2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2024 Genesis GV80

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class's aesthetic changes were subtle, yet impactful. The headlights and taillights had been sharpened, accompanied by black fender flares over the wheel arches. The grille sported nifty chrome inserts, and for those opting for the AMG Line package, the grille brought an added touch of sportiness. The standard 19-inch wheels were handsome, but the optional 21-inch wheels elevated the GLE's visual appeal significantly. If you were after a more seductive design, the Mercedes-Benz GLE coupe—available only in the sporty Mercedes-AMG guise—offered a sleek look at the expense of interior space.

Inside, the GLE-Class cabin bore the unmistakable Mercedes-Benz signature, though it leaned more traditional than the futuristic EQ series. Lavish leather and soft-touch surfaces were abundant. The optional open-pore walnut trim brought an element of natural beauty, but pairing it with Bahia Brown seating resulted in a somewhat dated, rec-room feel. Choosing a lighter leather color would have alleviated this aesthetic misstep.

In contrast, the 2024 Genesis GV80 presented a compelling exterior, particularly in its top-tier Prestige Signature trim with an eye-catching Matterhorn White Matte paint. This model's exterior featured dark chrome trims and nearly invisible 22-inch wheels due to the black paint. The GV80 offered models in Vik Black, Matterhorn White Matte, and exclusive Mauna Red. While the Prestige Signature exuded luxury, the standard Prestige model retained more visual details, particularly in wheel design.

Inside, the GV80 3.5T test vehicle was decadent with an Ultramarine Blue over Dune interior. Luxurious touches included diamond-stitched Nappa premium leather, a suede headliner, and matte-finish wood trim. The cabin's ambient lighting, a 3D digital instrument cluster, and an expansive touchscreen reinforced its status as Genesis’s flagship SUV. In terms of sheer opulence, the GV80 outshone many, but we found the GV80 Prestige Signature less aesthetically exciting than the standard Prestige trim, which had a bolder wheel design.

For the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, buyers had multiple powertrain options. The entry-level GLE 350 offered 255 horsepower. The mid-range GLE 450 boasted a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, while the top-tier GLE 580 featured a robust 4.0-liter V8. All engines came paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Our test GLE 450e featured a plug-in hybrid drivetrain with a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine, generating a combined 381 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque in hybrid mode. Despite more power, the 450e was about half a second slower to 60 mph than the GLE 450 due to extra battery weight.

The 450e came with an 11-kW onboard charger, swiftly charging the battery to full capacity in under three hours on a Level 2 home charger. Uniquely among PHEVs, it also supported a 60-kW DC fast charge, making it a versatile option for long trips. The 450e defaulted to all-electric mode on startup, provided the battery was charged, offering a surprising 55 miles of electric-only range in our test, beyond Mercedes’ claimed 48 miles.

While the GLE 450e had a Sport mode, it didn’t significantly enhance driving dynamics. The GLE's steering felt light, and there was noticeable body roll. It provided a comfortable commute but lacked the sporty feel found in rivals like the BMW X5 xDrive50e. However, the switch between electric and gas modes was seamless, displaying Mercedes’ expertise in hybrid technology.

In comparison, the Genesis GV80 offered two robust engine choices. The 2.5T, with its 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, delivered 300 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, outmuscling some V6 rivals. Our 3.5T model had a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6, producing 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. Though powerful, this engine wasn’t fuel-efficient, averaging 17.2 mpg in real-world driving versus the EPA’s 20 mpg combined estimate.

Both engines paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, with selectable driving modes including Eco, Comfort, Sport, Custom, and Snow. With 8.1 inches of ground clearance and a 6,000-pound towing capacity, the GV80 3.5T proved an excellent all-rounder. The adaptive damping suspension and upgraded front brakes allowed for an unexpectedly sporty and engaging driving experience, while the vehicle's steering wheel design added retro luxury and comfort during long-distance drives.

The Mercedes-Benz GLE 450e excelled in interior comfort and utility. Standard heated front seats could be upgraded with ventilation and massage functions. Heated and cooled cup holders added convenience, while features like customizable ambient lighting, a panoramic sunroof, and soft-close doors enhanced luxury. The GLE remained tranquil even on noisy highways, and the Burmester stereo system was a standout feature. However, the non-extending sun visors were a minor but notable oversight. The GLE-Class could tow up to 7,700 pounds, aided by Trailer Maneuvering Assist technology. Interior cargo space included 31.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 74.9 cubic feet when the second row was folded.

The Genesis GV80 in 2024 limited third-row seating to the 3.5T Advanced trim. The Prestige Signature slashed passenger capacity further to four with its luxurious second-row captain’s chairs and large central console. Though plush, these configurations were less practical for family outings. Standard features included heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, manual rear door shades, and a power hands-free liftgate. Our test model's panoramic roof and triple-zone climate control, along with ventilated massaging front seats, were welcome luxuries, though the diamond-stitched seats felt somewhat rigidly uncomfortable over long drives.

Despite the changes, the GV80’s cargo space impressed with 34.9 cubic feet behind the second row and 84 cubic feet with seats folded down. However, the high rear center console in the Prestige Signature could hinder loading some items. Passenger legroom, especially in the second row, was another limiting factor.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class came equipped with a 12.3-inch digital customizable gauge cluster and the latest Mercedes infotainment system, MBUX. Though lacking the giant touchscreens of other Mercedes models, the 12.3-inch display was practical. The interface was straightforward, bolstered by a center console touchpad, but the smaller touchpads on the steering wheel often felt finicky. The "Hey, Mercedes" voice command system added convenience, and the augmented reality navigation overlayed helpful visual cues. The off-road page on MBUX provided detailed vehicle and terrain data, a treat for tech enthusiasts. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, though connectivity issues plagued our experience. Plenty of high-power USB-C ports ensured devices stayed charged.

In the Genesis GV80, 2024 models came standard with analog gauges, with digital instrument displays reserved for Prestige and Prestige Signature trims. The Prestige versions featured a 12.3-inch digital display with a subtle 3D effect. All models had a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment display positioned far enough that using the round console dial was easier. The system included navigation, SiriusXM, and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Starting in 2024, a Wi-Fi hotspot was a new addition, and the wireless charging moved to the second row for Prestige Signature trims.

Streaming music via Bluetooth was seamless, and the voice recognition system performed admirably. The GV80 offered a digital key system, a standard for higher trims. Most came with a premium Lexicon sound system, soon to be replaced by Bang & Olufsen. Advanced trim levels featured a helpful head-up display (HUD) that highlighted blind-spot warnings.

Mercedes had an extensive suite of advanced driver aids, but many were packaged as extras. Standard blind-spot monitoring could be upgraded to active intervention blind-spot monitoring through the Driver Assistance Package Plus. This package included lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control with steering assist, and lane-change assist, functioning smoothly and efficiently. However, these additions came at a cost nearing $2,000. Safety ratings were strong, with a five-star side crash and four-star rollover rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the GLE top scores in various categories, with an "Acceptable" headlight rating for cars with the Digital Light package.

Genesis GV80’s standard and available advanced driving-assistance systems (ADAS) were impressive, with highlights such as the camera-based Blind-Spot View Monitor, Remote Smart Parking Assist, and the highly sophisticated Highway Driving Assist (HDA). The HDA was effective, though less suited for high-speed, moderate-to-heavy traffic. The Blind-Spot View Monitor provided real-time video feeds when signaling lane changes, supplementing standard active blind-spot warning technologies and the HUD.

The Remote Smart Parking Assist allowed autonomous parking even from outside the vehicle using the key fob, a standout feature. The IIHS awarded the GV80 a Top Safety Pick+ rating, and the NHTSA gave it a five-star overall rating, though frontal-impact tests yielded four stars for both driver and passenger.