2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2023 Genesis GV80

The 2023 Genesis GV80 presented a sophisticated and graceful exterior with its quad-lamp headlights and bold grille, embodying a stately presence at over 16 feet long. The Prestige trim featured 22-inch alloy wheels, enhancing its elegant appearance, especially with the matte Brunswick Green paint. The rear design mirrored the front with four-part taillamps above dual exhausts, and while the hands-free liftgate was boxy, it contributed to the SUV's overall elegance. Inside, the dark green quilted leather seats complemented the metal and matte wood trim, with a unique two-spoke steering wheel. The center console housed three large dials for infotainment, transmission, and drive modes. Despite the 14.5-inch infotainment screen appearing somewhat out of place, the interior was spacious and luxurious, offering a pleasant environment.

In contrast, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, particularly the GLC 300, was redesigned, though it retained a familiar look with narrower taillights as the most noticeable change. The design remained classy and timeless, though some might have desired more personality. The interior saw significant updates, aligning with newer Mercedes models, featuring a large vertical infotainment touchscreen and a tablet-like instrument panel. The materials and construction quality were excellent, offering a simpler and cleaner cockpit design compared to rivals. The GLC Coupe models maintained their previous exterior and interior design, with the coupe-like roofline distinguishing them from the traditional GLC 300. Overall, the GLC-Class continued to exude traditional luxury, focusing on comfort and quality.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 offered all-wheel drive with a choice between a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, or a turbo 3.5-liter V6 delivering 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While the GV80 wasn't particularly quick, taking about five and a half seconds to reach 60 mph, it excelled in highway driving with smooth power delivery and shifts. The electronically controlled suspension, combined with active noise cancellation, provided a quiet and comfortable ride, though it lacked the agility of its German competitors.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 was powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, producing 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. It featured a nine-speed automatic transmission with rear-wheel drive as standard, and 4Matic all-wheel drive as an option. The GLC 300 accelerated smoothly, reaching 60 mph in 6.2 seconds, offering adequate power for highway merging and passing. The brake pedal was soft but effective, and the suspension favored comfort over sporty handling, providing a smooth ride. The GLC 4Matic Coupe retained its older engine, matching the GLC 300's performance, while the AMG GLC 43 Coupe offered a sportier experience with a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6, producing 385 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque, reaching 60 mph in 4.7 seconds.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 compensated for its lack of driving excitement with numerous luxury features. Standard heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were complemented by ventilated front and rear seats in the tested model. The Ergo Motion driver's seat offered fatigue-reducing inflation and deflation pockets. While a third row was available, its limited legroom made it suitable only for children. The GV80 featured Genesis puddle lamps, a proximity key, and a digital key option. The tri-zone climate control and optional 21-speaker stereo system enhanced comfort, while the suede headliner and panoramic glass roof added a touch of luxury. The GV80 boasted significant cargo space, with 34.9 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 84 cubic feet with seats folded, and a towing capacity of 6,000 pounds.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC offered comfortable front seats with ample adjustment options and synthetic leather upholstery that mimicked genuine hides. The interior provided sufficient storage, though the piano black lid attracted dust and fingerprints. Taller passengers found ample space in the front, while the rear seats accommodated average adults, though headroom was limited. The GLC's cargo capacity was 21.9 cubic feet, smaller than some rivals, but adequate for most needs. The rear seats folded flat for larger items. The GLC Coupe's sloping roofline reduced cargo space to 17.6 cubic feet and slightly impacted rear headroom.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen for infotainment, accompanied by a 12.3-inch 3D digital gauge cluster. While the 3D effects were somewhat gimmicky, the head-up display projected information into the driver's view. The infotainment screen was slightly out of reach, and the dial control was cumbersome, though it offered a "clicky" feel and handwriting detection. The system's menu structure was inconsistent, requiring a learning curve. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, though not wireless. The GV80 offered wireless charging, multiple USB ports, and a 110-volt outlet. The remote smart parking assist allowed the vehicle to maneuver in and out of parking spaces without the driver inside, adding convenience.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC's interior featured a large 11.9-inch touchscreen with sharp graphics and immediate responses, though its lower placement on the dash made it distracting. The steering wheel's capacitive-touch trackpad controlled the on-screen cursor, but its sensitivity was frustrating. The MBUX infotainment system offered excellent voice recognition, though it interrupted audio playback. The new system performed well but was more distracting due to the layout and lack of physical buttons. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and the Burmester 3D Surround Sound system was available for audio enthusiasts.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard advanced driver aids, including forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. A standout feature was the video feed of the car's blind spot displayed in the digital gauge cluster. Highway Drive Assist used cameras, radar, and navigation to provide a hands-on/eyes-up driving aid, though it struggled with sun glare. The GV80 received a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and high marks from IIHS, though headlights and the LATCH system were rated as Acceptable.

Crash-test results for the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 were not yet available, but the previous model received high ratings. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive headlights, and a driver attention monitor. The optional Driver Assistance package added adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and more. The Coupe included cross-traffic alerts and a surround-view camera. Both new and old systems were reliable, with smooth adaptive cruise control.