2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs 2025 Genesis GV80

The 2025 Genesis GV80 was a testament to sophisticated design, with its top Prestige trim featuring a 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged engine. The redesign maintained the vehicle's handsome appeal, with subtle yet impactful updates like the micro lens array in the traditional two horizontal bar headlights and a more aggressive lower bumper. The Genesis logo received a tweak, and the new Storr Green exterior colour added a fresh touch. Inside, the GV80 continued to impress with quilted Nappa leather seats, an available suede headliner, and unique interior accents like basalt or recycled newspaper trim. The centre console housed three tactile dials, including a gear selector and drive mode selector, though the redundant infotainment dial seemed less practical compared to the touchscreen.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class retained its iconic boxy design, tracing its heritage back to the 1979 Geländewagen. Despite subtle styling updates like a new grille and bumpers, the G-Class kept its traditional features, including flat fenders and prominent corner lights. The vehicle's character was further emphasized by its beefy doors and latches. Functional changes included a repositioned rearview camera and new A-pillar trim for the base G 550 models. The G-Class offered a million combinations of exterior paint and interior trim through the Manufaktur program. Inside, the G-Class boasted a sci-fi aesthetic with large round vents, ambient lighting, and metallic trim. The AMG models featured sportier steering wheels, enhancing the vehicle's rugged yet luxurious appeal.

The 2025 Genesis GV80 retained its powertrain options, with a standard 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. The top trim featured a twin-turbocharged six-cylinder engine delivering 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. All GV80 trims in Canada came with standard all-wheel drive, capable of sending up to 100% of torque to the rear wheels. The vehicle offered modes like Snow and Eco for varying conditions. The larger engine provided satisfying acceleration, though the GV80 was more suited for cruising than sporty driving. The brakes were firm and linear, ensuring confident stops, while the interior remained quiet even on rough roads.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class lineup included the gasoline G 550 and AMG G 63 models, along with a new all-electric G 580 variant. The G 550 featured a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six engine with 443 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque, while the AMG G 63 retained its 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, producing 577 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque. Both models included a mild-hybrid system and nine-speed automatic transmissions with permanent four-wheel drive. The G 550 accelerated from zero to 96 km/h in 5.3 seconds, while the G 63 achieved it in 4.2 seconds. The AMG model featured a new Active Ride Control suspension system, enhancing both off-road and on-road dynamics. Despite its truck-like feel, the G-Class offered a comfortable ride with low wind and tire noise.

The 2025 Genesis GV80 in Canada came well-equipped with features like power-adjustable heated front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel. The top trim added four-zone climate control and ventilated seats. However, the seats were noted for being uncomfortable on long trips. The GV80 offered seating for five, with a power-adjustable second row providing ample legroom. A third row was available on the Prestige trim, though it was best suited for children. Cargo space was expected to be similar to the 990 litres of the 2024 model, and the GV80 could tow up to 2,720 kilograms.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, while not small, was more compact than other luxury SUVs. It offered a tall passenger compartment with ample headroom but limited legroom. The driving position was upright, reflecting its utilitarian origins. Cargo space was limited to 640 litres with the rear seats in place, and the side-hinged tailgate could complicate loading. The G-Class had a towing capacity of 3,500 kilograms, slightly less than some rivals. Despite its size, the G-Class was easier to manoeuvre and park, offering good visibility and a commanding view of the road.

The 2025 Genesis GV80 featured a 27-inch OLED screen for the digital gauge cluster and infotainment system, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto available later. The infotainment system was clear but could be cumbersome due to its menu structure. Standard technology included wireless charging and USB-C ports, with a 12-inch head-up display on the top trim. An 18-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo system offered sophisticated sound options, surpassing previous setups.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class boasted the MBUX infotainment system with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Two 12.3-inch screens served as the gauge cluster and infotainment touchscreen, creating a continuous display. The off-road menu provided useful information, and the "Transparent Hood" feature aided in navigating obstacles. MBUX included augmented reality navigation and advanced voice recognition. A Burmester 3D surround sound system was expected to be standard, along with a dashcam and rear-seat entertainment system.

The 2025 Genesis GV80 came with advanced driver aids like lane keeping assist, forward collision avoidance, and blind-spot monitoring. Upper trims added features like remote smart parking and a 360-degree camera system. The Highway Drive Assist II system included an attention monitor, though it had issues with certain sunglasses. The 2024 model received high safety ratings, but the 2025 model had not yet been rated by NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class had not been rated by IIHS or NHTSA. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The Pre-Safe system prepared the vehicle for imminent crashes. New features for 2025 included route-based speed adaptation, automated lane centring, and an emergency-stop feature.