2026 Genesis G80 vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE

$58,450 · Sedan

$59,550 · Coupe

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical disparity between the 2026 Genesis G80 and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE is the 27 MPG difference in combined fuel economy, with the CLE achieving 27 MPG compared to the G80's undisclosed rating (though it uses a less restrictive fuel recommendation). Power output heavily favors the G80, offering 300 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque against the CLE’s 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, a 45 hp advantage for the Genesis. Dimensionally, the G80 is larger, spanning 197.0 inches in length versus the CLE's 191.0 inches, which contributes to its larger 13.1 cu ft cargo capacity compared to the CLE's 11.2 cu ft. Priced closely, the G80 starts at $58,450, slightly undercutting the CLE's $59,550 MSRP. Both utilize AWD and shiftable automatic transmissions, though the CLE has a 9-speed unit versus the G80’s 8-speed.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE

The Mercedes-Benz CLE offers superior fuel economy at 27 combined MPG, which directly benefits daily commuting costs.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Genesis G80

The Genesis G80 is structurally larger, providing more interior space and a 13.1 cu ft cargo capacity compared to the CLE's 11.2 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Genesis G80

The G80 delivers a higher performance output with 300 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, surpassing the CLE's 255 hp output.

💰 Best Value

2026 Genesis G80

The Genesis G80 offers superior horsepower (300 hp vs 255 hp) at a lower starting MSRP of $58,450 compared to the Mercedes-Benz CLE.

Choose the Genesis G80 if...

You prioritize maximum engine output, as the G80 provides 300 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque.
You require more physical space, evidenced by the G80's 197.0-inch length and 13.1 cu ft trunk.
You wish to save $1,100 on the starting price while receiving a higher-powered AWD sedan.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz CLE if...

Fuel efficiency is paramount, as the CLE achieves 24 MPG city and 33 MPG highway ratings.
You prefer the slight technical advantage of a 9-speed automatic transmission over the G80's 8-speed unit.
You prefer the lower dimensions of a coupe, with the CLE being 6.0 inches shorter in length.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Genesis G80	Mercedes-Benz CLE
Length	197.0"	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)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Front Integrated Headrests	—	✓
Rear Integrated Headrests	—	✓

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 Driving Range (City/Highway)	0/0 mi.	417.6/574.2 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.2 gal.	17.4 gal.
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	—	24/33 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	—	27 MPG

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	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	—
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	✓	—
Three 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	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Genesis	Mercedes-Benz
Infotainment Display	27.0 in	11.9 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	9	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 Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted 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	—
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.
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	6 yr./ 62000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2026 Genesis G80 and 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE.

How does the body style difference impact practicality between these two models?

The 2026 Genesis G80 is a sedan offering a 13.1 cu ft cargo capacity, whereas the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE is a coupe with a smaller 11.2 cu ft trunk. Furthermore, the G80's sedan configuration generally implies easier access for rear passengers than the coupe layout of the CLE.

Which vehicle offers better fuel economy for highway driving?

The Mercedes-Benz CLE is explicitly rated for better efficiency, achieving 33 MPG on the highway compared to the G80, whose figures are not provided but requires recommended premium fuel. The CLE’s overall 27 combined MPG rating establishes its advantage here.

Is the power difference substantial enough to justify the G80's higher horsepower rating?

Yes, the Genesis G80 has a 45 hp advantage, producing 300 hp compared to the CLE's 255 hp, alongside greater torque (311 lb-ft vs 295 lb-ft). This suggests the G80 will accelerate faster than the CLE in straight-line performance tests.

Considering the base prices, how much more horsepower does the G80 offer per dollar?

The G80 costs $58,450 for 300 hp, while the CLE costs $59,550 for 255 hp. Factoring in the $1,100 price difference, the G80 delivers significantly more performance metric for the investment.

Do both vehicles come equipped with All-Wheel Drive?

Yes, both the 2026 Genesis G80 and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE are equipped with all-wheel drive capability. However, they differ slightly in transmission configuration, with the CLE utilizing a 9-speed automatic while the G80 uses an 8-speed unit.

Which vehicle is physically larger based on exterior dimensions?

The Genesis G80 is the larger vehicle, measuring 197.0 inches long, 75.8 inches wide, and 57.7 inches high. The Mercedes-Benz CLE is 6.0 inches shorter in length (191.0 inches) and slightly narrower and shorter overall.