2021 Genesis GV80 vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE was a vehicle that, despite its improvements, still struggled to captivate with its exterior design. The GLE's styling seemed to fall short of the elegance and precision seen in its competitors like the BMW X5 or the Volvo XC90. While the aggressive front nose and sloping hood hinted at potential, the design seemed to lose its way past the A-pillar, resulting in a look that was reminiscent of its predecessors. However, the interior of the GLE was a different story, offering a luxurious experience with high-quality materials and a well-thought-out layout. The red and black interior was particularly striking, and the attention to detail in the cabin was evident, although some elements like the gear selector felt less robust.

In contrast, the 2021 Genesis GV80 presented itself as a fresh and innovative design, unburdened by a long legacy. As Genesis' first SUV, the GV80 managed to blend elegance with a distinctive style, featuring a long hood, a massive trapezoidal grille, and the signature "Quad Lamp" LED headlights. The design was cohesive and carried through to the rear with matching taillights and twin trapezoidal tailpipes. Inside, the GV80 offered a sleek and uncluttered dashboard, emphasizing spaciousness and luxury. The use of authentic materials like real wood and leather added to the premium feel, making the GV80's interior a standout in its class.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE was a powerhouse of engineering, offering a range of engines and advanced suspension systems. The base GLE 350 featured a 255 hp engine, while the GLE 450 boasted a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six with 362 hp. The AMG GLE 53 took it further with 429 hp, and the GLE 580 and AMG GLE 63 S delivered 483 hp and 603 hp, respectively. The GLE's hybrid system, powered by a 48-volt battery, provided additional horsepower and torque, enhancing performance without significantly improving fuel efficiency. The GLE's air suspension systems, including the E-Active Body Control, offered exceptional ride quality and handling, making it feel agile despite its size. However, fuel economy was average, with the GLE 450 achieving 21/26/23 mpg.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 offered two engine options: a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 300 hp and a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 with 375 hp. The GV80's eight-speed automatic transmission and available all-wheel drive provided smooth and responsive performance. The 3.5T models featured an electronically-controlled suspension with road preview, enhancing ride comfort by adjusting to road conditions. The GV80's fuel economy was competitive, with the 2.5T achieving 21/25/23 mpg with RWD and 21/25/22 mpg with AWD, while the 3.5T AWD managed 18/23/20 mpg. The GV80's performance was characterized by a balance of power and refinement, with the V6 offering a smoother and more robust driving experience.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a spacious interior with the option for a third row, accommodating up to seven passengers. The second-row seats provided power adjustments for added comfort, while the cargo capacity ranged from 34 cubic feet behind the second row to 75 cubic feet with all rows folded. The GLE Coupe, however, was limited to five passengers and offered less cargo space due to its sloping roofline. The MBUX infotainment system improved usability with a simplified interface and touchpad controls, although some features required setup before driving.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 featured a sophisticated interior with a focus on technology and ergonomics. The center console housed a rotary gear selector and a multimedia controller with dual control capabilities. The second row was spacious and comfortable, with available power seats and window shades. The GV80 offered a third row on select models, increasing passenger capacity to seven. The interior was designed for luxury, with features like three-row climate control and power rear-door closure enhancing convenience and comfort.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE was equipped with a 12-inch touchscreen display featuring Interior Assistant for gesture control. The system included a Track Pace app for AMG models, seat kinetics, and a customizable head-up display. The GLE offered a range of comfort features, including heated armrests, ambient lighting, and a natural voice assistant. The infotainment system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, providing a comprehensive and overengineered experience.

The 2021 Genesis GV80's infotainment system was centered around a 14.5-inch HD screen with user-configurable split-screen displays. The system 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 configuration. The vehicle came with Genesis Connected Services, providing a range of remote and guidance features. A head-up display and a 12.3-inch 3D digital instrument cluster were available on higher trims, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with top scores in crash tests and standard forward emergency braking. The GLE offered a range of optional safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and a 360-degree camera system. The Pre-Safe Sound and Pre-Safe Impulse Side features provided additional protection in the event of a crash.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but Genesis aimed for high safety ratings. The GV80 was equipped with 10 airbags, including a front-center airbag, and a comprehensive suite of safety features. These included blind-spot collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and forward collision-avoidance assist. The GV80's adaptive cruise control with machine learning and highway-driving assist offered advanced driver assistance capabilities.