Genesis might be a relatively new luxury automaker, but it’s already making a name for itself as it has produced a few great cars. In fact, a Genesis car recently beat out competition from more well-known luxury automakers, including BMW and Mercedes. Here’s a look at the compact luxury SUV from Genesis that impressively bested its competition from more established luxury brands.

The best luxury compact SUVs for 2023

U.S. News recently published its list of the best compact luxury SUVs on the market, and while many of the entries were expected, there were a few surprises. For example, in the top 10, only two compact luxury SUVs came from American brands. The 2023 Buick Envision was in 10th place, and the 2022 Lincoln Corsair was in fourth place.

The Buick and the Lincoln were surrounded by European and Asian luxury automakers. In addition to the Corsair, the top seven compact luxury SUVs had three vehicles that came from an Asian automaker, and three vehicles that came from a European one. In fact, the Corsair was in a four-way tie with other great SUVs such as the 2023 Lexus NX, the 2023 Acura RDX, and the 2023 Volvo XC60. 

Why the 2023 Genesis GV70 beat out the BMW X3 and the Mercedes GLC

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC came in at third place, and the 2023 BMW X3 came in at second place. First place, however, went to the 2023 Genesis GV70.

While all three luxury SUVs are great, the GV70 edged out its German competitors overall. The GLC has a “refined” and well-designed cabin that’s equipped with some high-tech infotainment features, but its interior volume and cargo capacity aren’t great for the class.

U.S. News also praised the GLC for its powertrain and its handling, and the car critic said similar things about the X3’s performance capabilities.

That said, while the X3 is roomy, its cabin isn’t as luxurious as its peers. In comparison, the GV70 won it all because it has even fewer flaws than the X3 or the GLC has. Like those two German luxury SUVs, the Genesis gets a solid amount of power from its engine, and it handles well too. The GV70 starts with a 2.5-liter turbo four-cylinder, and it gets 300 hp.

That’s significantly more power than what the base engines on the BMW and the Mercedes offer, as they get 248 hp and 255 hp respectively. And since the GV70 is a compact luxury SUV, its cabin is also well-designed and packed with features.

Synthetic leather upholstery is standard, as is a 14.5-inch touchscreen. That’s bigger than the 10.25-inch touchscreen that’s standard on both the X3 and the GLC. The GV70 is also safe and reliable, and indeed, the only flaw that U.S. News had to complain about was that the GV70’s seats, “could offer better support.” 

Despite being a relatively new automaker, Genesis is doing really well

All three SUVs are also priced similarly as they start at around $45,000 each, though the GV70 is the most affordable one. It’s impressive that Genesis managed to beat out seasoned automakers such as Mercedes and BMW because Genesis, as an automaker, is very new. Genesis was founded in 2015, while BMW and Mercedes date back to the early 1900s.

Despite being so new in the luxury car segment, Genesis has already made other vehicles that have scored well like the GV70. That being said, Genesis is not a brand-new car startup by any means. It’s actually the luxury arm of Hyundai, and as such, the two automakers have a lot in common.