Mercedes-Benz GLE vs Genesis GV80 Coupe
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 Coupe opens at $122,000. That makes the Genesis GV80 Coupe the more affordable entry point by $6,900.
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 $134,200 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mercedes-Benz GLE by roughly $1,140 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Mercedes-Benz GLE and Genesis GV80 Coupe hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 91% for the Mercedes-Benz GLE and 91% for the Genesis GV80 Coupe.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 7 out of 10 key ADAS systems.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 9 in the Mercedes-Benz GLE and 10 in the Genesis GV80 Coupe.
Feature Showdown
The Mercedes-Benz GLE features a 12.3-inch touchscreen, while the Genesis GV80 Coupe gets a 27-inch display. 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 Coupe. The Genesis GV80 Coupe counters with ventilated seats and Bang & Olufsen audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
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 Coupe responds with a Petrol making 279kW and 530Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 5.7 seconds.
The Genesis GV80 Coupe has the clear power advantage at 279kW vs 195kW. In the real-world sprint, the Genesis GV80 Coupe is 1.6s 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, 32mm shorter than the Genesis GV80 Coupe at 4,956mm (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 644L in the Genesis GV80 Coupe, giving the Genesis GV80 Coupe a 14L advantage. The Mercedes-Benz GLE seats 7 vs 5.
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 $2,708/year for the Mercedes-Benz GLE and $2,936/year for the Genesis GV80 Coupe. That is a $228 annual difference in favour of the Mercedes-Benz GLE.
Estimated annual total: $2,708 (Mercedes-Benz GLE) vs $2,936 (Genesis GV80 Coupe). The Mercedes-Benz GLE saves you roughly $228 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 Coupe). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mercedes-Benz GLE if: You want lower running costs, need stronger towing, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Genesis GV80 Coupe if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Genesis's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Genesis GV80 Coupe takes 4 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Mercedes-Benz GLE will save you roughly $228 a year in fuel. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
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.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 20 April 2026
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