Compare the2026 Mercedes GLC CoupeVS 2026 Genesis GV80 Coupe

The GLC Coupe has standard NECK-PRO front head restraints, which use a specially designed headrest to protect the driver and front passenger from whiplash. During a rear-end collision, the NECK-PRO front head restraints system moves the headrests forward to prevent neck and spine injuries. The GV80 Coupe doesn’t offer a whiplash protection system.

With its available Active Distance Assist Distronic, the Mercedes GLC Coupe is better at preventing collisions with pedestrians than the Genesis GV80 Coupe, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety:

Earlier warning of stopped traffic, traffic signals, dangerous road conditions, weather, or accidents, can keep driver's safer and prevent crashes. The GLC Coupe has Car-to-X Communication, a system that seamlessly communicates important warnings to the driver about impending danger, if they're available. The GV80 Coupe doesn’t offer a system that can receive automated systems from infrastructure or other vehicles.

Both the GLC Coupe and the GV80 Coupe have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, front seat center airbag, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, all wheel drive, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, blind spot warning systems, around view monitors, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors and available lane departure warning systems.

There are over 76 percent more Mercedes dealers than there are Genesis dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the GLC Coupe’s warranty.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the GLC Coupe first among compact premium suvs in their 2025 Initial Quality Study. The GV80 Coupe isn’t in the top three in its category.

On the EPA test cycle the GLC Coupe gets better mileage than the GV80 Coupe:

Regenerative brakes improve the GLC Coupe’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The GV80 Coupe doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Mercedes GLC Coupe higher (6 out of 10) than the Genesis GV80 Coupe (5). This means the GLC Coupe produces up to 6.9 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the GV80 Coupe every 15,000 miles.

A nine-speed automatic is standard on the Mercedes GLC Coupe, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only an eight-speed automatic is available for the GV80 Coupe.

The GLC Coupe has a standard space-saver spare tire so you can replace a flat tire and drive to have the flat repaired or replaced. A spare tire isn’t available on the GV80 Coupe; it requires you to depend on roadside assistance and your vehicle will have to be towed.

For better maneuverability, the GLC Coupe’s turning circle is .6 feet tighter than the GV80 Coupe’s (38.7 feet vs. 39.3 feet).

For greater off-road capability the GLC Coupe has a greater minimum ground clearance than the GV80 Coupe (8.2 vs. 8.1 inches), allowing the GLC Coupe to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

The Mercedes GLC Coupe may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 850 to 1000 pounds less than the Genesis GV80 Coupe.

The GLC Coupe is 7.9 inches shorter than the GV80 Coupe, making the GLC Coupe easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The design of the Mercedes GLC Coupe amounts to more than styling. The GLC Coupe has an aerodynamic coefficient of drag of .27 Cd. That is significantly lower than the GV80 Coupe (.33) and many sports cars. A more efficient exterior helps keep the interior quieter and helps the GLC Coupe get better fuel mileage.

A low lift-over cargo hatch design makes loading and unloading the GLC Coupe easier. The GLC Coupe’s cargo hatch lift-over height is 29.4 inches, while the GV80 Coupe’s liftover is 31.6 inches.

Optional Trailer Stability Assist on the GLC Coupe uses the Electronic Stability Program sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. The GV80 Coupe doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

Unlike the driver-only memory system in the GV80 Coupe, the GLC Coupe has standard driver and passenger memory, so that when drivers switch, the memory setting adjusts the driver’s seat, steering wheel position and outside mirror angle and the front passenger seat also adjusts to the new passenger’s preset preferences.

If the windows are left open on the GLC Coupe the driver can close all of them at the outside door handle or from a distance using the remote. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the GV80 Coupe can’t use the remote to operate the windows.

Heated windshield washer fluid is standard on the GLC Coupe to defrost the washer nozzles and quickly clear ice and frost from the windshield without scraping. The GV80 Coupe doesn’t offer heated windshield washer fluid.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducts detailed tests on headlights for their range both straight ahead and in curves and to be certain they don’t exceed acceptable amounts of glare to oncoming drivers. The GLC Coupe’s headlights were rated “Good” by the IIHS, while the GV80 Coupe’s headlights are rated “Acceptable.”

To help drivers see further while navigating curves, the GLC Coupe offers optional adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle. The GV80 Coupe doesn’t offer cornering lights.

Motor Trend selected the GLC as their 2017 Sport Utility of the Year. The GV80 Coupe has never been chosen.

The Mercedes GLC outsold the Genesis GV80 by almost three to one during 2024.