RYAN ZUMMALLEN: Luxury sales are booming right now.
It seems like everybody wants to get their hands on an SUV
from Lexus or Audi or Land Rover.
And then of course, there's BMW and Mercedes.
Two true benchmarks when it comes to luxury crossovers.
Today we're matching their X5 and GLE
against a promising rookie.
The Genesis GV80.
It has space, it has power, it has style.
The big question is, does any of that
mean luxury buyers will like it?
MARK TAKAHASHI: That's adorable.
I don't like it.
RYAN ZUMMALLEN: OK.
Do you want to check it out first?
MARK TAKAHASHI: I'm a man of style and distinction
with more culture than yogurt so no, I don't think I need to.
RYAN ZUMMALLEN: OK this might be harder than I thought.
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yeah that one, go to edmunds.com/sellmycar.
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Can we take a moment to appreciate
what Genesis is offering from an aesthetic standpoint?
In a class that can often feel stale
the GV80 is definitely not.
It has a bold face, flashy accents, and a duck-tail rear.
And best of all, these long lines accentuate its length
and that makes it look graceful on the road.
Under the skin you get a standard turbocharged four
cylinder engine or an optional twin turbo V6 like this one.
You also get two rows of seats standard.
And if you opt for the very top trim, it comes with three rows.
This is a seriously impressive debut
but here's an important note, value
is still a core component of the Genesis strategy.
So for that reason we'll be viewing the GV80
through more of a value focused lens than we
do with the X5 and the GLE.
In our estimation, Genesis needs to prove
it can deliver on that front before we consider
this a true competitor to these members of luxury SUV royalty.
MARK TAKAHASHI: Number one baby!
We named the GLE the Edmunds Top Luxury SUV in 2020, 2021,
and as we're shooting this remains
the best mid-sized luxury SUV you can get today.
And we didn't need to use some imaginary curve like value
to make that happen.
From base models, to fully loaded,
the GLE's sturdy construction and attention to detail
are unparalleled in the class.
You also get a ton of tech features,
including the MBUX infotainment system,
which remains our favorite.
The base engine is a turbo 4 cylinder,
but this one gets the turbo 6.
Unlike that GV80, you can also get some high performance AMG
versions with some big stonking V8s.
I mean, if you're looking for excellence you start here
and you end here.
What we have here is the BMW X5, but not just any BMW X5--
no, no, no, no, this is the Edmunds' long-term test X5.
Over the course of the year, we've
logged over 10,000 miles and the verdict,
it's an impressive luxury SUV that sometimes gets bogged
down by its own expectations.
The X5 currently sits in fourth place in our midsize luxury SUV
rankings.
Like the GV80 and GLE, the X5 has an optional third row.
Unlike those two, there's no four cylinder option.
The standard engine is a 6 cylinder
with snorting V8s available too.
Let's talk about interior quality and comfort
starting with the two German standard bearers for the class.
The Mercedes GLE has a wonderfully modern interior.
Yes, it's suave and extremely plush leather
and this wonderful, open pore wood
that looks more like teak than brown walnut.
Best of all, it's all wrapped together
in such a thoughtful design.
These large screens make a statement
without being overpowering.
And also, the interior looks very futuristic
without looking gauche or gaudy.
Overall, it just kind of makes you feel special.
We talk a lot about value and the Genesis
but believe it or not, the GLE feels fully worth its price
based on the interior alone.
The X5 takes a slightly different approach.
There's lots of leather and metal
but the design is much more traditional.
It's pretty reserved and pretty safe.
But you do have the option for a Swarovski crystal shifter knob
next to all this, I don't know I guess
it looks like a Macassar ebony.
But I'm not a fan of the super, hyper glossy lacquer
that they used.
So you got to go with your own there.
RYAN ZUMMALLEN: Now it's the GV80's turn
and right off the bat there is a nice presentation in here.
Genesis did not skimp on the materials
as evidenced by all of this leather
and lots of soft touch points and interesting materials.
Now it's true that you will find a little bit more plastic
in here than the BMW and Mercedes,
but in general this is a really refined interior for the class.
But more than that, it feels unique.
The GV80 has a design language that's all it's own.
So it's not trying to be a German.
It's trying to be the best Genesis.
MARK TAKAHASHI: I don't like it.
RYAN ZUMMALLEN: Woah!
Dude.
MARK TAKAHASHI: I noticed that when you got in.
RYAN ZUMMALLEN: How long have you been back there?
MARK TAKAHASHI: Well I noticed you had to duck your head down
to get in and you're not getting as much headroom up there.
RYAN ZUMMALLEN: OK you do give up a little bit of head space
if you're six feet or taller in the GV80, that's true.
MARK TAKAHASHI: And the controls, they
look like a cheap plastic toy.
RYAN ZUMMALLEN: We are generally down on the piano
black in interiors and this does have a lot of it
on the touch parts, you're right.
MARK TAKAHASHI: And is that an iPhone 3 on the dash?
RYAN ZUMMALLEN: OK I was getting to that,
it's a little bit out of the way compared to the others
but for the money--
MARK TAKAHASHI: It's kind of a deal breaker for me Ryan.
RYAN ZUMMALLEN: I'm not trying to sell you a car, man.
Do you know what I do here?
MARK TAKAHASHI: Do you have any idea who I think I am?
These SUVs are packed with technology,
with some of those features being pretty innovative.
Let's check them out.
We're in the GLE's sweet spot, heated seats and a sunroof
for standard but the piece de resistance
is this dual screen setup.
Each one measuring over 12 inches
and providing excellent clarity.
Navigation included, Apple Car play and Android Auto, check.
It's easy to use, fun to look at,
and there's also an optional augmented reality
turn by turn overlay that shows you exactly where you
should be turning in real time.
You can literally feel the stress
leaving your body and little stress demons
exiting this earthly plane.
Safe passage you little stress demons you.
We also like the standard suite of advanced safety features.
And the driver assistance package
plus includes adaptive cruise control
so you can keep an established gap between you
and the car in front.
An evasive steering assist automatically
swerves you away from impending accidents, if necessary.
Now let's test out the stereo system with some blatantly
familiar, royalty free music.
From the driver's seat, the high is really nice and clear
and you get some powerful punch from the bass coming right
through the floorboards.
As far as staging goes, it's this nice surround
but you still have the focus up front.
Overall, I give this Burmester two thumbs up.
Now for the X5, different car, same story.
You get twin 12.3 and screens and the picture again
is fantastic.
We really like the most recent version
of BMW's iDrive infotainment system.
It can be a little confusing to grasp at first,
but if you're sophisticated like me it won't be any trouble.
Some key differences in the X5, you
get adaptive headlights, a panoramic sunroof,
and new for 2021 wireless versions of Apple CarPlay
and Android Auto.
None of those come standard with the GLE.
We also like the way the voice commands
work with the navigation system but not
the silly juvenile gesture controls,
which are more for new money plebs and Doge investors.
Adaptive cruise control is standard this time
and works like a charm, but we found both the lane departure
warning and the hands-free assisted driving
are a little half baked.
Use them as a safety net, not as a crutch.
Well it appears as the only thing left to do
is test the stereo.
Que our generic and inoffensive audio.
Overall, it doesn't quite sound as impressive as the Burmester
in the Mercedes.
Doesn't have that kicky and punchy bass,
you know. (FIGHTING NOISES) And sounds just a little hollow
and muddy, but if I didn't know about it
I'd be pretty happy with it.
RYAN ZUMMALLEN: Here's the part where
you pretend to be surprised.
Despite the GV80's significantly lower starting price point,
it has a great selection of standard technology features.
First up, you get a 14.5 inch screen with navigation.
Although, there's no street names on the map not quite sure
what's up with that.
In addition heated seats, power liftgate,
Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a 12 speaker sound
system, all standard.
And if you upgrade to all wheel drive
these seats come ventilated too.
Now you do have to go all the way up to the 3.5TPrestige trim
if you want to get a 12 inch driver information display
and soft close doors and some other features.
But all in all this is a great package.
Continuing the theme the GV80 also
come standard with driver assistance aides
features like adaptive cruise control
to help you maintain a set distance between you
and the car in front and blind spot
monitoring with steer assist, which can move you out
of the way of a collision in some cases.
Including both of those as standard equipment
is definitely a step above the X5 and the GLE.
Mark, I actually think you'll enjoy this part.
One of the things we've come to enjoy in Genesis models
recently are these cool ambient sounds
you can choose from like rain forest or crashing ocean
waves, a fireplace, stuff like that.
MARK TAKAHASHI: Right I mean, I don't hate it
but do you have one that sounds like a cash counter.
RYAN ZUMMALLEN: Anyway, on top of that,
there's also an available 21 speaker sound system
and because the GV80 has such good insulation
it really shines when you're on the road.
Here, check this out.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
MARK TAKAHASHI: OK but that song sounds good anywhere.
RYAN ZUMMALLEN: Oh do you like Moonlight Sonata?
MARK TAKAHASHI: I thought we were in a Genesis,
but you know what, none of this is important.
I have a very expensive hair appointment
to get to so let's get rolling.
RYAN ZUMMALLEN: I'm not your driver dude.
OK fine.
MARK TAKAHASHI: Now it's going to get these bad boys
on the road, am I right?
The best word to describe the GLE from behind the wheel
is solid.
This thing feels planted and grounded
not quite heavy though because the steering is actually
easy and light.
It responds quickly to your commands
as you navigate tight parking spaces or high speed turns.
It's robust, you won't feel much body lean
and the brakes are easy to control in small increments
too.
With all of that out of the way, you
can enjoy power under your foot.
And it's got thrust with the 4 cylinder
and the 6 cylinder is downright fast.
Just watch out for thumping gearshifts, they sure are fun
but they might get old after a year or two of scaring
your in-laws half to death.
Also, a word on suspensions, we actually
like the standard steel suspension better
than the optional air suspension,
which feels too floaty.
Inside the X5 things are more complicated.
Yeah it feels lighter on its feet
and yes it's agile and sporty but there's a catch,
learning all the many settings at your disposal
to find the driving style you like.
Switching to comfort is too soft and switching to sport
is too firm.
One of our editors prefers steering in comfort,
damping in sport, engine in sport plus,
and transmission in sport.
Ryan over there likes steering in sport,
damping in sport, engine and sport
plus, and transmission in comfort.
Personally, I like comfort everything
with the engine in sport plus.
The point is, get it wrong and you'll
wish you just got the Mercedes.
On the other hand, this 6 cylinder is a treat.
Lots of juicy power and still pretty good on gas.
We've averaged 19.9 mpg over the course of our ownership.
You don't notice many bumps and the outside noise
is kept out of the cabin.
It's a great road trip car, provided you
pick the settings beforehand.
RYAN ZUMMALLEN: Quite simply, the driving experience
in the GV80 is not its strong suit.
The twin turbo charged V6 actually
posted pretty impressive numbers on our test track
but the braking figures are only average
and the handling is unremarkable.
What does stand out is the ride comfort.
The GV80 has a fantastic suspension
it's supple and cushy without feeling floaty.
So think Lexus, but better.
What's more, on V6 models Genesis
includes a front facing camera that
will read the road in front of it for imperfections
and then prepare the suspension in real time
to provide a smooth road over them.
And the most amazing thing about that sentence
is that it actually works as it's intended.
We also like the lack of creaking or rattles or shaking
inside the cabin which adds to what is already
a very quiet experience in the interior.
Now according to our testing, the Germans
are still better at this, but it's a strong showing
from the newbie.
So the GV80 may not be an athlete,
but it's already got this luxury thing down.
MARK TAKAHASHI: You know after spending some time
behind the wheel I have to say I don't hate it
but you're missing one important thing.
RYAN ZUMMALLEN: What's that?
MARK TAKAHASHI: How often I need to go
from 0 to 60 miles an hour in 5 seconds flat,
which is like all the time so call me
when you have more power.
RYAN ZUMMALLEN: I'm not doing that also
do you think I'm an engineer?
MARK TAKAHASHI: No.
RYAN ZUMMALLEN: Buying one of these luxury SUVs
should feel like a reward.
Whether it's a reward for that promotion
or your new restaurant opening or just
getting the kids off the books.
If you're in the market for one of these,
you're doing pretty well there champ.
We think each one of these options
can competently serve as that reward for you.
It's just that we think the Mercedes
GLE goes above and beyond in a number of areas.
Meanwhile, the X5 is tailor made for a certain segment
of buyers.
And the GV80 offers accessibility
to this level of opulence that hasn't existed since, ever.
That said, we'll be keeping a close eye on the GV80.
Since its launch earlier this year demand has been high.
But part of that may be due to the fact
that supply has been historically low
across the nation.
We'll be watching to see whether Genesis eventually
decides to turn to discounts to entice new buyers.
Genesis has done well with this launch but its work on the GV80
is not quite done.
So Mark, now that we've gotten to see the GV80, can we agree
it's a strong first effort?
MARK TAKAHASHI: Solid first effort.
Find somewhere safe to park the Benz will ya?
RYAN ZUMMALLEN: I'm not a valet.
MARK TAKAHASHI: Not with that attitude.
RYAN ZUMMALLEN: All right fine.
Thanks for watching.
Don't forget to click like and subscribe.
To learn more about the GV80 and its competition
go to edmunds.com for all your car shopping needs.
[MUSIC PLAYING]