Genesis GV70 vs Mercedes-Benz GLC

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP lists the Genesis GV70 at 5 stars (2021) and the Mercedes-Benz GLC at 5 stars (2022). ANCAP tested these in different years (2021 vs 2022). Its criteria get stricter about every three years, so the stars are not like for like. Adult occupant protection scored 89% for the Genesis GV70 and 92% for the Mercedes-Benz GLC, under different test years.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 6 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Genesis GV70, against 0 on the Mercedes-Benz GLC.

Both include the essentials: core safety systems. Airbag count is 8 in the Genesis GV70 and 9 in the Mercedes-Benz GLC.

Recalls on our record

A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.

Feature Showdown

The Genesis GV70 features a 14.5-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Mercedes-Benz GLC gets a 11.9-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments.

The Genesis GV70 stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, ventilated seats, power tailgate and Genesis Audio audio — features our data doesn't list for the Mercedes-Benz GLC. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Genesis GV70 gets leather upholstery while the Mercedes-Benz GLC offers synthetic leather.

Drivetrain

The Genesis GV70 uses a Petrol producing 224kW and 422Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.2 seconds.

The Mercedes-Benz GLC responds with a Petrol making 150kW and 320Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.2 seconds.

The Genesis GV70 has the clear power advantage at 224kW vs 150kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Genesis GV70 is 1.0s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The Genesis GV70 measures 4,715mm long on a 2,875mm wheelbase, 1mm shorter than the Mercedes-Benz GLC at 4,716mm (2,888mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz GLC generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 542L in the Genesis GV70 and 600L in the Mercedes-Benz GLC, giving the Mercedes-Benz GLC a 58L advantage.

For towing, the Genesis GV70 leads with a 2,200kg braked capacity vs 2,000kg. That 200kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Neither U-turns in one sweep on a 7 m local street (both need a three-point turn); the Genesis GV70's turning circle is 0.4 m tighter, 11.5 m against 11.9 m kerb to kerb. The street estimate is indicative, worked from the published turning circles.

Cost to own

At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Genesis GV70 costs about $2,936 a year (10.3 L/100km) and fuel for the Mercedes-Benz GLC about $2,138 a year (7.5 L/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh. That is $798 a year less for the Mercedes-Benz GLC.

Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (Genesis GV70) and 5 years / Unlimited (Mercedes-Benz GLC). Capped-price servicing: 5 years (Genesis GV70), no data (Mercedes-Benz GLC).

Where each one leads

The Genesis GV70: the lower starting price ($80,300 against $89,900), more power (224kW against 150kW) and the higher braked towing limit (2,200kg against 2,000kg).

The Mercedes-Benz GLC: the bigger boot with the seats up (600L against 542L) and lower fuel or energy costs on our assumptions ($2,138 a year against $2,936).

The Verdict

Level: here's what splits them

The Genesis GV70 (70) and Mercedes-Benz GLC (62) are too close to call on the figures we hold. What splits them: fuel economy (Mercedes-Benz GLC ahead by 25 points), performance (Genesis GV70 ahead by 15 points), value (Genesis GV70 ahead by 4 points). At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Mercedes-Benz GLC costs about $798 less (7.5 L/100km against 10.3 L/100km, at $1.90 a litre). Boot space with the seats up: 542L in the Genesis GV70, 600L in the Mercedes-Benz GLC.

Common questions