2021 Genesis GV80 vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE, despite its lineage, was not universally praised for its exterior design. It retained a somewhat rushed appearance, reminiscent of its predecessors, with a front that promised aggression but a rear that fell short of expectations. The GLE's exterior design was often compared unfavourably to its competitors, lacking the pitch-perfect proportions seen in brands like BMW or Audi. However, the interior of the GLE was a different story. It was a masterpiece of quality and design, with a bold red and black colour scheme that was both loud and luxurious. The interior materials, including wood, metal, leather, and suede, were delightful to touch and operate, although some controls felt flimsy. Overall, the GLE's interior exuded a sense of luxury and pampering.

In contrast, the 2021 Genesis GV80, as Genesis's first SUV, was not burdened by a legacy of design expectations. It was a clean-sheet design that successfully incorporated the brand's signature styling cues. The GV80's exterior was elegant, with a long hood, short front overhang, and a distinctive grille and headlamp arrangement. The rear design echoed the front, with Quad Lamp taillights and twin trapezoidal tailpipes. Inside, the GV80 was a showcase of technology and luxury, with a sleek and uncluttered dashboard, a bridge-like centre console, and authentic materials like real wood and leather. The interior was spacious and beautifully finished, making it a standout in the luxury SUV segment.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE was a powerhouse of engineering, offering a range of engine options and advanced suspension systems. The base GLE 350 featured a 255 hp engine, while the GLE 450 boasted a 362 hp turbocharged inline-6. The AMG GLE 53 took performance to another level with 429 hp, thanks to an electric supercharger. The GLE 63 S topped the range with a 450 hp biturbo V8. The GLE's air suspension systems, including AIRMATIC and E-Active Body Control, provided exceptional ride quality and handling, allowing the vehicle to lean into turns like a motorcyclist. Despite its size, the GLE handled like a smaller sedan and could tow up to 3,500 kg. However, its fuel efficiency was not a strong point, with the AMG GLE 53 averaging 14.7 L/100 km.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 offered two engine choices: a 300 hp turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder and a 375 hp twin-turbo V6. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The GV80's 3.5T models featured electronically controlled suspension with road preview, enhancing ride comfort. The 2.5T engine was lively but could feel thrashy when pushed, while the 3.5T was smoother and more powerful, aided by active noise cancellation. Fuel consumption for the GV80 2.5T was 11.3 L/100 km city and 9.5 highway, while the 3.5T was rated at 12.9 L/100 km city and 10.4 highway.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE was a spacious two-row SUV, with an optional third row for seven-passenger seating. The second-row seats offered power controls for added comfort, and cargo capacity was generous, with 630 litres behind the second row and 2,055 litres with all rows folded. The Coupe variant, however, was less accommodating, with a sloping roofline that reduced rear passenger space and cargo capacity. The GLE's MBUX infotainment system was user-friendly, with a single touchpad and simplified interface, although some controls required familiarization.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 was a sophisticated vehicle with a focus on technology and luxury. The centre console featured a rotary gear selector and a circular multimedia controller with dual control capability. The HVAC control panel used capacitive touch buttons with intelligent masking to prevent accidental misuse. The GV80's second row was comfortable and spacious, with available power seats and window shades. A third row was standard on 3.5T models, increasing passenger capacity to seven. The GV80's interior was a blend of technology and luxury, offering a premium experience for occupants.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE was equipped with a 12-inch touchscreen display featuring Interior Assistant, which could read hand gestures. The system was intuitive, with search bars and larger type for easy navigation. The AMG models included a Track Pace app for performance tracking. The GLE offered a range of comfort features, including seat kinetics, ambient lighting with 64 colours, and a natural voice assistant. The semi-automated functionality provided advanced driver assistance, making the GLE a tech-savvy choice.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch HD touchscreen with user-configurable split-screen displays. It supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with over-the-air updates and cloud profiles for personalized settings. The GV80 offered a digital key function for Android users, allowing keyless entry and vehicle configuration. Genesis Connected Services provided a range of remote features, including remote start and vehicle health reports. The GV80's audio system was impressive, with a Lexicon Quantum Logic Surround system offering 21 speakers and 1050 watts of amplification.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE earned top safety ratings, including a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. It offered a comprehensive suite of safety and driver assistance features, including blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. The GLE's Pre-Safe Sound and Pre-Safe Impulse Side features enhanced occupant protection in the event of a crash.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 also received top safety ratings, with a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. It came equipped with 10 airbags and a range of driver assistance features, including blind-spot collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and forward collision-avoidance assist. The GV80's adaptive cruise control with machine learning tailored its function to the driver's behaviour, and its Remote Smart Parking Assist automated parking in various scenarios.