2025 Genesis G80 vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Genesis G80 enters the arena flaunting a commanding 300 hp, making it the immediate choice for those prioritizing outright muscle over its stylish rival. Conversely, the sleek 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE captivates with its seductive coupe profile, offering superior efficiency by delivering 27 MPG combined compared to the G80's 24 MPG combined. While the G80 boasts superior power with 311 lb-ft of torque, the CLE counters with a slightly better-equipped drivetrain, featuring a 9-speed automatic versus the G80's 8-speed. Priced competitively at $57,100 versus the CLE's $59,550 MSRP, the Genesis offers a larger footprint at 196.7 inches long. The battle pits the G80's substantial sedan presence and power against the CLE's exquisite, albeit smaller, focus on dynamic style and frugality.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 27 MPG combined.
2025 Genesis G80
The 2025 Genesis G80 is better for families due to its larger sedan dimensions and 13.1 cu ft of cargo space compared to the coupe's 11.2 cu ft.
2025 Genesis G80
The 2025 Genesis G80 takes the enthusiast crown by offering 300 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, significantly outpacing the CLE's output.
2025 Genesis G80
The Genesis G80 provides more standard horsepower and a larger overall body for a lower starting MSRP of $57,100.
Choose the Genesis G80 if...
- You demand maximum power, as the G80 provides a stout 300 hp.
- You need the utility of a four-door sedan with a larger 13.1 cu ft cargo capacity.
- You prefer the slight cost savings, starting $2,450 less than the Mercedes-Benz CLE.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz CLE if...
- Your priority is fuel savings, evidenced by the CLE's 33 MPG highway rating.
- You value a slightly quicker shifting experience provided by the 9-speed automatic transmission.
- You prefer the visually striking, more compact coupe body style, measuring 191.0 inches in length.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Genesis G80 | Mercedes-Benz CLE |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 196.7" | 191.0" |
| Width | 75.8" | 73.3" |
| Height | 57.7" | 56.2" |
| Wheelbase | 118.5" | 112.8" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Genesis | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | — |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | — |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 2 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | — |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Drying | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Front Integrated Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Integrated Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Genesis | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 300 hp @ 5800 rpm | 255 hp @ 5800 rpm |
| Torque | 311 lb-ft @ 1650 rpm | 295 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Genesis | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 9-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | Genesis | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 20/29 MPG | 24/33 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 24 MPG | 27 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 344.0/498.8 mi. | 417.6/574.2 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.2 gal. | 17.4 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Genesis | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | — |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | — |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Automatic Parking Assist | — | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Genesis | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 27.0 in | 11.9 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 12 | 17 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 6 months |
| Premium Speaker Brand | — | Burmester |
| Stereo Power | — | 710W |
| Subwoofer Count | — | 2 |
| Surround Audio | — | Discrete |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Genesis | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Moonroof Type | — | 1st Row Power Glass Extended |
Frontseats
| Feature | Genesis | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.9 in. | 40.3 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.2 in. | 42.1 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 58.3 in. | 55.7 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 10-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | 2 | 3 |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 10-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Thigh Extension | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Thigh Extension | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Memory Settings | — | 3 |
Rearseats
| Feature | Genesis | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.2 in. | 36.0 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.7 in. | 34.2 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 57.1 in. | 52.4 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Heated Rear Seats (Multi-Level) | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Genesis | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 8.0 in | 18 x 8.0 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | — |
| Tire Size | 245/50R18 | 245/45R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | — |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Run Flat Tires | — | ✓ |
Suspension
| Feature | Genesis | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Genesis | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 7 yr./ unlimited mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | — |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | — | 6 yr./ 62000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Genesis G80 and 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE.
Which car is faster in a straight line, the 2025 Genesis G80 or the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE?
The 2025 Genesis G80 is substantially faster, boasting 300 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, which exceeds the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE's 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.
How does the cargo capacity compare between these two vehicles?
The Genesis G80 sedan offers 13.1 cubic feet of cargo space, making it more practical than the Mercedes-Benz CLE coupe, which is limited to 11.2 cubic feet.
Is one car significantly more fuel-efficient than the other?
Yes, the Mercedes-Benz CLE is the more efficient choice, achieving a combined 27 MPG versus the G80's 24 MPG combined, thanks in part to its lighter curb weight characteristics typical of a coupe.
Does the required fuel type affect ownership costs?
Both vehicles recommend or require premium unleaded fuel, meaning operating costs for fuel will be similar between the G80 and the CLE.
What is the key difference in dimensions between the sedan and the coupe?
The Genesis G80 is the physically larger vehicle, measuring 196.7 inches in length and 75.8 inches in width, providing a more substantial presence than the 191.0-inch long CLE.
How do the transmissions differ between the G80 and CLE?
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE utilizes a more modern 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission, whereas the 2025 Genesis G80 is equipped with an 8-speed unit.
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