2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2024 Genesis GV80

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC retained its familiar design, ensuring it did not alienate its loyal fanbase. The redesign was subtle, with new taillights and repositioned door handles, but the overall look remained similar to its predecessor. The headlights were narrower and more aggressive, while the taillights were connected by a trim piece across the back. The interior was luxurious, featuring two-tone leather upholstery and a wood-and-metal dash treatment. The GLC was equipped with numerous screens, buttons, and ambient lighting, making it a gadget-heavy vehicle that appealed to tech enthusiasts.

In contrast, the 2024 Genesis GV80 offered a more opulent interior with its Ultramarine Blue over Dune color scheme. The Prestige Signature trim featured diamond-stitched Nappa leather, a suede headliner, and metallic accents, exuding luxury. The exterior, however, was less striking, with dark chrome trim and 22-inch wheels that were almost invisible due to the black paint. Despite its plain exterior, the GV80's interior was undeniably luxurious, with ambient lighting and a wide touchscreen display enhancing its flagship status.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC 43 was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 416 horsepower, surpassing the previous generation's 385 hp V6. The engine was supported by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, and the GLC 43 outperformed the base GLC 300, which offered 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The GLC 300 was available in rear-wheel drive, with an optional all-wheel-drive system, while the GLC 43 came standard with all-wheel drive. Both models used a nine-speed automatic transmission, with the GLC 43 featuring the AMG Speedshift MCT 9-speed for faster shifts. The performance suspension provided improved handling, though it resulted in a firmer ride.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 2.5T was equipped with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 300 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque. The 3.5T model, which we tested, featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The GV80 offered five driving modes and could tow up to 6,000 pounds. The 3.5T model included upgraded brakes and an adaptive damping suspension, providing a rewarding driving experience with swift acceleration and commendable grip on mountain roads.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC's cabin was driver-focused, with controls angled toward the driver. The front seats offered heat and memory functions, with optional ventilation and heated rear seats. The GLC SUV provided 21.9 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 59.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The GLC Coupe offered less space, with 17.6 cubic feet of cargo volume, expanding to 52.6 cubic feet with the seats down.

In 2024, the Genesis GV80 3.5T Advanced was the only model with a third-row seat. The Prestige Signature trim featured power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated second-row captain's chairs, reducing passenger capacity to four. The GV80 offered various seating materials, with standard heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. Our test vehicle included a panoramic roof, triple-zone climate control, and ventilated front seats with massage functions. However, the seats were uncomfortable on long trips, and rear legroom was limited. The GV80 provided 34.9 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 84 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC featured an 11.9-inch touchscreen running the MBUX infotainment system, with voice command functionality. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with optional navigation and a Burmester sound system. The Pinnacle trim added a head-up display and augmented reality navigation. An Advanced USB package was available, increasing the number of USB-C ports.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 offered a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment display, controlled via a dial on the center console. It included navigation, SiriusXM, and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The GV80 introduced a Wi-Fi hotspot and wireless smartphone charging, with the Prestige Signature adding second-row charging. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with a digital key system and a Lexicon sound system. The Prestige trims featured a head-up display, showing blind-spot warnings.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, with an "Acceptable" rating for its standard front crash-prevention system. Standard safety features included active brake assist, attention assist, blind-spot assist, and Pre-Safe, which prepared the vehicle for a collision. Optional safety features were available in the Driver Assistance Package, including adaptive cruise control and active lane-keeping assist.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 came with numerous ADAS and safety features, including a Blind-Spot View Monitor, Remote Smart Parking Assist, and Highway Driving Assist. The Blind-Spot View Monitor displayed a video feed of the blind spots, while the Remote Smart Parking Assist allowed the vehicle to park itself. The GV80 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with four-star ratings for frontal-impact tests.