Mercedes-Benz GLE vs Genesis GV80
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The Mercedes-Benz GLE starts from $128,900 before on-road costs, while the Genesis GV80 opens at $132,000. That makes the Mercedes-Benz GLE the more affordable entry point by $3,100.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $141,790 and $145,200 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mercedes-Benz GLE by roughly $5,275 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The Mercedes-Benz GLE features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Genesis GV80 gets a 14.5-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mercedes-Benz GLE stands out with Burmester audio that you will not find on the Genesis GV80. The Genesis GV80 counters with ventilated seats and Bang & Olufsen audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Mercedes-Benz GLE gets synthetic leather upholstery while the Genesis GV80 offers nappa leather. Climate control is 2-zone in the Mercedes-Benz GLE and 3-zone in the Genesis GV80.
Drivetrain
The Mercedes-Benz GLE uses a Diesel producing 195kW and 500Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.3 seconds.
The Genesis GV80 responds with a Petrol making 279kW and 530Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 5.6 seconds.
The Genesis GV80 has the clear power advantage at 279kW vs 195kW. In the real-world sprint, the Genesis GV80 is 1.7s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mercedes-Benz GLE measures 4,924mm long on a 2,995mm wheelbase, 16mm shorter than the Genesis GV80 at 4,940mm (2,955mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz GLE generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 630L in the Mercedes-Benz GLE and 735L in the Genesis GV80, giving the Genesis GV80 a 105L advantage.
For towing, the Mercedes-Benz GLE leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 2,722kg. That 778kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
12.0m to 12.1m
Based on 12.1m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,881/year for the Mercedes-Benz GLE and $2,936/year for the Genesis GV80. That is a $1,055 annual difference in favour of the Mercedes-Benz GLE.
Estimated annual total: $1,881 (Mercedes-Benz GLE) vs $2,936 (Genesis GV80). The Mercedes-Benz GLE saves you roughly $1,055 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz GLE) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Genesis GV80). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mercedes-Benz GLE if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, need stronger towing, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Genesis GV80 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Genesis's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Mercedes-Benz GLE and Genesis GV80 trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Mercedes-Benz GLE will save you roughly $1,055 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Genesis GV80 has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Mercedes-Benz GLE and Genesis GV80?
The Mercedes-Benz GLE is the cheapest at $128,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Genesis GV80 by $3,100.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mercedes-Benz GLE uses the least fuel at 6.6L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Genesis GV80 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Genesis GV80 has the largest boot at 735L.
Which can tow the most?
The Mercedes-Benz GLE has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Genesis GV80 makes the most power at 279kW. The Genesis GV80 is quickest to 100km/h in 5.6s.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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