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The Mercedes-Benz GLE has long been one of the default choices for buyers shopping in the premium midsize SUV segment, offering strong comfort, prestige, and a polished driving experience. But in 2026, paying extra for a German badge no longer guarantees the best overall package. One Korean luxury SUV is making that reality impossible to ignore.
Built by Genesis, this rival delivers the kind of plush cabin, smooth ride quality, and strong straight-line performance buyers expect from far more expensive European SUVs. In some areas, it goes even further, offering richer standard equipment, sharper value, and a more distinctive design presence without the same premium price tag.
For shoppers who care more about what they get than the emblem on the grille, that makes the comparison surprisingly one-sided. It proves that luxury is no longer defined by German dominance alone, and that the smarter buy may come from a brand many buyers still underestimate.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites, including the EPA.
Legacy luxury brands have had it too good for too long, and we love seeing new brands come in and disrupt things. Genesis is pretty young, with the brand only launching their first vehicle back in 2015. Since then, they have rapidly established themselves as a sleek alternative. The mid-size GV80 stands out in particular, with it offering one of the best upscale driving experiences on the market, while starting thousands cheaper than its rivals.
Offerings from Mercedes-Benz are usually quite a bit more expensive than their rivals, but the GLE-Class is actually reasonably affordable, starting at $62,250. That’s thousands cheaper than the likes of the BMW X5 and on par with the Audi Q7. Genesis’ mid-size SUV, however, starts under the $60,000 mark. It being so much more affordable than its rivals is, in part, thanks to the introduction of a new rear-wheel drive version of the base model. However, even the all-wheel drive base trim starts at under $60k.
Choosing between the 2.5T and the 3.5T depends on how much performance you’re after, but we think that the Advanced trim is the way to go either way. Personally, we’d opt for the raucous 3.5T model with the twin-turbo V-6. You get niceties here like a road-monitoring adaptive suspension system, plus leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a heads-up display, and quad-zone automatic climate control. Mercedes does offer these features, but most of them require you to shell out quite a lot of extra cash.
Mercedes may lead luxury, but this Lexus SUV delivers the same upscale feel with way less ownership stress.
Mercedes-Benz has been making sporty yet luxurious crossovers for a long time now, and they’ve gotten exceptionally good at it. That’s why it is pretty surprising that the GV80 feels like the more well-rounded SUV. We’re impressed with just how well balanced Genesis’ mid-size SUV feels, with it delivering a more refined driving experience than a lot of legacy brands with decades of engineering experience.
The GV80 is offered with one of two engines under the hood. The 2.5T features an overachieving turbocharged four-cylinder that puts down an impressive 300 horsepower. The most affordable model comes with rear-wheel drive, but every other model gets all-wheel drive standard. The 3.5T features a twin-turbocharged V-6, putting down a whopping 375 horses. The coupe version of the SUV can also be optioned with an electric supercharger that boosts output up to 409 horses.
The 2.5T is capable of getting up to 60 miles per hour in as little as 6.1 seconds, with the 3.5T making the run in 5.7 seconds without the e-supercharger and 5.2 seconds with it. This means the 2.5T is quicker than a GLE350 and the 3.5T is quicker than the GLE450. Mercedes does offer a 504 horsepower GLE580, but that model comes incredibly close to the six-figure mark.
The GV80 might be quick, but it doesn’t quite dial things in enough to feel sporty. In our opinion, this is perfectly acceptable for a mid-size SUV. If you want something with cornering prowess, you should probably be shopping in a smaller segment. Mercedes takes a similar approach, with the GLE feeling far more relaxed than a lot of the German brand’s other vehicles.
The GV80 coddles you. Its ride quality demonstrates an understanding of suspension systems that you would only expect from a brand that has been building them for decades. Everything feels smooth and effortless, which is exactly what you want from a large luxury SUV.
We feel that a number of older luxury brands have lost their way a bit when it comes to cabin design. Luxury cars are supposed to coddle their occupants, not overwhelm them with futuristic elements that exist simply to push the envelope. While they don’t skimp on modern technologies, Genesis takes a more old-school approach, allowing the quiet and well-dressed interior to speak for itself.
The GV80 matches most of its rivals when it comes to space on the inside. There is plenty of room in the front two rows for even tall passengers to stretch their legs out a bit. The third row of seats, which is available on higher trim levels, is far too cramped for adults and better suited for kids. The cargo hold here is very generous, especially with the third row stowed away, allowing you loads of room for a couple of suitcases.
The Mercedes GLE features the excellent build quality and high-end materials that you would expect from Mercedes. However, we think that it lacks some character, feeling slightly sterile. Genesis, however, has blended modern technologies with old-school luxury to create a welcoming cabin that oozes class. Even some of the more affordable trims feature things like metal trim elements and burled wood, with top trims getting Nappa leather upholstery and massaging seats. The Korean brand also offers a mood curator which coordinates the ambient interior lighting, sound system, and scent diffuser to create curated vibes.
Despite a slightly more old-school approach, Genesis does not skimp on technologies. On top of the dashboard sits a 27-inch OLED display which doubles as the gauge cluster and infotainment screen. Graphics are incredibly quick, and the system is responsive and very easy to navigate. Top trims also come with a heads-up display.
Things like wireless smartphone mirroring, a wireless smartphone charging pad, and a Wi-Fi hotspot are all standard features here. A 12-speaker sound system is standard, with some more expensive models getting a 18-speaker Bang & Olufsen system instead.
European brands have all been clambering to stand out and justify their higher price tags. With how good top trim mainstream models have become, fewer people are picking up luxury cars. Genesis, however, has given these legacy brands a class in what is truly important from a luxury vehicle in the GV80. It delivers a cabin that puts comfort above gimmicks, a driving experience that feels like an occasion, and it doesn’t overcharge its customers. With the trajectory that Genesis is on, brands like Mercedes-Benz should be seriously worried.