Maserati Granturismo vs Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class

What's the difference?

There’s a famous line in a Hollywood movie that somebody’s ego is writing cheques their body can’t cash.

In the GranTurismo’s case, its agility, performance, ride, handling and overall refinement means it absolutely delivers on the promise of the stunning styling.

Of course, this review is a first taster only, even if it is on one of the most challenging race circuits we know. And, as such, we cannot wait to finally drive the GranTurismo outside on Australian public roads.

Which, by the way, will be all the more beautiful because of it.

Comfortable when it needs to be and sporty when you want it to be, the CLS 53 is a bit like Mercedes’ Doctor Jekyll and Mr Hyde – or maybe Bruce Banner and the Hulk is a better frame of reference for some.

While it doesn’t excel in any one particular area, its breadth of useability is commendable, but ultimately it might be its all-too-familiar aesthetics that is the biggest letdown.

From the inside, it looks and feels like any other large Mercedes model (not necessarily a criticism), while the exterior – in my opinion – doesn’t go far enough to differentiate it from the CLA.

After all, if you wanted a stylish and sporty sedan, shouldn’t feel special too?

With a long bonnet and centralised, cab-backward silhouette, the new GranTurismo is built on a highly-modified version of the Stellantis Group’s Giorgio platform, which debuted with the BMW 3 Series-sized Alfa Romeo Giulia sedan back in 2016 and also underpins the Stelvio SUV. 

In this application, it has been redesigned as a modular architecture to accommodate, among other things, electrification. The resulting Folgore (Lightning) electric vehicle version will arrive in Australia during 2025.

Compared to before, the design is all-new, with a body that is slightly longer and wider than before; it features over 65 per cent aluminium, weight distribution is 52/48 per cent up front/rear, and the aerodynamics are honed to maximise efficiency, especially for the Folgore. The latter’s drag coefficiency of 0.26 – 0.02 better than the Modena/Trofeo.

Here are the key dimensions: 4959mm long (+78mm), 1957mm wide (+42mm), 1353mm tall (same as before) and 2929mm wheelbase (-20mm).

Maserati claims it invented the grand tourer with its post-war A6 1500 coupe of 1947. Since then, a variety of timeless designs have been released, with beauty always being the priority… and the GranTurismo nails it.

Mercedes’ homogenised design is a bit of a double-edged sword, and while the CLS does wear its styling confidently, it probably looks a little too much like the cheaper and much smaller CLA for our tastes.

Both are swoopy four-door coupes from Mercedes-Benz, so of course there will be some similarities, but keen-eyed car spotters will notice some differences.

While the proportions are similar, the longer wheelbase and bonnet line gives the CLS a more mature look, and the extra details found in the head- and tail-lights, and front bumper stand it apart.

The changes to the 2022 version also brings in AMG’s 'Panamericana' front grille, which adds a bit of welcome aggression to the front end.

From the side, the steeply raked roof flows seamlessly into the rear, while the 20-inch wheels fill out the arches well.

All four doors are also frameless, which is always cool to see.

From the rear, quad-exhaust tips hint at the CLS’s sporty intentions, while a prominent rear diffuser and subtle boot lid spoiler also feature.

Inside, the biggest change to the CLS is now the inclusion of the MBUX multimedia system, which keeps it in line with the E-Class, C-Class and other Mercedes models.

AMG sports seats are also fitted, wrapped in Nappa leather and 'Dinamica' fabric upholstery for all pews.

Our test car also came fitted with red contrast stitching and seat belts, adding a racy streak to the CLS cabin.

Have to point out the new steering wheel that comes with the 2022 CLS, though, which mirrors the tiller offered in the new E-Class, and is a step back in terms of functionality.

It looks premium enough thanks to its chunky leather-wrapped rim and gloss black dual-spoke design, but using the buttons, especially when on the move, is difficult and unergonomic.

This design is definitely function over form, and might need a few more revisions to get it right.

Overall, we’d say the CLS is a good-looking car, but does play it a bit too safe with its styling?

Long, low and wide. These are prerequisite proportions for a traditional grand touring 2+2 coupe, and with them come traditional packaging compromises.

With a near 3.0-metre wheelbase, there’s tonnes of room for legs, shoulders and even heads if you’re willing to sit nice and low, though the lush ambience is more cosy than coastal because of the accompanying broad centre console.

The dual central screens look like an open tablet, and it’s perfectly sized and easy to use. Same goes for much of the controls, while the driving position is, thankfully, first class. Just like the fit and finish.

Beating Mitsubishi’s TR Magna to the punch by decades, there’s an analogue clock perched above the centre vent outlets, which is digitalised and contains performance telemetry as per Porsche’s equivalent.

Vision is a little limited by the fat pillars and upswept window line but the big screens help. Storage is okay, and access to the rear is only for the very young, very fit or very limber.

Two more seats out back provide snug comfort, but the GranTurismo really is all about the ones up front. Overall, the cabin design’s restrained modernity matches the exterior’s styling philosophy down to a tee.

Further back, the boot lid opens electrically because why not, revealing 310 litres of cargo space. The rear seat doesn’t fold, but there is a ski-hatch into the cabin for broomsticks and some such.

Speaking of flying high, let’s take a look at the other side of the GranTurismo.

Measuring 4994mm long, 1896mm wide, 1425mm tall and with a 2939mm wheelbase, the CLS slots neatly between the E-Class and S-Class in size and positioning.

Up front, occupants are afforded ample room for head, legs and shoulders, while the electronically adjustable seats make it easy to find a comfortable position.

The steering wheel also features a telescoping function – an always appreciated feature – and the expansive glasshouse makes things feel open and airy.

Storage options include a deep door pocket, a cubby found under the armrest, two cupholders and a smartphone tray with wireless charging capabilities.

It’s a different story in the second row, though, as the sloping roofline does noticeably eat away at headroom.

Don’t get me wrong, a six-foot-tall (183cm) adult can still slide in there fine, but the roof is dangerously close to the touching the top of the head.

Leg- and shoulder-room is pretty good in the outboard seats though, while the middle position is compromised by the intrusive transmission tunnel.

In the second row, passengers have access to a bottle holder in the door, a fold-down armrest with cupholders, backseat map pockets and two air vents.

Opening the boot reveals a cavity offering 490 litres of volume, with an aperture wide enough to fit golf clubs or luggage for a weekend getaway for four adults.

The rear seats also fold in a 40/20/40 split fashion, but Mercedes-Benz is yet to detail how much volume is on offer with the rear seats down. And as a traditional sedan, the CLS is less practical than the liftback Audi S7.

When the third-generation Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class hit Australian showrooms in 2018, it was available in three flavours, but the 2022 refresh has trimmed the line-up to just one – the top-spec AMG-tuned CLS 53.

The discontinuation of the entry-level CLS350 and mid-tier CLS450 means the CLS-Class now kicks off at $188,977, before on-road costs, which makes it more expensive than rivals like the Audi S7 ($162,500) and Maserati Ghibli S GranSport ($175,000).

With BMW ditching the 6 Series, the Bavarian brand doesn’t offer a direct rival to the Mercedes-AMG CLS 53, but its bigger 8 Series is offered in a Gran Coupe body style that starts at $179,900.

So, what does Mercedes include in the CLS’s asking price?

Standard equipment includes interior ambient lighting, a head-up display, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, power-adjustable and heated front seats, woodgrain interior trim, powered boot lid, rear privacy glass, push-button start, keyless entry, and a sunroof.

As an AMG model, the 2022 CLS is also fitted with a unique steering wheel, sports seats, illuminated door sills, drive mode selector, 20-inch wheels, a performance exhaust, boot lid spoiler and blacked-out exterior package.

Handling multimedia duties is a 12.3-inch 'MBUX' (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) touchscreen, with functions including Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, digital radio, a wireless charger, satellite navigation and a 13-speaker Burmester sound system.

It’s a long and fully-featured equipment list, for sure, and it’s so extensive that there aren’t really any options available.

Buyers can opt for an 'AMG Exterior Carbon Fibre Package', power-closing doors, and different finishes for the exterior paint, interior trim and seat upholstery – that’s it!

While its nice that everything you’d want comes included in the asking price, it’s hard to ignore the fact that its Audi S7 rival is more than $20,000 cheaper, but also well equipped.

So, no more Ferrari-sourced V8, eh?

Yet, it’s not just a sexy body that Maserati has mastered, because this particular 2992cc 3.0L twin-turbo V6 is pretty-much exactly the same engine as you’ll find in the company’s MC20 supercar, give or take a bunch of outputs.

Called the Nettuno, it isn’t quite in the performance league of the GT’s mid-engined two-seater sibling, but with 365kW of power and 600Nm of torque in the Modena and 45kW/50Nm more in the Trofeo, it’s a spine-tingling symphony of speed and total jailbait… especially given the latter’s 320km/h maximum velocity.

That’s 18km/h quicker than the standard tune, and the Trofeo also shaves 0.4 seconds off the 0-100km/h sprint time at just 3.5s flat.

Either engine, though, feels terrifically quick and smooth and no doubt that’s aided by what must be one of the world’s greatest automatic transmissions in the eight-speed ZF unit. It sends drive to all four wheels.

Given the length, girth and opulence, a kerb weight of just 1795kg is outstanding, allowing a power-to-weight ratio of 203kW per tonne in the Modena and a knockout 228kW/tonne in the Trofeo.

To help keep all that in check, the GranTurismo also deploys double wishbones up front, a multi-link independent rear suspension set-up, along with the aforementioned air suspension – which is a nice nod to history as French carmaker Citroen used to own Maserati.

Anyway, the active suspension works in tandem with the four self-explanatory driving models fitted – 'Comfort', the default 'GT', 'Sport' and 'Corsa' (track).

Powering the Mercedes-AMG CLS 53 is a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine, punching out 320kW/520Nm to all four wheels via a nine-speed automatic transmission and Merc's '4Matic+' AWD system.

A 48-volt mild-hybrid system, known as 'EQ Boost', is also fitted that serves up to 16kW/250Nm from take-off.

The result is a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 4.5 seconds, keeping it on pace with the likes of the 331kW/600Nm Audi S7 (4.6s) and 390kW/750Nm 250kW/500Nm BMW 840i Gran Coupe (5.2s).

While not as brutish as AMG’s eight-cylinder engine, the straight six strikes a great balance between pace and poise that perfectly suits a model like the CLS 53.

You know, for a super coupe that can easily exceed 300km/h, the GranTurismo is pleasingly efficient, with a combined cycle average figure of 10.2L/100km.

Top that 70L tank with premium unleaded petrol, and you might even average over 680km between refills if you can restrain yourself from poking the bear under the bonnet.

How? Clean aero efficiency, along with that predominantly aluminium body that helps keep the weight down to under an impressive 1.8 tonnes.

Which all bodes really well for 2025’s Folgore EV version, which can also hit 100 in 2.7s on the way to 325km/h. Bring that on!

Official fuel consumption numbers for the CLS 53 are pegged at 9.2 litres per 100km, while we managed an average of 12.0L/100km in our launch drive.

All of our driving was relegated to country back roads and high-trafficked urban areas however, with no consistent freeway driving.

We’ll reserve judgement on how accurate the fuel economy figures are until after we’ve had the car for longer, but the EQ Boost system is designed to help keep consumption down by being able to coast the engine in particular situations.

Though it has been modified by what may be an almost unrecognisable amount by Maserati’s engineers, using Stellantis’ Gorgio architecture that first appeared in the magnetic Alfa Romeo Giulia of 2016 and then utterly seduced in the flagship Quadrifoglio version is a great place to start.

Now, we’ve only tested the all-new GranTurismo (GT from here on in) coupe around the fast and challenging Tailem Bend race track near Adelaide, so cannot speak of its behaviour on Australian public roads.

But what we experienced was an incredible and elevating sports car experience. And, yes, that's despite the loss of the magnetic Ferrari-based 4.7-litre V8.

Even with ‘just’ 365kW of power and 600Nm of torque, the base Modena twin-turbo V6 thunders off the line, its superb ZF eight-speed automatic transmission, surely the best of its type in the world, shifting with lightning speed through the ratios as it blitzed past 100, then 150, then 200km/h in mere seconds. Maserati says within 8.8s, in fact.

To help keep all that in check, the GranTurismo deploys double wishbones up front, a multi-link independent rear suspension set-up, along with the aforementioned air suspension – which is a nice nod to history as French carmaker Citroen used to own Maserati.

Anyway, the active suspension works in tandem with the four self-explanatory driving models fitted – 'Comfort', the default 'GT', 'Sport' and 'Corsa' (track).

We were too thrilled to notice whether the loss of the Maserati V8 grumble, because the exhaust howl was exciting enough, along with the sheer ease in which the GT accelerates.

And when we needed to suddenly brake reaching corners that seemed stupidly close until we realised they weren’t, we also were relieved at the Modena’s marvellously effective Brembo brake package.

Now, at under 1900kg, the GT is still a heavy car, but not for a five-by-two metre-long-and-wide 2+2 seater coupe.

Seriously, the cohesion and crispness of the steering, whether in Comfort or three-settings down in shockingly heavier Corsa mode, tingles the senses, seeming far lighter and more agile than the (albeit lithe) luxury coupe styling suggests.

Not Porsche 911 supernatural-alacrity, but beautifully quick and reactive nonetheless. It’s such a buzz.

There’s also a sense of isolation from the air suspension underneath, aided by the trick adaptive dampers doing their bit too to cushion the ride. The vital luxury part of the GT equation is omnipresent in the Maserati coupe.

And this was all just in the Modena. Another few laps in the Trofeo just sharpened the senses and speed and responses, supercharging the experience around Tailem Bend.

What all this left us is a longing for more time behind the wheel. Which hopefully will happen soon, but for now, this is far-and-away the best Maserati I have ever driven. If you can afford one, this is all great news.

Of course, back in the real world on everyday roads, there will surely be criticisms, but for now, around the circuit, the GranTurismo is something very special indeed.

There are certain expectations on a vehicle when it wears a Mercedes badge, namely it should be comfortable to drive while also dripping with the latest tech. And here the large four-door coupe delivers in spades.

Driving the car is smooth, easy and comfortable when in its default drive setting, you can really sink into the CLS and just eat up the miles in comfort.

There are small niggles, like the 20-inch wheels and low-profile tyres (245/35 front and 275/30 rear) throw up a bit too much road noise into the cabin, but for the most part, around town, the CLS is serene, supple and supremely soothing.

However, switch it over to Sport or Sport+ and the steering gets a bit heavier, the throttle response a bit sharper, and the suspension a bit stiffer.

Does it transform the CLS into a sports car? Not quite, but it certainly dials up driving engagement to a level where you can really have some fun.

Though this isn’t a full-fat AMG in the same vein as an E63 S and doesn’t feature the ubiquitous 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, the CLS 53’s 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine is still plenty potent.

Coming away off the line feels particularly brisk, likely due to the EQ Boost system adding a bit of poke, and even flat-footing it mid-corner delivers a noticeable surge of urgency from the creamy straight six.

However, the best of the CLS 53 experience, in my opinion, is actually the sound, with the exhaust letting off the right sort of pops and crackles in Sport+ mode on overrun.

It’s rude and obnoxious, but also completely surprising coming from the motoring equivalent of a three-piece dress suit – and I love it!

The brakes are also up to task for scrubbing speed, but our relatively brief time with the car was in extremely wet conditions, so the 4Matic+ AWD system was hugely appreciated.

The Mercedes-Benz CLS is yet to be tested by ANCAP or Euro NCAP, which means there is no official crash-test rating that applies to local market vehicles.

However, the standard safety equipment list is extensive, and covers autonomous emergency braking (AEB), nine airbags, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, tyre pressure monitoring, a surround-view camera, route-based speed recognition and lane-change assist.

The rear seats also feature two ISOFIX mounting points for child seats.

Maserati offers a frankly disappointing three-year/unlimited kilometre warranty, which is on the stingier side of things.

Service intervals are also every 12 months or 10,000km.

There is no capped-price servicing, but Maserati offers a pre-paid maintenance program that covers all the inspections and components and consumable replacements.

As the pricing was not finalised at the time of publishing, best to check the company’s website for the latest details.

Like all new Mercedes-Benz models sold in 2021, the CLS 53 comes with a five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty with roadside assist over that period.

This outclasses the assurance period offered by BMW, Porsche and Audi (three-year/unlimited kilometre), and matches that available from Jaguar, Genesis and Lexus, who recently upgraded their offering.

Scheduled service intervals are every 12 months or 25,000km, whichever occurs first.

The first three planned services will set buyers back $3150, broken down as $700, $1100 and $1350 apiece.