2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2022 Genesis GV70

The 2022 Genesis GV70 boasted a distinctive design that set it apart from its Genesis siblings, despite sharing some styling cues. It featured quad LED strips for both headlights and taillights, along with a prominent shield-shaped grille. The GV70's sloping roofline and ribbed detailing added a touch of athleticism to its SUV bulk, creating a blend of ruggedness and sleekness. The Sport Prestige model further enhanced its character with unique styling elements, including a model-specific front fascia, 21-inch wheels with a web pattern, and dark chrome trim. Inside, the GV70's interior was inspired by an airplane wing's cross-section, with an elliptical theme and minimalistic design. The cabin offered a variety of color options and luxurious materials, such as Nappa leather upholstery with suede inserts, although base models featured leatherette seats.

In contrast, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE underwent subtle exterior changes that were hard to notice at first glance. The front grille featured clever Mercedes star logos, and the headlights and taillights received minor updates. The GLE 450e test model stood out with its Twilight Blue metallic finish and 21-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels, which added a touch of elegance. The interior of the GLE 450e exuded luxury with its Macchiato beige and black leather upholstery, complemented by natural grain brown walnut trim. Mercedes offered a wide range of interior color choices and trims, ensuring a high-quality and robust cabin. The GLE's spaciousness and comfort were notable, with ample room for passengers and a light, airy feel in the cabin.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 offered two engine options: a base 2.5-liter turbo-four engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 generating 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. Both powertrains came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive (AWD). The GV70 also featured a rear electronic limited-slip differential and launch control, emphasizing its sporty character. However, while the powertrain could deliver impressive performance, the chassis felt heavy and lacked the sharpness of some competitors. The GV70 excelled in highway cruising but had a firm ride, even in Comfort mode, and lacked the solidity expected from a luxury vehicle.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a diverse range of powertrains, including turbocharged four- and six-cylinder engines, as well as a powerful twin-turbo V8 in the AMG GLE 63 S, producing 603 horsepower. The GLE 450e, with its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and electric motor, delivered a combined output of 381 hp and 479 pound-feet of torque. The GLE 450e's performance was impressive, with a 0-60 mph time of 5.4 seconds. The transition between gas and electric power was seamless, and the suspension provided a smooth and comfortable ride. The GLE 450e's electric mode allowed for highway driving at speeds up to 87 mph, and the overall performance exceeded expectations.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 offered mid-pack interior space for its segment. Despite its car-like roofline, it provided adequate headroom in both the front and rear seats. Cargo space measured 28.9 cubic feet with the rear seats in place and 56.9 cubic feet with them folded, placing it in the middle ground among competitors. The interior design, while daring, compromised storage space, with limited room in the center console and door pockets. The front seats in the Sport Prestige model were heavily bolstered, offering comfort for spirited driving but potentially feeling confining for some drivers.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE provided ample space for passengers in both the first and second rows, with a light and airy cabin feel. The GLE 450e offered 33 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, comparing favorably with rivals like the BMW X5. While the GLE-Class had an optional third-row seat, it was limited to the GLE 350 and GLE 450 models and was suitable only for young children. The GLE 450e came with a range of comfort features, including power-adjustable heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and a power liftgate. The test vehicle also included options from the Exclusive and Pinnacle trim levels, adding features like a Burmester surround-sound audio system, massaging front seats, and a panoramic sunroof.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 offered a comprehensive suite of technology features. The standard infotainment system included a 14.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The system's tile-based layout and crisp graphics made it user-friendly. Higher trim levels offered a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with a 3D effect and a 12-inch head-up display. The GV70 also featured a digital-key system, allowing drivers to use a smartphone in place of a key fob, and a fingerprint scanner for starting the car. Genesis Connected Services provided additional features, including remote camera activation and last-mile guidance navigation.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, with a pair of 12.3-inch screens serving as the digital instrument panel and main infotainment screen. The system offered touch commands, a control pad on the center console, and touch-sensitive buttons on the steering wheel. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with an improved "Hey Mercedes" voice command system. The GLE also included a head-up instrument display and augmented reality navigation, enhancing clarity and convenience. However, the touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel occasionally caused issues, such as unexpected volume changes.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 came equipped with a range of standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, blind-spot and forward collision-avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and a driver-attention monitor. It also featured Highway Driving Assist, which added automated lane centering to adaptive cruise control. The GV70 included eight standard airbags, including a front-center airbag. Optional driver-assist features included Highway Driving Assist 2, which added lane-change functionality and navigation-based adaptive cruise control.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a comprehensive lineup of active safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, pedestrian detection, and hands-free park assist. The optional Driver Assistance package added features like active blind-spot assist, active lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, and traffic sign recognition. These features were unobtrusive during everyday driving and provided an extra layer of safety.