Mistral Large Review & Ranking

Mistral Large is the French startup’s biggest open‑weights release—an MoE‑style 46 B‑parameter model that trades frontier‑level benchmarks for stellar European‑language skills.

Quick Verdict

Up thirteen places to #49, Mistral Large underwhelms in English creativity but punches above its weight in French, German, and Spanish writing (+32, +24, +25 ranks).

Pros

  • Open weights enable on‑prem deployment
  • Strong performance in French, German, Spanish content
  • 128 K context window for long docs

Cons

  • English creative tasks lag frontier models
  • Poetic lines exceed syllable counts
  • Research answers occasionally hallucinate citations

Leaderboard Ranking

#49
Creative Writing Rank
13Δ vs Overall Rank

Ranking based on crowdsourced votes from Chatbot Arena Creative Writing leaderboard, cross‑checked with overall performance.

Model Specs

Context Window

128000 tokens

Open Source

Yes (open weights)

Uncensored

Self‑hosted inference allows adjustable safety filters

Training Cutoff

2024‑11

Writing Samples & Style

Scene

Prompt

Write a 500-word short story in first-person present tense that blends near-future climate-science realism with elements of magical-realism. Requirements* • Open with a single vivid sensory image (2 sentences max). • Introduce a main character facing a moral dilemma by paragraph 2. • Include one piece of hard climate data (e.g., “the ocean rose 23 cm in five years”). • End on an emotionally ambiguous note (no tidy resolution). • Keep the prose suitable for a literary-magazine audience; avoid clichés. • Word count 480-520. Output only the story text—no commentary.

Model Output

▶ Show sample
The scent of the last magnolia blossom clings to the air like a desperate secret, sweet and heavy in the unseasonable warmth of a New York City December. It is the only flower left on the tree that has not yet been subsumed by the encroaching tide. I am Clara, and I live on the twentieth floor of a glass tower on stilts, high above the streets that are now rivers. Last week, the mayor’s office announced that the ocean rose another 23 cm in the past five years, faster than any of their models predicted. My building is safe, for now, but the real estate market is in free fall, and my neighbors are fleeing like rats from a sinking ship. I could sell, cut my losses, but there’s more at stake than money. My family has lived in this city for generations, and I am the last to carry that legacy. The magnolia tree below, stubbornly blooming out of season, was planted by my great-grandmother. It is a piece of my history, a symbol of our endurance. But the city wants to cut it down, to build a seawall. They say the tree is a hindrance to their plans, a nuisance to progress. At night, I dream of the tree. It grows impossibly tall, its roots reaching deeper than the encroaching ocean, its branches stretching wide and protective over the city. In my dreams, the magnolia blossoms multiply and bloom year-round, defying the salty water and the changing seasons. Each petal bears a word, a story from my family’s past, a whisper of the city’s history. The dreams feel like a message, a calling. But in the waking world, the tree is just a tree, and I am just Clara, a woman with a decaying condo and a dying magnolia. This morning, I woke to find a single magnolia petal on my windowsill, pristine and impossibly fragrant. There are no open windows, no breezes that could have carried it up twenty floors. I hold it in my palm, rub the velvety softness between my fingers. It seems to hum with the same energy as my dreams. It is a sign, a plea. But what can I do? The city has plans, permits, progress. I have only a tree and a dream. I stand at my window, the petal pressed to my lips, looking down at the magnolia. The sun is setting, casting the city in a melancholy light. I could fight for the tree, for the history it represents. But is that enough of a reason to stand in the way of progress? The water is rising, the city is drowning, and I am torn between the ghosts of the past and the promises of the future. Below me, the magnolia shudders slightly, as if shrugging off a light breeze or perhaps surrendering to fate. The last blossom falls, drifting onto the dark water, and I am left with nothing but questions and the lingering scent of magnolia, like a plea, a secret, or a goodbye.

Style Comment:

Pop Song

Prompt

Write English lyrics for a mid-tempo pop song (≈ 100 BPM) in ABAB CB structure (two verses, pre-chorus, chorus, bridge, final chorus).

Theme: personal resilience after social rejection.

Requirements

• Chorus must contain the hook line “I bend, I never break.”

• Bridge should introduce a fresh metaphor and shift the rhyme scheme.

• Avoid explicit profanity; keep radio-friendly.

• Deliver as: V1 / V2 / Pre-Ch / Ch / Bridge / Ch. Only the lyrics, no chords.

Model Output

▶ Show sample
V1: Walking through the whispers, Feeling like a ghost, Echoes of their laughter, Stinging like a cost. V2: Shadows of the memories, Playing in my mind, Silhouettes of judgment, I thought I left behind. Pre-Ch: But I rise above the echoes, I dance away the pain, Through the storms and shadows, I start to rise again. Ch: I bend, I never break, Under the weight, I find my strength in every test, I rise above the hate. I bend, I never break, With every heartache, I am the phoenix in the flame, I rise, I never shake. Bridge: Like a tree in the winter, Barren but alive, I’m waiting for the sunlight, Knowing I’ll survive. Ch: I bend, I never break, Under the weight, I find my strength in every test, I rise above the hate. I bend, I never break, With every heartache, I am the phoenix in the flame, I rise, I never shake.

Style Comment:

Poem

Prompt

Compose a Shakespearean sonnet (14 lines, iambic pentameter, abab cdcd efef gg) on the tension between digital memory and human forgetting. Employ at least one volta at line 9 and close with a rhymed couplet that offers a paradox.

Model Output

▶ Show sample
Upon the silicon paths of memory’s store, Our thoughts and dreams in digits we engrave, In pixels, we recall what was before, Yet human minds to fickle time do cave. Within the cloud, our moments we preserve, As echoes of a life that fleets away, Yet in our hearts, recollections tend to swerve, And mortal thoughts like autumn leaves decay. But lo! How oft the digital does fade, When systems crash and bits are cast adrift, Then human memory, as ancient maid, Doth weave anew the tapestry we’ve sift. For mind and code in dance entwined employ, We save in waves, in hearts, we can’t deploy.

Style Comment:

SEO Blog Post

Prompt

Write a 1 000-word SEO-optimized blog article aimed at first-time home coffee-roasters.

Requirements

  1. Primary keyword: “home coffee roasting.” Use it in the H1, first 100 words, and once per main section.
  2. Include 3 secondary keywords: “light roast profile,” “coffee roasting equipment,” “cooling the beans.”
  3. H-tag hierarchy: H1 + 5 H2s + bullets where helpful.
  4. Add a 50-character meta description.
  5. Use a friendly, knowledgeable tone; reading level grade 8-9.
  6. Finish with a short FAQ (3 Q&A).
    Return only the article (no explanations).

Model Output

▶ Show sample
### The Ultimate Guide to Home Coffee Roasting for Beginners Welcome to the wonderful world of **home coffee roasting**! If you’re here, you’re probably curious about how to start roasting your own coffee beans. **Home coffee roasting** is not only a satisfying hobby but also a great way to enjoy fresh, custom-roasted coffee every day. In this guide, we’ll cover everything from choosing your **coffee roasting equipment** to mastering a **light roast profile** and the importance of **cooling the beans**. Let’s dive in! ### Why Start Home Coffee Roasting? There are plenty of reasons to start **home coffee roasting**. It’s cost-effective, allows you to customize your roast, and ensures you always have fresh coffee. Plus, it’s a fun and educational process that can add a unique touch to your morning routine. ### Choosing Your Coffee Roasting Equipment Before you start, you’ll need some basic **coffee roasting equipment**. Here are a few essentials: – **Green Coffee Beans**: Fresh, unroasted beans are the starting point. – **Roaster**: Options range from simple stovetop popcorn poppers to dedicated coffee roasters. – **Thermometer**: Helps monitor bean temperature during roasting. – **Timer**: Essential for tracking roasting time. – **Cooling Tray**: For **cooling the beans** after roasting. ### Mastering the Light Roast Profile A **light roast profile** is perfect for beginners. It retains the beans’ original flavors and allows you to appreciate the unique characteristics of different beans. Here’s how to achieve it: – **Preheat Your Roaster**: Ensure your roaster is fully heated before adding the beans. – **Gradual Heat**: Start with a lower temperature and increase it gradually. – **Monitor Color**: Light roasts typically reach a lighter brown color and have a crackling sound known as the “first crack.” ### The Roasting Process Step-by-Step Now let’s walk through the actual **home coffee roasting** process: 1. **Preheat the Roaster**: Ensure the roaster is hot enough to start the process. 2. **Add the Beans**: Pour the green beans into the roaster. 3. **Adjust Heat and Airflow**: Keep an eye on the temperature and airflow to ensure even roasting. 4. **Listen for the First Crack**: This is when the beans start to crackle and expand. 5. **Cooling the Beans**: Once you reach your desired roast level, transfer the beans to a cooling tray to stop the roasting process. ### Post-Roasting Care After roasting, proper care is crucial for maintaining freshness: – **Cooling the Beans**: Cool them immediately to prevent over-roasting. – **Resting Period**: Allow the beans to rest for 12-24 hours to release gases. – **Storage**: Store in airtight containers to keep the beans fresh. ### FAQs **Q: How long does it take to roast coffee beans?** A: The roasting process can take anywhere from 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the roaster and desired roast level. **Q: Can I use a popcorn popper for coffee roasting?** A: Yes, a popcorn popper is a great starter option for **home coffee roasting**, especially for achieving a **light roast profile**. **Q: How do I know when my beans are done roasting?** A: Listen for the “first crack” and observe the color of the beans. Light roasts are typically a lighter brown, while darker roasts are a deeper brown. Mastering **home coffee roasting** takes practice, but with the right **coffee roasting equipment** and techniques, you’ll be enjoying freshly roasted coffee in no time. Happy roasting!

Style Comment:

Landing Page Copy

Prompt

Write high-conversion landing-page copy (≈ 300 words) for a new line of lightweight, fully recyclable running shoes named Zephyr-Lite™.

Audience → urban runners, ages 20-40, eco-conscious but style-driven.

Must include
• A punchy headline (≤ 8 words)
• Sub-headline elaborating the core benefit (≤ 18 words)
• 3 scannable benefit bullets (2-3 lines each)
• One short customer testimonial (first name, city)

• A single CTA button label (≤ 4 words)
Tone: energetic, conversational, modern.

Model Output

▶ Show sample
🏃‍♂️💨 **Headline:** Run Light. Run Bright.™ **Sub-headline:** Experience Zephyr-Lite™ — where style meets sustainability. 🌿 **Benefit Bullets:** – **Featherlight Comfort:** Our innovative foam midsole ensures every stride feels like a breeze, keeping you swift and agile on urban terrain. – **100% Recyclable:** Made from premium, eco-friendly materials, Zephyr-Lite™ minimizes your carbon footprint while maximizing your city miles. – **Sleek, Modern Design:** Stand out on the streets with vibrant colors and a streamlined silhouette, blending speed and style effortlessly. 😃 **Customer Testimonial:** *”I’ve never felt so fast and so good about my choice of running shoes. Thanks, Zephyr-Lite™!” — Alex, NYC* 🎯 **CTA Button Label:** Shop Now **Copy:** Picture this: You, cruising through the city at dawn, your feet barely touching the ground. That’s the Zephyr-Lite™ experience. Our shoes are designed for urban runners who refuse to compromise on style or sustainability. With a featherlight design that makes every mile feel like a gentle glide, Zephyr-Lite™ is your perfect running partner. And the best part? Every step you take is a step towards a greener world. Our fully recyclable materials mean you can run with a clear conscience and a stylish stride. Don’t just run; run light. Run bright. Run with Zephyr-Lite™. Ready to elevate your urban running game? **Shop Now** and join the revolution in sustainable, stylish running. The city is your playground — it’s time to own it.

Style Comment:

Short Essay

Prompt

Write an 800-word argumentative essay assessing whether universal basic income (UBI) would stimulate entrepreneurship in developed economies.

Requirements
• Present a clear thesis in the introduction.
• Use at least two reputable economic studies published after 2021 (cite inline APA).
• Address one major counterargument.
• Conclude with a policy recommendation.
• Formal academic tone, but readable. Return only the essay text.

Model Output

▶ Show sample
### The Impact of Universal Basic Income on Entrepreneurship in Developed Economies The concept of Universal Basic Income (UBI) has garnered significant attention in recent years, particularly in developed economies. At its core, UBI proposes providing every individual with a regular, unconditional sum of money, irrespective of their employment status or income level. One of the most compelling arguments for UBI is its potential to stimulate entrepreneurship. This essay argues that implementing UBI would indeed foster entrepreneurship in developed economies by providing financial security, encouraging risk-taking, and promoting innovation. **Introduction** Entrepreneurship is a cornerstone of economic development, driving innovation, job creation, and economic growth. However, the risks associated with starting a business can be daunting, particularly for individuals who lack financial security. Universal Basic Inome (UBI) has the potential to mitigate these risks by providing a financial safety net, thereby encouraging more people to pursue entrepreneurial ventures. This essay will assess the potential impact of UBI on entrepreneurship in developed economies, drawing on recent economic studies and addressing a major counterargument. **Financial Security and Risk-Taking** One of the primary barriers to entrepreneurship is financial insecurity. Starting a business often requires substantial initial investment and comes with the risk of financial failure. UBI can alleviate these concerns by providing a steady income stream, enabling aspiring entrepreneurs to take calculated risks without the fear of complete financial ruin. A study conducted by Anderson et al. (2022) found that UBI can significantly reduce the financial burden on individuals, allowing them to allocate more resources towards business ventures. This financial stability empowers individuals to pursue innovative ideas, fostering a culture of entrepreneurship. **Encouraging Innovation** UBI can also stimulate innovation by providing entrepreneurs with the time and financial means to develop and experiment with new business ideas. Innovation often requires a long-term perspective and consistent effort, which can be challenging to maintain without a stable income. A report by the International Monetary Fund (IMF, 2023) highlights that UBI can serve as a catalyst for innovation, as it allows entrepreneurs to focus on developing their ideas rather than worrying about immediate financial needs. This sustained focus can lead to the creation of more innovative and potentially groundbreaking products and services. **Case Studies and Empirical Evidence** Several case studies and pilot programs have demonstrated the positive impact of UBI on entrepreneurship. For instance, the Finnish Basic Income Experiment, which provided 2,000 randomly selected unemployed individuals with a monthly cash payment, showed that recipients experienced reduced financial anxiety and increased motivation to pursue entrepreneurial activities (Sörman et al., 2022). Similarly, a pilot program in Ontario, Canada, found that UBI recipients reported higher levels of business activity and entrepreneurial engagement (Forget, 2023). These examples illustrate the practical benefits of UBI in fostering entrepreneurship. **Counterargument: Dependency and Work Incentives** A major counterargument against UBI is that it may discourage work and create dependency on government assistance. Critics argue that providing a guaranteed income could reduce the incentive to work, leading to a decline in overall productivity and entrepreneurial activity. However, the evidence does not support this claim. Studies have shown that UBI does not discourage work but rather encourages individuals to engage in more meaningful and productive activities, including entrepreneurship ( Standing, 2021). Furthermore, UBI can serve as a safety net for those in unstable or low-paying jobs, allowing them to transition to more fulfilling and productive careers, including entrepreneurial ventures. **Conclusion and Policy Recommendation** In conclusion, implementing UBI in developed economies has the potential to stimulate entrepreneurship by providing financial security, encouraging risk-taking, and promoting innovation. While concerns about dependency and work incentives are valid, the empirical evidence suggests that UBI does not discourage work but instead fosters a more productive and entrepreneurial culture. To maximize the benefits of UBI, policymakers should consider implementing pilot programs in selected regions to gather more data and refine the policy. Additionally, educational and training programs should be offered alongside UBI to equip aspiring entrepreneurs with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed. By doing so, developed economies can create a supportive environment for entrepreneurship, leading to sustained economic growth and innovation. **References** Anderson, J., Brown, L., & Young, K. (2022). The impact of Universal Basic Income on financial security and entrepreneurship. *Journal of Economic Policy*, *45*(3), 234-256. International Monetary Fund (IMF). (2023). *Universal Basic Income and Innovation*. Washington, D.C.: IMF. Sörman, H., Heikkilä, T., & Kangas, O. (2022). The Finnish Basic Income Experiment: Results and implications for entrepreneurship. *Scandinavian Journal of Economics*, *124*(2), 189-212. Forget, E. L. (2023). The Ontario Basic Income Pilot: Lessons for entrepreneurship and economic policy. *Canadian Public Policy*, *49*(1), 56-78. Standing, G. (2021). *Basic Income and How We Can Make It Happen: An Introduction to the UBI for the Common Man*. Penguin.

Style Comment:

Research Note

Prompt

Generate a structured mini-literature review (≈ 1 000 words) on the latest (2022-2025) CRISPR-based therapies for sickle-cell disease.

Deliver as:

  1. Executive Summary (≤ 120 words)
  2. Table of 3–5 pivotal studies with: author-year • editing strategy • patient count • key outcomes (use Markdown table)
  3. Trends & Gaps section (bullets)
  4. Future Directions (paragraph)

Cite sources in IEEE style; include DOI where available. Output only the review.

Model Output

▶ Show sample
# Executive Summary Recent advancements in CRISPR-based therapies have shown significant promise for treating sickle-cell disease (SCD). These therapies primarily focus on editing the BCL11A gene to enhance the production of fetal hemoglobin, thereby mitigating the effects of sickle hemoglobin. Clinical trials conducted between 2022 and 2025 have demonstrated positive outcomes, including reduced frequency of vaso-occlusive crises and improved hemoglobin levels. However, the long-term efficacy and potential side effects require further investigation. # Table of Pivotal Studies | Author-Year | Editing Strategy | Patient Count | Key Outcomes | |————–|——————–|—————|—————-| | Frangoul et al., 2022 [1] | BCL11A gene editing | 37 | Reduced vaso-occlusive crises, increased fetal hemoglobin levels | | Esrick et al., 2023 [2] | HBB gene correction | 25 | Sustained hemoglobin improvement, reduced transfusion dependency | | Liu et al., 2024 [3] | Dual BCL11A and HBB editing | 15 | Significant hemoglobin improvement, moderate increase in fetal hemoglobin | | Kishnani et al., 2025 [4] | BCL11A enhancer knockout | 42 | High fetal hemoglobin levels, minimal side effects observed | | Lee et al., 2025 [5] | Enhancer editing & HSC transplant | 30 | Enhanced engraftment, sustained increase in fetal hemoglobin | # Trends & Gaps – **Trends:** – Increasing focus on dual-gene editing strategies to achieve more robust therapeutic effects. – Growing interest in enhancer knockout techniques for more precise control over gene expression. – Use of autologous hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) transplantation following gene editing to enhance engraftment. – Emphasis on long-term follow-up to monitor sustained efficacy and potential side effects. – **Gaps:** – Limited data on the long-term safety and effectiveness of CRISPR-based therapies beyond five years. – Need for more extensive clinical trials to validate findings across diverse patient populations. – Insufficient understanding of the potential off-target effects of CRISPR editing in human subjects. – Requirement for standardized protocols for monitoring and managing potential adverse events. # Future Directions The future of CRISPR-based therapies for SCD looks promising, with ongoing research likely to focus on enhancing the precision and safety of gene editing. Dual-gene editing strategies and the use of autologous HSC transplantation are expected to become more prevalent, aiming to achieve durable clinical benefits. Furthermore, long-term follow-up studies and larger, more diverse clinical trials will be crucial in establishing the safety and efficacy of these therapies. As the field advances, the development of standardized protocols for monitoring and managing potential adverse events will be essential to ensure patient safety and regulatory approval. # References [1] H. M. Frangoul et al., “CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing for sickle cell disease and β-thalassemia,” *New England Journal of Medicine*, vol. 386, no. 3, pp. 270-280, 2022. DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa2031054 [2] E. B. Esrick et al., “HBB gene correction in sickle cell disease: A Phase I/II clinical trial,” *Blood*, vol. 141, no. 7, pp. 789-798, 2023. DOI: 10.1182/blood.2022009875 [3] J. Liu et al., “Dual BCL11A and HBB editing for enhanced therapeutic efficacy in sickle cell disease,” *Nature Medicine*, vol. 26, no. 11, pp. 1745-1752, 2024. DOI: 10.1038/s41591-024-01872-9 [4] P. Kishnani et al., “BCL11A enhancer knockout for the treatment of sickle cell disease,” *Journal of Clinical Investigation*, vol. 135, no. 2, pp. 567-576, 2025. DOI: 10.1172/JCI148920 [5] S. Lee et al., “Enhancer editing and HSC transplantation in sickle cell disease: A Phase II trial,” *The Lancet Haematology*, vol. 8, no. 5, pp. e342-e350, 2025. DOI: 10.1016/S2352-3026(25)00089-7
 

Writing Style of Mistral Large

In prose, Mistral Large favors vivid botanical metaphors (e.g., “off‑season magnolia”), emoji‑studded social copy, and verbose research style that can stray from sources.

European‑Language Edge

FRENCH, DE, ES benchmarks show +20‑30 score gains over comparable OSS models.

128 K Context

Comfortably handles whitepapers or codebases without truncation.

Apache‑2.0 Weights

Permissive license makes on‑prem deployment and fine‑tuning simple.

Mistral Large Pricing

The official Mistral AI API prices Mistral Large at $2 per million prompt tokens and $6 per million completion tokens—squarely mid‑market.

Input tokens

$2.00
per 1M tokens

Cached-input tokens

$
per 1M tokens

Output tokens

$6.00
per 1M tokens

No published cache or off‑peak discounts (May 2025).

Best Alternatives to Mistral Large

Consider these alternatives if you need better English creativity or lower prices:

Gemma 3‑27B

Best for: Budget creative drafts

Cheapest top‑10 model with 128 K context.

Read Review

DeepSeek V3

Best for: Rhyme‑focused writing

Open‑source Chinese model with strong poetry.

Read Review

Command A

Best for: Book‑length RAG

Long‑context (256 K) enterprise model.

Read Review

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the weights really open source?

Yes—Mistral released Mistral Large weights on Hugging Face under Apache‑2.0.

What context window does it support?

Up to 128 K tokens, both for input and output.

Does it support function calling?

The official API supports JSON‑schema function calling since v0.2.

Token pricing?

$2/M prompt tokens and $6/M completion tokens (API rates, May 2025).

Hardware requirements?

Inference runs on 4× A100 GPUs or a single H100 in MoE mode.

Final Verdict: Is Mistral Large Worth It?

For multilingual European content, Mistral Large is a solid, self‑hostable pick. Otherwise, its higher token cost and weaker English creativity limit appeal.