2024 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 added to the SUV's elegance. Inside, the dark green quilted leather seats complemented the metal and matte wood trim, with a unique two-spoke steering wheel. The 14.5-inch infotainment screen, though slightly awkwardly placed, was a minor flaw in an otherwise spacious and luxurious interior.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC, a compact crossover, maintained a familiar design to appease its loyal fanbase, with subtle updates like new taillights and repositioned door handles. The headlights were narrower and more menacing, while the taillights were connected by a trim piece across the back. The Coupe's steeply sloping profile and fastback roof distinguished it, with the grille setting AMG models apart. Inside, the GLC's sumptuous interior featured two-tone leather upholstery and a wood-and-metal dash, with an abundance of screens, buttons, and ambient lighting. The GLC was gadget-heavy, offering a class-leading interior for tech enthusiasts.

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 with 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While not particularly quick, taking about five and a half seconds to reach sixty, the GV80 excelled in highway driving with smooth power delivery and shifts. Its electronically controlled suspension and active noise cancellation provided a quiet and comfortable ride.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC 43 featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine from AMG, delivering 416 horsepower, surpassing the previous generation's V6. A 48-volt mild-hybrid system aided the engine, with a plug-in hybrid AMG GLC 63 expected in 2025. The base GLC 300 offered 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The GLC 43's nine-speed automatic transmission, the AMG Speedshift MCT, provided faster shifts and better torque handling, though it resulted in rougher shifts. The performance suspension offered improved handling but a firmer ride, appealing to enthusiasts seeking sporty driving.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 compensated for its lack of driving excitement with luxury features like heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and ventilated front and rear seats. The Ergo Motion driver's seat reduced fatigue with inflatable pockets. Nappa leather seats added to the sumptuous feel. A third row was available, though legroom was limited. The GV80 offered Genesis puddle lamps, a proximity key, and a digital key. Tri-zone climate control and a 21-speaker stereo system enhanced comfort. With 34.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expandable to 84 cubic feet, and a towing capacity of 6,000 pounds, the GV80 provided ample utility.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC's cabin was driver-focused, with controls angled toward the driver. Standard features included heated front seats with memory functions, with optional front-seat ventilation and heated rear seats. The GLC SUV offered 21.9 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 59.3 cubic feet with power-folding rear seats. The Coupe provided 17.6 cubic feet of cargo volume, expandable to 52.6 cubic feet. While not spectacular, the GLC's cargo space was convenient, with flat-folding rear seats.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 12.3-inch 3D digital gauge cluster. The infotainment screen was slightly out of reach, and the dial was cumbersome, though it offered handwriting detection. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, though not wireless. The GV80 included remote smart parking assist, allowing the car to maneuver in and out of parking spaces without the driver inside.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC's cockpit centered around an 11.9-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen running the third-generation MBUX infotainment system. The voice command system was highly responsive, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard. The Exclusive trim added navigation, a Burmester 3D surround sound system, and an off-road dash display. The Pinnacle trim included a head-up display and augmented reality navigation. An Advanced USB package increased the number of USB-C ports.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 was equipped with standard advanced driver aids, including forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. A video feed of the car's blind spot was displayed in the digital gauge cluster. Highway Drive Assist used cameras, radar, and navigation for hands-on/eyes-up driving aid, though it struggled with sun glare. The GV80 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Good rating for crashworthiness from the IIHS.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, with an Acceptable rating for the standard front crash-prevention system. Standard safety features included active brake assist, attention assist, and Pre-Safe, which prepared the vehicle for an imminent crash. Optional advanced driver-assistance systems were available in the Driver Assistance Package.