2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2023 Genesis GV70

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class presented a blend of the new and the familiar. While the GLC 300 was redesigned, the Coupe models carried over from the previous year, with new versions expected for the 2024 model year. The changes in the GLC 300 were subtle, with the most noticeable being the narrower taillights. Despite these updates, the GLC retained its classic and timeless design, which had led the small luxury SUV class for much of its production run. The interior saw a more significant transformation, aligning with newer Mercedes models, featuring a large vertical infotainment touchscreen and a tablet-like instrument panel. The materials and construction quality remained excellent, offering a simpler and cleaner cockpit design compared to rivals like the BMW X3 and Audi Q5.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 drew stylistic connections to the G70 compact luxury sedan, particularly above the belt-line. Its design included split-bar headlights and a strong chrome line that visually linked it to its sedan counterpart. Inside, the GV70's cabin was impressive, with top-notch materials and excellent fit and finish. The interior design was both contemporary and classic, with climate controls integrated into a curving bezel and a touchscreen that rose organically from the dash. The GV70's dash featured a full touchscreen backed by a rotary dial and button controls, offering a more tactile experience compared to the touch capacitive controls in the Mercedes. The GV70 was available in gas-powered and electrified versions, with various trims offering a range of luxury features.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class was limited to the GLC 300 trim, powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, producing 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. It featured a nine-speed automatic transmission with rear-wheel drive as standard, and 4Matic all-wheel drive as an option. The GLC 300 offered smooth acceleration, reaching 60 mph in 6.2 seconds, which was average for the class. The brake pedal was a bit soft, but effective, and the suspension favored comfort over sporty handling. The GLC 4Matic Coupe continued with an older engine, while the AMG GLC 43 Coupe offered a more powerful 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine, delivering 385 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque, with a sportier ride.

The Genesis GV70 2.5T was equipped with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. The 3.5T variant featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The GV70 offered a refined driving experience, blending comfort and handling. The Electrified GV70 used a 77.4-kWh battery with dual electric motors, producing 429 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, with a Boost Mode increasing output to 483 horsepower. It had a range of 236 miles and featured DC fast charging. The GV70 Electrified offered well-rounded handling, leaning slightly towards comfort.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC offered comfortable front seats with ample adjustment options and synthetic leather upholstery that mimicked genuine hides. The interior provided sufficient storage, though the piano black trim attracted dust and fingerprints. The GLC had ample space for front passengers, while rear seats accommodated average adults, with slightly limited headroom for taller occupants. The standard GLC offered 21.9 cubic feet of cargo space, which was smaller than some rivals, but adequate for most needs. The GLC Coupe's sloping roofline reduced cargo capacity to 17.6 cubic feet and rear headroom by 1.3 inches.

The Genesis GV70 provided 56.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 28.9 cubic feet with the seats in use, which was above average for the class. It featured a hands-free power liftgate and a well-designed interior with large cupholders and a helpful center console tray. The front seats were comfortable and adjustable, but rear legroom was tighter, requiring front-row occupants to slide their seats forward. The rear bench reclined for added comfort.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC featured an 11.9-inch touchscreen with sharp graphics and immediate responses, though its lower placement on the dash made it more distracting to use. The MBUX infotainment system offered excellent voice recognition, but the lack of physical buttons made adjustments more challenging. Standard connectivity included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an available Burmester 3D Surround Sound system.

The Genesis GV70 came with a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. It was user-friendly, with large icons and logical menu navigation. The GV70 also included a rotary dial and helpful buttons in the center console, though the dial's proximity to the rotary shifter could cause confusion. Standard features included four USB ports, wireless device charging, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a nine-speaker stereo system.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC had not yet been rated by NHTSA or IIHS, but previous models received high scores. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive headlights. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and a surround-view camera system.

The Genesis GV70 offered a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The 2.5T Advance Package added a blind-spot camera system and reverse automatic emergency braking, while the 3.5T Sport Advance package included these features as well.