All-New 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 vs. 2022 Genesis GV70 | Small Size, Big Luxury

The small luxury SUV segment is one of the most highly competitive in the automotive industry, with big sales and bigger profits. The Mercedes-Benz GLC was once our go-to choice - until the Genesis GV70 swooped in and stole the crown upon its introduction for the 2022 model year. But now the GLC is new and improved, getting a full redesign for 2023 that includes Benz’s latest luxury accoutrements and high-tech features. But are the changes enough to unseat the very excellent GV70 from the small luxury SUV throne? Find out with Edmunds’ Alistair Weaver in our comparison test above!
Genesis GV70 pricing & review: edmu.in/3M98l1q
Mercedes-Benz GLC pricing & review: edmu.in/3MyknTs
00:00 Intro
01:00 Interior
04:25 Cargo
04:55 Driving Impressions
07:42 Options & Range
08:47 Edmunds' Take
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[@edmundscars]

Would you prefer the shiny new Mercedes, the up-and-coming Genesis, or something else! Let us know in the comments below.

[@NileshR12]

I’ll take the Genesis for the price. It gives you more performance standard with the base engine & it’s more likely to be more reliable

[@luvpiggery]

I picked up a GV70 recently after pouring through options and what settled it for me was the warranty and concierge service ontop of everything else. These are really just utilitarian vehicles and the less time one has to spend thinking or worrying about them, the better. Fuel economy is atrocious, feel it would have been better to wait for the electrified version but oh well. Otherwise you get a lot for the money with these & don't care about the badge as much as the whole package these days. Great value!

[@LVLexus]

Lexus all the way!

[@Jay-oe2od]

@@LVLexus Lexus interior is trash compared to both these models so outdated for the price

[@abdul-quadrifatomi3243]

For the same price bracket? Genesis all day everyday, it's not even a competition at this point.

[@carstech2685]

As someone whose been driving a Mercedes for years ,I took a look at genesis and realized how good they are and traded my Mercedes in and never looked back. I absolutely love my Genesis especially all the stuff you get for the money.

[@thisiswaytoocomplicated]

Just wondering if you will say this again in few years. Considering that Hyundai/Genesis currently seem to have quite a bad streak of luck with recalls. And biggest question to me is depreciation and resale value in a few years. I would have liked to try the Genesis GV70 but I think I'm not wealthy enough to take that risk. Went with a used Macan S instead. Slightly more expensive but probably will not nearly lose as much money. And certainly more fun to drive if you like driving.

[@MrRJC1991]

​@thisiswaytoocomplicated Porsche and Mercedes are famous for losing value. The recalls thing is a concern, but I haven't had a single issue with my GV70 yet. I have put almost 20k miles. And not to mention the repairs if you buy an used Porsche.

[@pkoya341]

@@thisiswaytoocomplicated Notice how the Recalls so far have literally never affected Genesis. They do a good job separating the brands. Hyundai doesn't use the Genesis 3.5TT in any of their models either. Also the Genesis G70 sedan holds its value better than any car in its segment according to KBB and its ther most dated model so Genesis depreciating is a myth.

[@MrRJC1991]

@@pkoya341 I did have a recall for my seat belt

[@pkoya341]

@@user-umop23erty it has just as many features and a better design than the top GLC

[@billshoe22191]

Genesis GV70 would be my choice without question. Looks better inside and out. Love the physical controls and materials choices on the GV70. Mercedes interiors look cheap and tacky.

[@edmundscars]

Team physical buttons!!!

[@naveenthemachine]

Genesis is really impressive vs it’s competitors

[@edmundscars]

They're doing a great job!

[@gabrielhoegarden7140]

test drove Genesis GV70s, handling and interiors just beautiful...mixture of bentley and audi feeling from the Genesis designers just perfect ❤️

[@1232lyft]

In absolutely no universe does the genesis feel like a Bentley 😂😂😂😂

[@rmyAddison]

The MB interior is look-at-me busy, the GV70's purposeful luxury. I hard shopped/researched the German's and Jaguar (former owner), a Genesis GV70 3.5 Sport Prestige won on paper (cost with matching options, similar power), and a test drive sold me. Comfort mode is luxurious and quiet, Sport + is surprisingly rowdy, fast enough. Just had my painless one year concierge service, would buy it again tomorrow, love the styling inside and out.

[@edmundscars]

Congrats on a great purchase!

[@rmyAddison]

@@edmundscars Thx for the reviews........

[@techielady]

I traded in my 2011 range rover sport to get a 2023 GV70 (select package) 3 weeks ago and I haven't looked back. The only thing that I'm truly missing is that I sat higher up in Range.

[@amanti113]

Absolutely gv70 from the Genesis 😊😊

[@tonemack2981]

I love the GV70 interior. I haven't been a fan of Mercedes interior for some time now. Love the ambient lighting but that same old slant middle console layout with the hard plastic shell and or made with piano black plastic is just tiring and it creeks.

[@neildesposito1492]

Great review

[@gurvinderpalsinghsidhu6521]

Very good review!!

[@patricksmith9469]

Good review; right amount of snark.. Hahaha.. But moreso, very well paced and good info.. Choice will come down to individual style I guess. Enjoyed, thanks!

[@Arbutuscoveretreat]

Love the red seats & pin strips!!!

[@mistertee5000]

Checked out the GV at the dealer recently. Didn't drive it but was very impressed by the interior and the overall physical presence of the vehicle. It definitely feels like a luxury car and reminded me of my last Lexus. I'd seriously consider this over the GLC. Honestly don't see the point in being a badge snob over a $60K car.

[@styner3]

I wish the GLC had the same materials from the dash below on the cup holder area instead of the black plastic.

[@edmundscars]

Yeah, we're not a fan of piano black either

[@ctk4949]

GV70 looks better inside and out!! No mention of the ton of piano black in the merc?!?! Geez Edmunds at least point out the GV70 has 7 more cu ft of luggage space compared to the merc!! Did they show as tested price??

[@edmundscars]

GV70 as-tested was about $65k, GLC was a little over $67k

[@donaldbanner2185]

...........................................The heck with Edmonds.....Consumer Reports has a video on you tube....Genesis is a Very "BAD" vehicle.'.do your research or loose $ big time!

[@Yormsane]

I'd go for the GV70, but with the four-cylinder engine, for the best value. It runs on regular gas, and the interior is much classier than the Merc's, too. Winner!

[@edmundscars]

You should still be putting premium in the 2.5T engine, but we agree it's a great value and vehicle overall!

[@donaldbanner2185]

.....................Gas regular however 19 miles per gal. You are crazy!

[@krle27]

So I open a link you provide in description, andthere is a two pictures of GLC 2023 model, one is exterior in blue and white color, but the other picture is from GLE interior.. You should fix that

[@RRLV434]

Gv70 would be my pick. Exterior and interior look better, but reliability would be better than the merc with all of its complicated tech (like the mild hybrid system).

[@joeykramer7282]

My choice of the two is the GV70

[@djn1856]

Lol u dont seem a fan of the night package with the black alloys. Im trying to get it but the night package is not available in the uk

[@amigatommy7]

Good one.

[@yahshaunyahu]

Genesis continues to make the other "luxury brands " look like a bad purchase

[@naveenthemachine]

Except bmw Mercedes Audi Porsche

[@ScottUFRx]

​​​@@naveenthemachinegive me a Genesis for the value over those any day - there's also a unicorn value with the GV70 out on the road. Those other brands are a dime a dozen, like Teslas these days

[@lm1314]

Until the Genesis engine starts having issues.

[@naveenthemachine]

@@lm1314 that hasn’t happened yet. They’re made in Korea so QC will be better. Plus they have a very long warranty and good reliability record

[@lm1314]

@naveenthemachine issue is if they will honor that warranty. Many Hyundai and Kia are not. Technically is those cars, just like my Audi is technically a VW.

[@marct9587]

Direct access buttons are very important to me. I hate having to fool around with a touch screen to engage commonly used functions.

[@ASAL2022]

It sucks that both don’t have enough space in the back. What a shame but love the GLC interior.

[@addielyd4102]

I found the screen on the GV70 too hard to reach..the dial is the only real way to control the screen while driving.

[@Zhaoimex]

The only thing is holding me back to buy the GV80 7 seat rather than Benz is the service of GN, people complaining a lot of taking forever to get the pats to fix the car(sometimes months), brand is quite new. Here at China people are saying GN cars are perfect if you don’t care much about engine and service quality.

[@chris_panda]

Genesis all the way without even thinking! 😊 Love my GV70!

[@christopherhughes3027]

I love mine Gv70

[@jeffs6090]

The red leather in the Benz is bright and annoying looking. The red in the GV70 is darker and more muted, therefore much nicer and more luxurious looking. We will be getting the phev in the new GLC, both regular and coupe versions. That's what is enticing me more. It would be nice if the GV70 had a phev option since similar sized Hyundai and Kia models have it.

[@CombatePractico]

At least in miami you are not seen the same with a MB that with another car. Having an mb is an experience

[@jdel7525]

The true test is to drive them over a pot hole or bumpie road. MB will win every time. Why people buy MB, because they don't have a tin feeling.

[@Nohndl]

Have car reviews simply become "wow. Look at the size of that tablet"? This video even begins with showing the screens.

[@shiranthas]

I test drove both but ended with GV70 on my driveway; the total price including after sales services where MB lost me; Genesis pricing structure is simple and straightforward

[@bigcjm]

What I do know and see is the reviewers as a group cap for Hyundai products far more than they buy Hyundai products. The thing about mercedes is you can get a pretty unique vehicle depending on how you option it. So complaining about one material means nothing because they have multiple options to choose from. Genesis is very Acura like in regards to interior. 2 or 3 interior types and that's all you got. Since these are raw lease products with majntence probably packaged with the deal. It does come down to dealership experience an personal taste.

[@your_royal_highness]

I was fine testing the GV70 4. I found the genesis 6 to be too brutal. Rough around the edges.

[@luvpiggery]

Getting 29mpg from my GV70 in custom eco drive mode with coasting option on. Only way to offset premium fuel need $$

[@reddyrohit473]

That’s awesome. All I hear is people getting around 20mpg

[@luvpiggery]

@@reddyrohit473 tbh if people getting 20mpg truly cared about economy as much as signaling their outrage, they would take the time to figure out the drive modes and perhaps be happily surprised.

[@MC-nb6jx]

Why does it bother so many you’ve to use a cable for Apple CarPlay and the info screens a reach?? If they’re the only complaints well🤷🏻‍♂️🤷🏻‍♂️

[@daveed4475]

Many reviewers complain about this, but if you love your music, the audio quality with wired connection is superior to Bluetooth connection. I think the option to use either should be built in to every car, so people who’s ears are less discerning can enjoy their bluetooth connection.

[@bbbbccc1717]

2:52 There is no “I” in Burmester. BurmEster not BurmEIster.

[@ctk4949]

Hmm weird they didn't show as tested price?!?!

[@edmundscars]

GV70 was about $65k, GLC was a little over $67k

[@PaketGo]

I think it makes sense to compare the GV 70 with the 2021 GLC 300, since the new GLC 300 Mild Hybrid looks much more modern, massive and luxurious. Mercedes GLC in a new body is beyond competition. Also the number of recalls on the GV 70 as confirmation of this, as well as their services. Good luck Genesis , they have earned their place in the top 5 midsize SUVs anyway.

[@albertcamus5970]

In fairness to the mercedes you do have to pick reasonable interior choices. The press car does not have them LOL.

[@aahmed29]

Can't compare a Benz to Genesis lol. Two cars from two different league.

[@revrdr600ho]

Awesome comparison. I am surprised the Genesis doesn’t have wireless CarPlay, considering, you know, Hyundai’s have it.

[@edmundscars]

One of our only major gripes with Genesis products, we don't get it

[@keithbarnes9419]

It has to do with the navigation system. If your model has Hyundai, Genesis navigation it has wired car play

[@ahmedsyed3436]

Does Genesis provide a genuine luxury car ownership experience?

[@Angelbonilla1982]

Is not call piano black!! is call cheap plastic gloss!! Preferred GV70 all the way!!!

[@garyjohnson8120]

Pinstripes are classic design...never go out of style. May not be to your taste, of course.

[@edmundscars]

Maybe not on suits, but on cars? That's debatable.

[@imdone1965]

Pinstripes are so 80s 😂

[@JS-xn3dq]

I test drove the GV 70 and Loved it! However, after doing some research I am not sure I trust the brand (so new), the customer service, and the reliability. In spite of what many of you are saying the reliability doesn’t look great if you look on owners forums. The GLC may not be for me either but I will test drive it.

[@your_royal_highness]

That is why I grudgingly accept my choice of the Lexus NX 350 over the GV70. The Lexus is not as much fun to drive as the competition. I have heard a lot of complaints about dealers not taking care of customer problems. Give it another few years and once Genesis has fully separated from Hyundai one can look at it again.

[@rehamsalama5060]

Exactly , I hated the mercedes teenage red

[@md8744]

Mackerel fish brought to be compared to dragon fish in beautiful pond. Hahaha.

[@your_royal_highness]

I don’t like the rims on the GV70 and I have heard multiple folks say the finish starts to peel away and the chrome trim gets tarnished. I have also heard the Genesis dealers often suck and customer service is an afterthought. The Lexus NX350 F I had for only a year (long story) had some great technology, screen very close and large, lots of automation on lights and more. But, that car was just so disappointing to drive. Not too roomy either, more like a subcompact. If Genesis splits off as a fully separate entity and the bad stories of service dissipate, I would definitely consider one. I just picked up a SQ5 and it is a relief to be in car that you actually enjoy driving. I am NOT a fan of Mercedes for a variety of reasons. Finally, if I ever did get a GV70, I would opt for the 2.5. Plenty of power vs the 3.5 which I found a bit rough around the edges; little bit brutal a ride, like the X3 M40i. Audi is a nice blend

[@hereigoagain5050]

Sure, but the three pointed star on the grill always looks cool.

[@edmundscars]

Still Genesis' biggest hurdle to overcome!

[@JohnLee-db9zt]

Too badge snobs it does.

[@lisajason111]

I'm driving a gv70. Periode

[@danherr4419]

I don't hate Mercedes that I love the brand but this new design of GLC 300 is dreadful... I mean.. what are those stripes all over the place and another ipad placed in the center...

[@odinikita4821]

So this so-called car reviewer thinks the Genesis screen is tact on, yet has no issue with the Mercedes obviously tact on screen right in front of the driver....wow!

[@amigatommy7]

The 300 looks like a clown car inside.

[@Generallee85]

I chose it based on your reviews. Genesis GV70!! thanks

[@keska01]

Mercedes is great, until warranty expires :P - how are repair costs of the GV70 compared to the German ones ?

[@edmundscars]

New cars are all pretty expensive to repair due to increasing technology and whatnot, but Genesis at least gives you 3 years/36,000 miles of free maintenance plus their exceptional warranty.

[@MattyVice]

My sister has the Mercedes and i have the Genesis. Should be interesting

[@hk-jt3nj]

So which is better?

[@geot8254]

I would choose the Hyundai

[@jsong21]

Genesis designers are from bmw and bentley.. so they know very well how to do luxury

[@Mark-ex5yx]

Tired of the the big front grill Audi wanna bees. Genesis should have come up with their own ideas.

[@Angelbonilla1982]

GV70 simple, good quality materials!! Nothing of to much tech for what?

[@deenyc1049]

I went with the GLC, I love the tech of the new GLC and it felt more luxurious than the GV. MBUX worked amazingly well, the digital projection lights and the AR navigation put it way over the Genesis. And the specs I wanted the price were basically the same so I saw no value in the GV70.

[@amigatommy7]

Gv70 has an electrified version.

[@yangwang8176]

Do you want a fine leather coach or a faux leather Louis Vuitton ?

[@K-Kratos]

ال٢ حلوين

[@steveba50]

Lot of plastic piano black on that Merc console...hello dust!

[@PaulHo]

Genesis > Germans

[@lm1314]

I read that owners of the 2023 GV70 are complaining about vehicles that suddenly lose power or won't accelerate. There are also complaints relating to faulty cruise control, collision warnings, and uncontrollable acceleration.

[@DeeeBeee123]

​@@lm1314Hyundai & Kia never change. Beautiful on the outside, garbage on the inside. Lease or rent. Never buy

[@lm1314]

@derrionbrumfield4183 sometimes I think a car is a BMW or even saw one from behind thinking was VW then Ford. They become a Kia or Hyundai. They like to copy other cars' looks. Not so much now, but still can see influence of other manufacturers.

[@timx9661]

Spare tire in the Genesis makes all the difference. Run flats on the GLC, besides having to be replaced every year for about $1200, perform poorly at all times and hardly at all in snow after about 5000 miles wear. A dealbreaker for me so I traded in my 2020 GLC that I liked a lot except for that.

[@chana1692]

The genesis is OK… and is doing well, but I personally prefer Mercedes brand for their earned and proven success, dominating comfort, technology convenience, and for their established luxury brand and badge. Mercedes also makes a better statement in elite circles where materialism is a currency. The new GLC design is still settling in the market, but it’s significantly the breadwinner for the MB brand. The interior specs that you showed in the video was not the best combination of interior offers for the new GLC … but you probably did that intentionally to influence opinion in a certain direction. Bottom line, if you prefer a glossy “Hyundai”over a Mercedes, you should get one… 😂😂😂😉 lmao

[@JohnLee-db9zt]

Mercedes is no longer what it used to be. I test drove both. The Genesis was clearly better in every respect important to me.

[@fastbladeproductions7961]

I asked my wife and teenage daughter what they thought of the Genisis GV70... They said "A what ?" ..... Mercedes or BMW... that's what they said .... nothing else...

[@edwardr5084]

ROFL There is no contest. Mercedes-Benz hands down.

[@martykey1574]

Genesis Hyundai is still not the goods it’s very Chrysler Esq in the interior and like all Hyundais the design looks great for a few years then looks tired pretty quickly case in point look back at the past sedans compared to past Benz sedans the Hyundais look old and tired the Benz’s still look like a classic design, Korean cars seem to be very fussy in design although they are getting better and the Benz’s are still made better with better materials plus the tech on mercs are years ahead and just when the others catch up Stuttgart takes a leap forward, rather have the Benz over the all you can eat Korean

[@edarnold1647]

Mercedes has (had) a great reputation, no so much with the GLC.

[@19Abdulaziz88]

And genesis more reliable than merc

[@mazda_rt24-p]

Everyone has a Mercedes and there's so many of them you can't tell them apart, but few have a Genesis and there's only two Genesis SUV's.

[@BorisTerekidi]

Who would have known, that new Korean luxury brand - Genesis would score higher than Mercedes.

[@DJL78]

The dealer experience and service means something at these price points. Genesis fails in these areas I mean who wants to share a waiting room with the owner of a 2010 Elantra?

[@charles_.l]

Me

[@DJL78]

@@charles_.l Exactly. My. Point.

[@Nimasis]

Who cares? Porsche GT3 owners sit with Macan owners, and S class owners sit with A class owners? Also keep in mind Genesis offers their concierge service where you don't even need to visit the dealer and if you choose to visit the dealer, you will get another Genesis loaner to go on with your day. BUT to your point all dealerships suck!! Wish we had the manufacturers here rather than dealers

[@DJL78]

@@Nimasis There isn’t a person on the planet who would compare ANY of those brands dealership experience with that of a Hyundai/Genesis. The concierge service they offer sounds great when trying to close the deal. In reality it fails just like their in house services. Try using the google machine and look at the reviews.

[@Nimasis]

@@DJL78 I had 2 Genesis's and I got the same experience as I'm getting with BMW currently and never had any issues with their concierge or service. That could be my local dealer or Canadian ones. I cant speak for all

[@PhillyDee215]

Mercedes-Benz always delivers

[@stamy74]

Mercedes interior is too techy. I prefer the more old money style interior of Genesis.

[@saddist1Gtown]

What is the point of safety if in this so-called test it has been ignored? The Merc stops better- think of the kids in the car, the Merc has a better quality interior and infotaiment system and not a after-thought stick on screen on the dash, and the Merc is more fuel efficient but the Genesis gets to 60 a bit quicker so it wins? What a joke. What is the point being a bit quicker if you take longer to stop? Edmonds does not like prestige they simply are infactuated with bling- no class..

[@dannnsss8034]

The Mercedes interior looks so... Tacky? Who designed it, a 12 year old?

[@barrygoldwasser5449]

One major difference between the two: the German is engineered like garbage, it depreciates like the Titanic and had the reliability of a Yugo. The Genesis, on the other hand, had superior engineering, great reliability and keeps its value. German product only lease. Never own.

[@robertwheaton4115]

PLEASE,Please,Pleaee, stop Comparing Hyundia to any German car company, it's not even close...

[@Mustafafilming]

Is this really how a car review supposed to be ? 90% listing catalogue specs but nothing else? ....and 10% opinion sharing. Who cares about USB C ports in this day and age.

[@anandpopat2549]

This review is SPOT ON! If you want the Better Option, it appears the GV 70 wins.

[@Pter02]

The Benz is better

[@imdone1965]

Both are a hot mess! Ill take a Mazda over both. Let the comments of my post hurt your feelings😂

[@LaserJet58]

Don't compare that piece of crap with a Merceds Bemz!

[@edwardr5084]

I'll pass on the clunky "Luxury" Hyundai.

[@megatron6393]

Mercedes is unreliable car. Interior looks good but basically cheap plastics.

[@LetMeCook86]

Genesis is less reliable than Hyundai! 😂

[@johnf321]

Mercedes is the winner Hyundai resell value horrible

[@tnproduction7674]

Not a Mercedes fun but Don’t compare German cars to these bs

[@salihagarevic3019]

I would love compare older Germans cars and new Germans cars... with you than you can compare genesis as you called bs car.. bc I own 07 e class 350 has 140k miles 1st owner and I own G80 and gv80... I have $$ thank God so I could own s class a8L or 750 bmw I didn't bc how they make them now. So let's compare them smart guy... you ready...?

[@tnproduction7674]

@@salihagarevic3019 smarthead your e class is still better than any new hyundai garbage. And the new 7 series or the S class are very good and more reliable. Genesis drives like a chip shit. Not even close to Bmw or Mb level.

[@jimmytong2033]

Not a fan of Korean cars. Trendy, but no classic, and probably look junky and generic after a few years. No thank you.