Compare the2024 Maserati GranTurismo FolgoreVS 2024 Mercedes CLE

Both the GranTurismo Folgore 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, rear cross-path warning and driver alert monitors.

The Maserati GranTurismo Folgore weighs 496 to 925 pounds more than the Mercedes CLE. The NHTSA advises that heavier cars are much safer in collisions than their significantly lighter counterparts.

The GranTurismo Folgore’s electric motors produces 496 more horsepower (751 vs. 255) and 701 lbs.-ft. more torque (996 vs. 295) than the CLE 300’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid. The GranTurismo Folgore’s electric motors produces 376 more horsepower (751 vs. 375) and 627 lbs.-ft. more torque (996 vs. 369) than the CLE 450’s standard 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder hybrid.

On the EPA test cycle the GranTurismo Folgore gets better mileage than the CLE Coupe:

The GranTurismo Folgore can travel with zero emissions for 242 miles. The CLE can’t move without running its internal combustion engine.

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

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Maserati GranTurismo Folgore higher (10 out of 10) than the Mercedes CLE (7 to 8). This means the GranTurismo Folgore produces up to 11.8 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the CLE every 15,000 miles.

The GranTurismo Folgore’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 GranTurismo Folgore’s front brake rotors are larger than those on the CLE:

For better traction, the GranTurismo Folgore has larger tires than the CLE (F:265/30R20 & R:295/30R21 vs. 245/45R18). The GranTurismo Folgore’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 GranTurismo Folgore’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 GranTurismo Folgore’s tires are lower profile than the CLE’s optional 35 series front tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the GranTurismo Folgore 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 GranTurismo Folgore 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 GranTurismo Folgore has a standard automatic front and rear load leveling suspension to keep ride height level with a heavy load or when towing. The GranTurismo Folgore’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 GranTurismo Folgore’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 GranTurismo Folgore is 1.6 inches wider in the front and 1.8 inches wider in the rear than on the CLE.

The GranTurismo Folgore’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (50% to 50%) than the CLE’s (55% to 45%). This gives the GranTurismo Folgore more stable handling and braking.

The GranTurismo Folgore 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.