2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 marked a significant departure from its predecessor, the original Ioniq, by establishing itself as a standalone brand focused solely on electric vehicles. This new model showcased a futuristic design with its Parametric Pixel theme, reminiscent of retro video games, which was evident in its extensive use of LED lighting elements. The exterior design was a mix of minimalistic lines and intricate details, creating a unique visual appeal. Inside, the Ioniq 5 offered a serene and spacious cabin, emphasizing comfort and sustainability with its use of recycled materials and a "Living Space" design theme. The interior was understated yet functional, featuring a Relaxation mode for the driver's seat and a focus on passenger comfort.

In contrast, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC retained much of its classic styling, with subtle updates that maintained its timeless appeal. The GLC 300, redesigned for this model year, shared a platform with the C-Class sedan, offering a refined and elegant look. The interior received a more significant overhaul, featuring a modern design with a large vertical infotainment touchscreen and high-quality materials. While the exterior changes were minimal, the GLC's interior improvements aligned it with newer Mercedes models, providing a more high-tech and luxurious experience. The GLC Coupe, however, continued with its previous design, offering a sportier appearance with its sloping roofline.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered a range of powertrains and configurations, catering to different driving preferences. In Canada, it was available in two trims, Essential and Preferred, with options for rear-wheel drive (RWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). The base model featured a 125-kW rear-mounted electric motor, delivering 168 horsepower and a range of 354 kilometres. The Preferred long-range variant boasted a 168-kW motor, producing 225 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, with an impressive range of 488 kilometres. The AWD version combined a dual-motor system, generating 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque, though its range dropped to 414 kilometres. The Ioniq 5's performance was characterized by its smooth handling and four drive modes, including a Sport mode for added excitement.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 was powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, producing 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. It featured a 9-speed automatic transmission and standard 4Matic AWD in Canada. The GLC 300 offered a smooth and linear acceleration, reaching 100 km/h in approximately 6.2 seconds. While it provided ample power for highway merging and passing, it wasn't as lively as some competitors. The GLC Coupe retained its older engine options, including a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 in the AMG GLC 43 Coupe, delivering 385 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque, with a sportier performance and a 0-100 km/h time of around 4.7 seconds.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 utilized the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), offering a spacious interior with a longer wheelbase than the seven-passenger Hyundai Palisade. It provided a total interior volume of 3,786 litres, surpassing competitors like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Volkswagen ID.4. The Ioniq 5's interior was designed for comfort and utility, featuring a moveable centre console and a flat floor, allowing for easy access and exit. The leatherette seats were comfortable and supportive, catering to various driver sizes.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC offered comfortable front seats with ample adjustment options and synthetic leather upholstery that mimicked genuine hides. The interior featured a large centre console bin with a wireless charging pad and cupholders, though the piano black lid was prone to dust and fingerprints. The GLC provided sufficient space for taller passengers in the front, while the rear seats accommodated average adults comfortably. The standard GLC offered 620 litres of cargo space, which was smaller than some rivals, but the rear seats folded flat for larger items. The GLC Coupe's sloping roofline reduced cargo capacity to 500 litres and slightly limited rear headroom.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 impressed with its advanced technology, featuring a high-voltage, energy-dense system with vehicle-to-load capabilities. It supported ultra-fast charging, reaching 80 percent battery capacity in just 18 minutes, and could charge other devices or vehicles. The Ioniq 5's multimedia features included a redesigned Blue Link app, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, digital key, and over-the-air updates. The 12.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment system were elegantly designed with anti-glare coating for clear visibility.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC featured a new interior layout with an 11.9-inch touchscreen, offering sharp graphics and immediate responses. However, its lower placement on the dash made it more distracting to use. The MBUX infotainment system provided excellent voice recognition, though it interrupted audio playback. Standard connectivity included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an available Burmester 3D Surround Sound system for audio enthusiasts.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was equipped with Hyundai SmartSense, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) that included lane keeping assist, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and forward collision avoidance. It also featured Hyundai Highway Drive Assist I, a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system with machine-learning adaptive cruise control. The Ioniq 5 offered a head-up display with augmented reality overlays, though it could be distracting in practice. While crash-safety ratings were not yet available, Hyundai's strong safety record suggested high marks for the Ioniq 5.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC's crash-test results were not yet available, but the previous GLC received top ratings from NHTSA and IIHS. The GLC 300 came with standard safety features such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive headlights. The optional Intelligent Drive package added adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and other advanced features. The GLC Coupe included cross-traffic alerts and a surround-view camera as standard.