2023 Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs Genesis G70: New Kids on the Block Take on Luxury Legends
Despite a rather dull introduction, the Genesis G70 has since blossomed into a stunning luxury sedan. Meanwhile, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class has remained a high-level luxury car for generations. But how do the two compare? We look at both the new Genesis G70 and 2023 Mercedes-Benz C-Class to rate the newcomers against the best of the old guard.
Interior design and comfort put the C-Class ahead
How a car looks is one thing. How a car feels is what’s important when deciding which is best. It’s here where the generations of experience in Stuttgart put the Mercedes-Benz C-Class in the lead.
The interior styling of the G70 is excellent when compared to most midsize luxury car competition. But the C-Class continues to stand in a league of its own. The sleek styling, sweeping curves, and premium materials make the C-Class feel truly special. That’s something Genesis has yet to master in its cheapest luxury sedan, and it’s where the C-Class shines.
On paper, the two are nearly equal. Premium leather, heated and ventilated seats, and even headroom are nearly identical between the two. But the C-Class just feels more inviting; more unique. The G70 is great, but the Mercedes is just that touch better.
Performance gives the Genesis G70 an edge
Looking strictly at base performance, both the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Genesis G70 sit in a similar space. Both come with 2.0-liter turbocharged engines, and their horsepower figures are nearly identical. However, the G70 is also available with a 3.3-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine, while the C-Class is not.
That powerplant delivers 365 horsepower and 376 pound-feet of torque, all while offering both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options. A MotorTrend test of the 2022 model said, “The G70’s V6 delivers power cleanly and quickly, and the delightful sound it makes grows more thrilling as it spins toward redline”.
In fact, the only thing in the ballpark is the AMG C43, which boasts a handbuilt version of the 2.0-liter turbocharged powerplant. That model offers an impressive 402 horsepower, but it also rings up at $15,000 more than the V6 Genesis. Overall, that makes the G70 a better value.
Premium tech is nearly equal
On tech, both the Genesis G70 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class offer similar kit. Both are available with digital instrument clusters and widescreen infotainment displays. And both feature voice-activated tech, though the German’s system does boast greater capability.
The Genesis offers physical buttons for critical controls like climate settings and basic radio controls. The Mercedes hides those on its larger central screen, but we’re not sure if it’s better as a result. Forcing drivers to rely on voice controls for basic changes can be a frustrating experience, whereas buttons just…work.
Still, the G70 wins with its remote app features, which deliver more options for control than come with the Mercedes. The SmartPark function is a stunning bit of luxury that adds more convenience than one might expect. And the ability to adjust climate settings while remote starting is something that comes in handy.
Genesis impresses, but the Mercedes makes it a close race
Without a doubt, the Genesis G70 offers an incredible luxury car value. It has attributes that go well beyond cost and place it near the top of the luxury sedan table. But the Mercedes-Benz C-Class has something special that proves why it’s been such a popular choice for so long. In the end, the G70 might be slightly better overall, but it’s just a whisper ahead of its closest German competition.
