2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs 2025 Genesis GV80

The 2025 Genesis GV80 was a testament to sophisticated design, offering two engine options and five trims, with the top Prestige trim featuring a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged engine. The redesign enhanced its already handsome appearance, with a more aggressive lower bumper and a grille with added depth. The front fascia retained its traditional two horizontal bar headlights, now filled with a micro lens array, while the rear saw subtler changes. The muted exterior colors were complemented by the new Storr Green and Storr Green Matte options. Inside, the GV80 boasted quilted Nappa leather seats, an available suede headliner, and unique interior accents like basalt or recycled newspaper trim. The center console featured three tactile dials, including a gear selector and drive mode selector, though the redundant infotainment dial seemed less practical compared to the touchscreen.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class maintained its iconic boxy design, tracing its heritage back to the 1979 Geländewagen. Despite subtle styling updates, such as a new grille and bumpers, the G-Class retained its distinctive flat hood, prominent corner lights, and beefy doors. Functional changes included a repositioned rearview camera and new A-pillar trim for the G 550 models. The G-Class offered a range of wheel options, with AMG G 63 models featuring 20-inch wheels as standard. The interior exuded opulence with large round vents, 64-color ambient lighting, and metallic trim, while AMG models boasted sportier steering wheels. The G-Class's character was further defined by its unique features, such as the switches for the three differential locks prominently displayed on the dashboard.

The 2025 Genesis GV80 retained its powertrain options, with a standard 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. The top Prestige trim featured a twin-turbocharged six-cylinder engine delivering 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. All trims came with all-wheel drive, capable of sending up to 100 percent of torque to the rear wheels. The GV80 offered various driving modes, including Snow and Eco, to optimize performance and fuel economy. While acceleration with the larger engine was satisfying, the GV80 was more suited for cruising than sporty driving. The brakes provided firm and linear stopping power, and the interior remained quiet even on rough roads.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class lineup included gasoline G 550 and AMG G 63 models, along with a new all-electric G 580 variant. The G 550 featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine with 443 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque, while the AMG G 63 retained its 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, producing 577 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque. Both models included a mild-hybrid system and nine-speed automatic transmissions with permanent four-wheel drive. The G 550 accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds, while the G 63 achieved it in 4.2 seconds. The AMG G 63 featured a new AMG Active Ride Control suspension system, enhancing both off-road and on-road driving dynamics. Despite its truck-like feel, the G-Class provided a comfortable ride with low wind and tire noise.

The 2025 Genesis GV80 came well-equipped with features like power-adjustable heated seats, power-folding mirrors, and the new Mood Curator for a spa-like experience. The top Prestige trim included heated armrests, three-zone climate control, and ventilated front seats. However, the seats were noted for being uncomfortable on long trips. The GV80 offered seating for five, with a power-adjustable second row providing almost 39 inches of legroom. A third row was available on the Advance trim, though it was best suited for small children due to limited legroom. The GV80's cargo space was expected to be similar to the 35 cubic feet of the 2024 model, and it could tow up to 6,000 pounds.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, while not as spacious as some luxury SUVs, offered a tall passenger compartment with ample headroom. The driving position was upright, reflecting its utilitarian origins. Cargo space was limited to 22.6 cubic feet with the rear seats in place, and the side-hinged tailgate could complicate loading in tight spaces. The G-Class had a towing capacity of 7,716 pounds, slightly less than some competitors. Despite its size, the G-Class was easier to maneuver and park than larger rivals, thanks to its relatively short length and narrow width.

The 2025 Genesis GV80 featured a 27-inch OLED screen housing both the digital gauge cluster and infotainment system. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, though they would be late-availability. The infotainment system was clear and crisp but could be cumbersome due to menus and submenus. Standard technology included wireless charging, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and four USB-C ports. Higher trims offered a Genesis digital key, a 12-inch head-up display, and a digital rearview mirror. The GV80 also boasted an 18-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo system with adjustable surround sound.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class featured the MBUX infotainment system with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Two 12.3-inch screens served as the gauge cluster and infotainment touchscreen, creating a continuous display. The G-Class included an off-road menu, augmented reality navigation, and voice recognition with unique commands. A Burmester 3D surround sound system with Dolby Atmos was standard, while options included a dashcam and rear-seat entertainment system with dual 11.6-inch touchscreens.

The 2025 Genesis GV80 came equipped with advanced driver aids like lane keeping assist, forward collision avoidance, and blind-spot monitoring. Upper trims added features like remote smart parking and a 360-degree camera system. The Highway Drive Assist system included an attention monitor, though it struggled with certain sunglasses. The 2024 GV80 received high safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, but the 2025 model had not yet been rated.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class included standard driver-assistance features such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The Pre-Safe system prepared the vehicle for imminent crashes by engaging seatbelt tensioners and closing windows. New features for 2025 included route-based speed adaptation, automated lane centering, and an emergency-stop feature. Safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time of publication.