Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs Genesis G70

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class stood out for its sophisticated and gracefully aging design. It countered the trend of cold and technical looks seen in many modern vehicles by showcasing long hood and short deck proportions, softly rounded forms, cleanly penned flanks, and bold detailing. The star-map grille texture and star-shaped taillight illumination added distinctive character, while a sweep of chrome defined the roofline, complemented by various expressive wheel designs. Upon its release, the E-Class was available in E 350 4Matic and E 450 4Matic models, both in sedan body styles. It started at a tempting $62,300, with an additional $1,150 destination charge. This price was quite appealing considering its array of standard equipment. However, Mercedes bundled many of its advanced features into various option packages focusing on comfort, technology, and safety. The test car used in evaluations nearly loaded all available options, missing only a few extras and the Multicontour Seating Package, which would have included massaging front seats, an Air Balance air purification and fragrance system, and Energizing Comfort Plus programs. This made the total MSRP of the E 350 4Matic test car $82,450, including the destination charge. Inside, this heavily equipped E-Class dripped in luxury and technology. It featured Tonka Brown Nappa leather upholstery, a Superscreen triple-display glass panel across the dashboard, attractive wood with aluminum inlays on the center console, an active ambient lighting system, and an interior design that blended classic luxury with high-tech modernism. The 2024 Genesis G70 emerged as one of the most attractive cars on the market, striking a perfect balance between elegance and sportiness. Genesis' signature quad LED headlights and taillamps, standard dual exhaust, and large front air intakes crafted a stunning visual appeal, although only 19-inch alloy wheels were offered. With ten exterior color options, buyers often found Kawah Blue, a rich hue that cost an extra $650, to be the best-looking option. Inside, the G70 received updated design elements like new air vents, a push-to-start button, a digital climate control panel, new aluminum trim options, and a frameless rearview mirror. Buyers could choose from three interior colors: gray, red, or black. However, the red interior was not available with the favored blue exterior paint. Despite color limitations, the build quality was excellent, and the materials used were top-notch.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class excelled in offering impressive powertrain options. The E 350 4Matic featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produced 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, enabling it to reach 60 mph in 6.1 seconds. The E 450 4Matic, powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, offered a robust 375 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, achieving 60 mph in a swift 4.4 seconds. Both models had a nine-speed automatic transmission and included 4Matic all-wheel drive (AWD) as standard. Additionally, a 48-volt mild-hybrid system with an integrated starter/generator enhanced fuel economy, allowing the engine to operate more efficiently. Testers found the E 350 to be capable of meeting the power needs of most drivers, but its fuel economy fell short of expectations. Officially rated at 27 mpg in combined driving, it managed only 23.8 mpg under test conditions, despite mostly driving in Comfort mode. Equipped with the optional Airmatic Package, the E-Class featured an adaptive air suspension and a rear-axle steering system, providing a comfortable and smooth ride even with 21-inch wheels and low-profile tires. Although it handled well, it wasn't a sports sedan but rather a luxury car that excelled in comfort, quietness, and a soothing ride. The 2024 Genesis G70 also impressed with its improved powertrains. The base engine upgraded to a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder turbocharged engine, delivering 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, outperforming competitors like Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Acura, and Lexus. For even higher performance, buyers could opt for a 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6 engine providing 365 horsepower and 376 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters, available in either rear-wheel drive (RWD) or AWD configurations. The 2.5-liter engine offered dynamic performance and excellent handling, coupled with newly standard Brembo brakes for improved braking. The car was enjoyable to drive on an autocross course, especially in RWD with the mechanical limited-slip differential, electronically controlled suspension, Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires, and a variable steering ratio. A drift mode added to its appeal for performance enthusiasts. The G70's eight-speed automatic transmission performed well in daily driving scenarios, and the AWD system provided added confidence in various weather conditions. However, there was a slight delay in throttle response when accelerating in Sport+ mode, and wind noise was more noticeable than desired.

The interior of the 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class embraced luxury with its choice of MB-Tex artificial leather, genuine leather, or premium Nappa leather for the supportive front seats. Standard features included heated and power-operated front seats, with optional ventilation and a heated steering wheel. The only complaint was the center console's shape and lack of padding. Entering and exiting the back seat was challenging due to rear wheel well intrusions, though once seated, passengers enjoyed good leg support, a tall riding position, and decent legroom. However, squeezing three people into the back might be a struggle. Despite appearances, the E-Class offered practical storage space, with sizable door pockets, a hidden center console bin, and a spacious compartment under the split-top center armrest. The trunk provided 19.1 cubic feet of cargo space, although the actual capacity seemed less. Full-size suitcases could fit upright, and folding the rear seats expanded storage capacity as needed. The 2024 Genesis G70 offered trims of Advanced and Sport Prestige for the 2.5-liter engine and Sport Advanced and Sport Prestige for the 3.3-liter engine. Standard features included heated mirrors and front seats, dual-zone HVAC, and a hands-free trunk, while optional features included a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, and logo puddle lamps. The 3.3-liter Sport Prestige trim boasted Nappa leather seating surfaces, a microfiber suede headliner and pillars, and a 16-way power-adjustable driver's seat, though heated rear seats were not available. The G70's dash featured a blend of analog and digital components, with a traditional speedometer and fuel gauge combined with digital readings for the tachometer, odometer, and coolant temperature. Interior storage was a mixed bag, with a large tray in the center console but smaller door pockets. Rear seat legroom was limited, making longer trips less comfortable for taller passengers. The trunk capacity was only 10.5 cubic feet, smaller than competitors like the BMW 3-Series (17 cubic feet) and the Audi A4 and Mercedes-Benz C Class (around 12 cubic feet), although the rear seats could fold down in a 60/40 split to increase cargo space.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class was a technological showcase, featuring the third-generation Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system. Standard specification included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display paired with a 14.4-inch infotainment touchscreen. Drivers could configure the digital instrumentation to one of four themes: Sport, Classic, Navigation, and Assistance. An optional head-up display projected a 9-inch image showing speed, driving assistance status, navigation directions, and more. The infotainment system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, Wi-Fi hotspot access, and a navigation system with augmented video technology, providing live video feed overlaid with navigation graphics. The MBUX technology allowed saving up to 800 different vehicle settings across seven driver profiles and programming "routines" for specific times, days, or locations. The E-Class also provided online music and video streaming with platforms like Apple Music, Spotify, TikTok, and YouTube, along with a Vivaldi web browser. A 17-speaker Burmester 4D surround-sound system with Dolby Atmos and Apple Spatial Audio technology offered an exceptional audio experience. The Superscreen Package installed in the test car included a 12.3-inch touchscreen display for the front passenger, replacing standard wood trim with a glass surface stretching across the dashboard. A video camera on top of the dashboard offered a selfie mode and enabled Webex and Zoom calls from the car. Despite the abundant features, the MBUX technology proved to be intuitive and responsive, with the digital voice assistant offering conversational interactions and improved recognition. The 2024 Genesis G70 came standard with a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, although these did not function wirelessly. The menu structure was user-friendly, with crisp graphics and fast response time. Voice recognition worked well, and over-the-air updates ensured the latest features. The Genesis digital key supported both Android and iOS devices, allowing for keyless entry and start. Genesis Connected Services offered crash assistance, stolen vehicle recovery, remote access, and driver profile management. The navigation-based adaptive cruise control adapted speed for upcoming route curves and paired well with the available head-up display. Buyers could opt for a Lexicon premium audio system with 15 speakers, including tweeters, woofers, and subwoofers, delivering high-quality sound. Charging options included four USB-A and USB-C ports and available wireless charging.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class included numerous standard safety features, with the option to expand via the $1,950 Driver Assistance Package, adding 15 advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS). Highlights included upgraded Pre-Safe pre-collision features, Active Emergency Stop Assist, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping, lane-centering, and lane-change systems. Testing revealed the ADAS system worked well, though it allowed a wider driving line in curves than desired and occasionally seemed uncertain of itself. The new Automatic Lane Change function adjusted lanes when catching up to slower vehicles, but it felt less reliable in heavy LA traffic. Systems like Active Speed Limit Assist and Route-based Speed Adaptation, which adjusted speed in construction zones, were occasionally unsettling. Otherwise, the ADAS was practical and suited daily driving, with the lane-keeping assist system demonstrating particular reliability. The 2024 Genesis G70 made most advanced driver aids standard, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Highway Driving Assist combined adaptive cruise control and lane-follow assist for stress-free long drives. A notable feature was the Blind View Monitor, which sent video feeds of blind spots to the digital gauge cluster. Additional available features included a 360-degree camera, rain-sensing wipers, and park-distance warning. The G70 introduced a segment-first front center airbag, designed to cushion impacts between the driver and passenger in an accident. Safety ratings from NHTSA were not available, but the IIHS awarded the G70 a top score of "Good" in crashworthiness and crash avoidance and mitigation. The only drawback was a "Marginal" rating for child restraints, owing to deep lower LATCH anchors in the rear seats.