2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2023 Genesis GV80

The 2023 Genesis GV80 presented a sophisticated and graceful exterior with its quad-lamp headlights and bold grille, embodying a stately presence at over 16 feet long. The Prestige trim featured 22-inch alloy wheels, enhancing its elegant appearance, especially with the matte Brunswick Green paint. The rear design mirrored the front with four-part taillamps above dual exhausts, and while the hands-free liftgate was boxy, it added to the SUV's elegance. Inside, the dark green quilted leather seats complemented the metal and matte wood trim, with a center console featuring three large dials for infotainment, transmission, and drive modes. The two-spoke steering wheel was distinct, though the 14.5-inch infotainment screen seemed awkwardly placed atop the dash. Despite this, the interior was spacious and luxurious, offering a pleasant environment.

In contrast, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE had subtle aesthetic changes, with sharper headlights and taillights, black fender flares, and chrome grille inserts. The optional AMG Line package added sportiness with a distinct grille and optional 21-inch wheels. The GLE coupe, available in the sporty Mercedes-AMG guise, offered a sleek design but with reduced interior space. Inside, the cabin maintained a classic Mercedes-Benz feel, with leather and soft-touch surfaces, though not as futuristic as the all-electric EQ models. The open-pore walnut trim was beautiful, but paired with Bahia Brown seating, it gave a dated look. Opting for lighter leather could remedy this design choice.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 offered all-wheel drive with a choice between a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, or a turbo 3.5-liter V6 with 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While the GV80 wasn't particularly athletic or quick, taking about five and a half seconds to reach sixty, it excelled in highway driving with smooth power delivery and shifts. The electronically controlled suspension, combined with active noise cancellation, provided a quiet and comfortable freeway commute.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered several engine options, including the entry-level GLE 350 with 255 horsepower, the mid-line GLE 450 with a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, and the top-tier 4.0-liter V8 in the GLE 580. Our test vehicle, the 450e, featured a plug-in hybrid powertrain with a 2.0-liter turbo inline four-cylinder engine, delivering 381 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque in hybrid mode. Despite being slower to 60 mph than the GLE 450 due to its 23.3-kWh battery, the 450e offered an impressive 48-mile all-electric range, with our test showing 55 miles. The switch from electric to gas was seamless, though the Sport mode didn't enhance driving dynamics significantly. The 450e was more suited for comfortable commutes than sporty driving, with an 11-kW onboard charger and 60-kW DC fast charge capability for quick recharging.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 compensated for its lack of driving excitement with luxury features, including standard heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. Our tester included ventilated front and rear seats, an Ergo Motion driver’s seat, and sumptuous Nappa leather. 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 an optional 21-speaker stereo system. The SUV offered substantial cargo space, with 34.9 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 84 cubic feet with seats folded, and a towing capacity of 6,000 pounds.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450e boasted interior luxuries like standard heated front seats, with added ventilation and massage functions. Heated and cooled cup holders, customizable ambient lighting, a panoramic sunroof, and soft-close doors enhanced comfort. The Burmester stereo system provided a relaxing ride, though the non-extending sun visors were a minor annoyance. The GLE could tow 7,700 pounds and featured Trailer Maneuvering Assist for easier trailer handling. Cargo space was ample, with 31.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 74.9 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen for infotainment, accompanied by a 12.3-inch 3D digital gauge cluster and a head-up display. The infotainment screen was slightly out of reach, and the dial control was cumbersome, though it offered handwriting detection. The system had a steep learning curve, but Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, albeit not wirelessly. The GV80 included wireless charging, multiple USB ports, and a 110-volt outlet. The remote smart parking assist allowed for maneuvering in tight spaces without the driver in the car.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE came with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and the MBUX infotainment system, though with a smaller 12.3-inch screen compared to other Mercedes models. The menu was user-friendly, with a touchpad on the center console and voice control via "Hey, Mercedes." The augmented reality navigation system was a standout feature, overlaying directions on a video feed. The off-road page in MBUX provided detailed information for enthusiasts. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, though connectivity issues were noted. USB-C ports offered ample charging options.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard advanced driver’s aids, including forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. A unique feature was the video feed of the car’s blind spot in the digital gauge cluster. Highway Drive Assist provided hands-on/eyes-up driving aid on approved highways, though it struggled with sun glare. The GV80 received a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and high marks from IIHS, though headlights and LATCH system ratings were slightly lower.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered advanced driver’s aids, with blind-spot monitoring standard and additional features available in the Driver Assistance Package Plus. This package included active blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control, though at an extra cost. The GLE received a five-star side crash rating and a four-star rollover rating from NHTSA. IIHS awarded it top scores in crashworthiness and crash avoidance, with an "Acceptable" headlight rating for models with the Digital Light package.