Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs Hyundai Genesis

While its ostentatious new grille might seem like the only change for 2027, the C-Class underwent major surgery. The engine, suspension and many acoustic elements were enhanced. The infotainment system is all-new apart from the screens used to display it, including the user interface, the voice controls, and its available navigation system and Burmester audio upgrade. The driver-assistance features get smarter, too, with AI-powered control software.

Verdict: All told, the 2027 C-Class may not be as minty fresh as the Audi A5 or the forthcoming new BMW 3 Series, but it’s still a good choice. Mercedes’ new tech works, yet it doesn’t dominate the cabin at the expense of usability, design, and luxury. The driving experience is also quite pleasant, though the ride may be a touch too firm for American roads.

Have you ever seen a sports or action movie in which the protagonist makes a first attempt at a goal early in the movie, fails, then embarks on a training montage, only to succeed in the end? The lesson is that sometimes the first attempt isn’t the best, but if the desire is there, it will eventually lead to victory—but only after addressing one’s shortcomings. That is the 2015 Hyundai Genesis.

In 2007, Hyundai brought a concept for the Genesis to the New York International Auto Show and stunned onlookers, not for the car’s design (though it was attractive), but because of the car’s stated goal: Hyundai was getting into the luxury game. The Korean bargain brand? Building a luxury car? The automaker was building highly competent products, but it still came as a shock.

Fast-forward to 2014, and the shock has worn off. The Genesis was joined by the Equus, an even higher-end product. But in this time, the Genesis started to feel dated compared to its more aggressively styled siblings. By 2014 the Genesis was feeling almost anonymous. And that all changed for the 2015 model year.