Compare the2024 Maserati GranCabrioVS 2024 Mercedes CLE

Full-time four-wheel drive is standard on the GranCabrio. Full-time four-wheel drive gives added traction for safety in all conditions, not just off-road, like the only system available on the CLE.

Both the GranCabrio and the CLE have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, rearview cameras, available lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, around view monitors, rear cross-path warning and driver alert monitors.

The GranCabrio’s 3.0 turbo V6 produces 287 more horsepower (542 vs. 255) and 192 lbs.-ft. more torque (487 vs. 295) than the CLE 300’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid. The GranCabrio’s 3.0 turbo V6 produces 167 more horsepower (542 vs. 375) and 118 lbs.-ft. more torque (487 vs. 369) than the CLE 450’s standard 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder hybrid.

An engine control system that can shut down some of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the GranCabrio’s fuel efficiency. The CLE doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

The GranCabrio has 1.1 gallons more fuel capacity than the CLE (18.5 vs. 17.4 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

The GranCabrio’s launch control uses engine electronics to hold engine RPM’s precisely in order to provide the most stable and rapid acceleration possible, using all of the available traction. The CLE doesn’t offer launch control.

For better stopping power the GranCabrio’s front brake rotors are larger than those on the CLE:

For better traction, the GranCabrio has larger tires than the CLE (F:265/30R20 & R:295/30R21 vs. 245/45R18). The GranCabrio’s tires are larger than the largest tires available on the CLE (F:265/30R20 & R:295/30R21 vs. F:245/40R19 & R:275/35R19).

The GranCabrio’s tires provide better handling because they have a lower 30 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the CLE’s standard 45 series tires. The GranCabrio’s tires are lower profile than the CLE’s optional 35 series front tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the GranCabrio has standard 20-inch front and 21-inch rear wheels. Smaller 18-inch wheels are standard on the CLE. The CLE’s largest wheels are only 20-inches.

The front and rear suspension of the GranCabrio uses air springs for a smoother, controlled ride than the CLE, which uses coil springs. Air springs maintain proper ride height and ride more smoothly.

The GranCabrio has a standard automatic front and rear load leveling suspension to keep ride height level with a heavy load or when towing. The GranCabrio’s height leveling suspension allows the driver to raise ride height for better off-road clearance and then lower it again for easier entering and exiting and better on-road handling. The CLE doesn’t offer a load leveling suspension.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the GranCabrio’s wheelbase is 2.5 inches longer than on the CLE (115.3 inches vs. 112.8 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the GranCabrio is 1.6 inches wider in the front and 1.8 inches wider in the rear than on the CLE.

The GranCabrio’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (51% to 49%) than the CLE’s (55% to 45%). This gives the GranCabrio more stable handling and braking.

The front grille of the GranCabrio uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The CLE doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

The GranCabrio’s front and rear power windows all open or close fully with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside the car. The CLE’s standard rear power window switches have to be held the entire time to open or close them fully.

The GranCabrio has a standard heated steering wheel to take the chill out of steering on extremely cold winter days before the car heater warms up. A heated steering wheel costs extra on the CLE.

The GranCabrio has a standard center folding armrest for the rear passengers. A center armrest helps make rear passengers more comfortable and it can provide a boundary between children. The CLE doesn’t offer a rear seat center armrest.