2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2023 Genesis GV80

The 2023 Genesis GV80 showcased a sophisticated and graceful exterior with its quad-lamp headlights and bold grille, presenting a stately presence just shy of 5 metres in length. In Canada, the standard 20-inch wheels were upgraded to 22-inch alloy wheels in the Prestige trim. The rear design echoed the quad-lamp look with four-part taillamps above the dual exhaust, and the hands-free liftgate maintained a boxy style. The matte Brunswick Green paint added an elegant touch, complemented by the dark green quilted leather seats inside. The interior featured a split dash with thin horizontal air vents, metal and matte wood trim, and a centre console with three large dials for infotainment, transmission, and drive modes. The two-spoke steering wheel was distinct from other luxury brands. The 14.5-inch infotainment screen, though slightly awkwardly placed, was a minor annoyance in an otherwise spacious and luxurious interior.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC, split between new and old models, featured a redesigned GLC 300 sharing a platform with the C-Class sedan, while the GLC Coupe models were carryovers. The new GLC 300 had subtle exterior changes, with narrower taillights being the most noticeable. Despite its similarities to the first-generation GLC, the design remained classy and timeless. The interior received a significant makeover, aligning with newer Mercedes models, featuring a large vertical infotainment touchscreen and a tablet-like instrument panel. The materials quality and construction were excellent, with a simpler and cleaner cockpit design compared to rivals. The GLC Coupe maintained its coupe-like roofline, setting it apart from the traditional GLC 300, and its interior, though older, held usability advantages.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 came standard with all-wheel drive and offered a choice between a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, or a twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6 with 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The GV80 was not particularly athletic or quick, taking about five and a half seconds to reach 100 km/h, slower than some competitors. However, it excelled in highway driving, with smooth power delivery and shifts, and an electronically controlled suspension that adjusted for road conditions. Active noise cancellation contributed to a quiet and comfortable highway commute.

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 all-wheel drive in Canada. Acceleration was smooth, reaching 100 km/h in approximately 6.2 seconds. The brake pedal was a bit soft, but effective, and the suspension favoured comfort over sporty handling. The GLC 300 offered a smoother ride than its rivals, with a nearly silent cabin. The GLC Coupe continued with its older engine, while the AMG GLC 43 Coupe offered a sportier option with a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6, producing 385 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque, accelerating to 100 km/h in about 4.7 seconds.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 compensated for its lack of driving excitement with numerous luxury features. In Canada, it came standard with heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated outboard mirrors. The tester model included ventilated front and rear seats with extensive adjustability and an Ergo driver’s seat with inflatable pockets to reduce fatigue. The Nappa leather seats were sumptuous, and a third row was available, though with limited legroom. The GV80 featured Genesis puddle lamps, a proximity key, a digital key, tri-zone climate control, and a 21-speaker Lexicon sound system. The cargo space was generous, with 988 litres behind the second row, expanding to 2,378 litres with the seats folded, and a towing capacity of 2,720 kilograms.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC offered front seats with ample adjustment and firm cushioning for long-distance comfort. The synthetic leather upholstery was convincingly grained, with real leather available for smoother surfaces. Standard features in Canada included heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a 64-colour ambient lighting system. The interior provided adequate storage, though the piano black lid attracted dust and fingerprints. The GLC offered ample space for front passengers and average adults in the rear, with slightly limited headroom for taller occupants. The cargo area held 620 litres, smaller than some rivals, but adequate for most needs. The GLC Coupe's sloping roofline reduced cargo capacity to 500 litres and rear headroom by 35 millimetres.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system, accompanied by a 12.3-inch 3D digital gauge cluster. 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 had a steep learning curve, but included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, though not wireless. The GV80 also offered wireless charging, multiple USB ports, and a 110-volt outlet. A standout feature was the remote smart parking assist, allowing the car to park itself without the driver inside.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC's interior featured an 11.9-inch touchscreen with sharp graphics and immediate responses, though its lower placement made it distracting. The steering wheel's capacitive-touch trackpad was sensitive and frustrating to use. The MBUX infotainment system offered excellent voice recognition, though it interrupted audio. The new system was more distracting due to the layout and lack of physical buttons. Standard connectivity included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an available Burmester 3D Surround Sound system.

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. 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 for 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 ratings from IIHS, though headlights and LATCH system were rated Acceptable.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC's crash-test results 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 Intelligent Drive package added adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and more. The Coupe included cross-traffic alerts and a surround-view camera. The adaptive cruise control was smooth and reliable, with rare false alarms.