE begins at $62,250, creating a $14,250 gap. This price difference reflects Maserati's positioning as a more exclusive, performance-focused luxury brand.
Does the difference in drive type (AWD vs RWD) matter for these crossovers?
Yes, the Grecale comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, which is better for slippery conditions, whereas the base GLE utilizes Rear-Wheel Drive, generally prioritizing a classic driving feel.
Are both vehicles large SUVs?
They are both considered luxury crossovers, but the GLE is slightly longer at 194.3 inches and notably taller at 70.7 inches compared to the Grecale's 190.9-inch length and 65.7-inch height.
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