2023 Genesis GV80 vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE 53 Coupe presented a design that was neither offensive nor groundbreaking, with its Selenite Gray paint and 22-inch forged aluminum wheels. The SUV's styling, reminiscent of an athletic sneaker, was complemented by polished brightwork, giving it a balanced appearance. Inside, the GLE 53 Coupe was a showcase of luxury, featuring high-end materials like Nappa premium leather and a Dinamica simulated suede headliner. The dual-screen instrumentation and infotainment design added a high-tech touch, although the lack of traditional controls required some acclimatization for new users.

In contrast, the 2023 Genesis GV80 exuded sophistication with its quad-lamp headlights and bold grille, presenting a stately presence just shy of 5 metres in length. The Prestige trim tester featured 22-inch alloy wheels and a matte Brunswick Green paint job, enhancing its elegant look. Inside, the dark green quilted leather seats and a dash split by thin horizontal air vents created a luxurious atmosphere. The centre console, with its three large dials, added functionality, while the two-spoke steering wheel offered a unique design. The 14.5-inch infotainment screen, though slightly awkwardly placed, was a minor annoyance in an otherwise spacious and luxurious interior.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE 53 Coupe was powered by a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-6 engine, delivering 429 hp at 6,100 rpm and 384 pound-feet of torque from 1,800 to 5,800 rpm. The EQ Boost, a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, provided additional power and improved fuel efficiency, with a consumption rate of 12.7 L/100 km. The AMG GLE 53 Coupe featured a SpeedShift nine-speed automatic transmission and an AMG Performance 4Matic+ AWD system, offering various driving modes like Comfort, Sport, and Sport+. The adaptive damping control air suspension and AMG Active Ride Control suspension enhanced performance, while the speed-sensitive variable-ratio power steering made urban driving easier. Despite its size and weight, the GLE Coupe felt nimble and composed, with impressive grip and braking performance.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 offered standard AWD and a choice between a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine or a twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6. Our tester, equipped with the V6, produced 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. While not the quickest in its class, the GV80 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. However, the GV80's handling was less precise compared to its German rivals, and its acceleration was slightly slower.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe accommodated up to five people, though it was more comfortable for four adults. The sport-bolstered, multi-contour front seats offered numerous adjustments, heating, ventilation, and massage functions, ensuring comfort on long drives. The back seat provided ample legroom, and the cargo hold offered 655 litres of space, expandable to 1,790 litres with the rear seats folded. Additional comfort features included a four-zone automatic climate control system and an Air Balance in-cabin fragrance system.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 boasted a wealth of luxury features, including heated and ventilated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated outboard mirrors. The Ergo driver's seat, with its inflatable pockets, reduced fatigue, while the Nappa leather seats added a touch of opulence. A third-row option was available, though legroom was limited. The GV80 offered a tri-zone climate control system and a 21-speaker Lexicon sound system. With 988 litres of cargo space behind the second row, expandable to 2,378 litres, the GV80 provided ample utility. Its towing capacity was 2,720 kilograms.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured the MBUX infotainment system with dual 12.3-inch screens, offering navigation, satellite radio, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, with natural voice recognition technology and multiple interaction methods. Optional features included a head-up display, a surround-view camera system, and an upgraded Burmester 3D high-end surround-sound system.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 came with a 14.5-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch 3D digital gauge cluster. While the infotainment screen was slightly out of reach, the dial offered a tactile experience. The system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though not wirelessly. The GV80 also featured remote smart parking assist, allowing the vehicle to park itself without the driver inside. Wireless charging, multiple USB ports, and a 110-volt outlet ensured devices remained charged.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe was equipped with numerous safety features, including forward-collision warning, forward automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The Intelligent Drive Package added 13 driver assistance systems, such as Active Lane Change Assist and Active Emergency Stop Assist. While crash-test results for the GLE Coupe were unavailable, the standard GLE received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The Blind-Spot View Monitor system provided a video feed of the blind spot in the digital gauge cluster. Highway Drive Assist used cameras, radar, and navigation to offer hands-on/eyes-up driving aid. The GV80 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and high ratings from the IIHS.