Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs Genesis G80

Available as a sedan or as a wagon, the 2026 E-Class lineup adds a new bit of kit in the form of a standard biometric fingerprint scanner to authenticate saved driver profiles. The bigger news is the debut of the AMG E 53 Hybrid wagon variant, which offers plug-in hybrid efficiency combined with AMG-engineered performance. It joins an E-Class family that also includes the E 350 Sedan, the E 450 Sedan, the E 450 All-Terrain Wagon, and the AMG E 53 Hybrid Sedan.

Verdict: Anyone suffering from SUV fatigue will find a lot to like about the 2026 Mercedes E-Class wagon, especially the AMG-tuned model. It offers electric-only propulsion for short trips, a gasoline engine for long-distance drives, impressive performance, and plenty of utility.

If you’ve got your heart set on a mid-size luxury sedan, the pickings these days seem to be a little slim. And with the Germans dominating the class, those pickings can be quite pricey. However, there is a good-looking, feature-rich, well-priced option that you may have overlooked.

We’re talking about the 2025 Genesis G80. Fresh off a mid-cycle refresh, this sedan leans hard on design, technology and features, offering up a sophisticated drive with curb appeal for days. However, it does so at the expense of performance. Granted, that expense might not break the bank, but it’s something to consider if you value a spirited driving character.

Verdict: There is plenty to like about the 2025 Genesis G80 and it certainly represents good value, just don’t expect to be the quickest car in the class.