Competition is fierce among midsize luxury SUVs with available 3-row seating configurations. Vehicles like the 2024 Genesis GV80 and Mercedes-Benz GLE must not only justify their premium price tags, they have to stand out in an extremely crowded and competitive market.
During miles of road tests we’ve gotten to know the GV80 and GLE extremely well. They each have cosseting suspensions, powerful engines, all-wheel drive, and the very latest in high-tech infotainment systems. So, how do they compare when pitted directly against each other?
Let’s explore some highlights of the Genesis GV80 and Mercedes-Benz GLE to find out.
2024 Genesis GV80
The GV80 was introduced into the Genesis lineup for the 2021 model year and arrives with a couple of notable updates for 2024. First, a new range-topping model called the Prestige Signature joins the lineup. An onboard Wi-Fi hot spot is also now standard on all trims.
We’ve routinely been impressed by the GV80’s agility and comfort. In fact, it currently ranks as our top-rated midsize luxury SUV. The GV80 is great for dicing with city traffic or cruising on the highway for hours. Pricing for the 2024 GV80 starts at $59,050, including a $1,350 delivery charge.
Genesis GV80 Highlights
Powerful engines: Serving as the standard powertrain is a 300-horsepower 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine coupled to an 8-speed automatic transmission and all wheel drive. Punch the gas pedal and the sprint from standstill to 60 mph takes about six seconds. For added vigor a 375-hp twin-turbo V6 comes with the 3.5T model. While we love more horsepower and stronger acceleration, we think many SUV shoppers will be satisfied with the turbo 4-cylinder.
Outstanding warranty: The Genesis GV80 comes with a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, which easily eclipses what the GLE offers. Even better, three years/36,000 miles of free scheduled maintenance and five years of unlimited mileage roadside assistance are also included.
Top marks for safety: Many SUV shoppers will love knowing the Genesis GV80 earned Top Safety Pick+ status from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), just like the Mercedes-Benz GLE. That’s the highest possible score and it factors in crash tests, child-safety seat LATCH points, headlight effectiveness, and the performance of driver aids like automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the GV80 models near you.
2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE
This generation of Mercedes-Benz GLE arrived for the 2020 model year. Changes to the 2024 GLE include subtle exterior styling updates, an infotainment upgrade, and the introduction of a plug-in hybrid variant. After many road tests, we’ve come to admire how the GLE raises the bar in terms of everything from onboard tech to absolutely outrageous engines that produce more than 600 horsepower. In tamer tune, the GLE delivers a superb blend of power and refinement that few rivals come close to matching. Pricing for the GLE 350 starts at $63,800, including delivery fees.
Mercedes-Benz GLE Highlights
Drivetrain choices: One of the things we like most about the GLE is that it can be tailor-made to be everything from a perfectly accomplished daily driver to a speed machine with ferocious acceleration. The standard 255-horsepower turbo 4-cylinder engine might not sound impressive on paper, but it’s more than capable of zipping the GLE through city or highway traffic with ease. For the ultimate thrills there’s the the 603-hp twin-turbo V8 found in the AMG GLE 63 S. The Genesis GV80 can’t match that kind of performance.
Hey Mercedes: We’ll admit Mercedes’ voice recognition system was a little wonky when it first arrived. Yet fine tuning has made it much more user-friendly in how it operates. It can also perform more functions, such as alerting the driver where the onboard first aid kit is located.
Burmester audio: The optional 13-speaker Burmester audio system in the GLE has outstanding sound quality. Dolby Atmos tech makes this system absolutely stunning, whether your musical tastes run from Metallica and Motorhead to Mozart and Mahler.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the GLE models near you.
Similarities
The Genesis GV80 and Mercedes-Benz GLE are among the best of the best in the midsize SUV segment. They’re supremely comfortable and well expertly engineered in every facet of how they look, feel, and drive. Most trims of each have a 2-row/5-passenger configuration, but a small third row is available in both models. Basically, we’re fans.
Conclusion
We wouldn’t dissuade a car shopper from buying either the Genesis GV80 or Mercedes-Benz GLE. They’re both excellent choices and have very few flaws. One negative they both share is optional third-row seating that’s cramped for anyone but kids. A visit to a dealership and a test drive of both the Genesis and Mercedes-Benz could be the deciding factor.
| 2024 Genesis GV80 | 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE | |
| Starting Price | $59,050 | $63,800 |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | Turbo 2.5-liter 4-cylinder | Turbo 2.0-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 300 hp @ 5,800 rpm | 255 @ 5,800 rpm |
| Torque | 311 lb-ft @ 1,650 rpm | 295 lb-ft @ 1,800 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 9-speed automatic |
| Fuel economy MPG | 20 city/24 highway/22 combined | 20 city/24 highway/23 combined |
| Also Available | Twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 | Turbo 3.0-liter inline-6, Turbo 4.0-liter V8 |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 10 years/100,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 5-Star | 5-Star |
| Max Seating Capacity | 7 | 7 |
| Wheelbase | 116.3 inches | 117.9 inches |
| Overall Length | 194.7 inches | 193.9 inches |
| Width | 77.8 inches | 76.7 inches |
| Height | 67.5 inches | 70.8 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 39.3 feet | 39.4 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 40.2 inches | 42.3 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd Row | 38.4 inches | 40.4 inches |
| Headroom, 3rd Row | 34.3 inches | TBD |
| Legroom, Front | 41.6 inches | 40.3 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | 38.7 inches | 40.9 inches |
| Legroom, 3rd Row | 30.3 inches | TBD |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 60.2 inches | 59.3 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 58.2 inches | 58.3 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 3rd Row | 53.2 inches | TBD |
| Cargo Volume | 11.6/34.9/84.0 cubic feet | 33.3/74.9 cubic feet |
