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2024 Genesis G70 vs Mercedes-Benz C-Class: Which is Better?
Entering its sixth year on the market, the Genesis G70 boldly competes with its European counterparts. Boasting a stylish design and potent engine choices. Starting with a standard 300-hp turbo four and an optional 365-hp twin-turbo V6. Its cabin finesse and build quality challenge Audi, offering RWD or optional AWD. The ride and handling spectrum range from reliable with the base engine to excellent with the top-tier twin-turbo option. Conversely, the Mercedes-Benz C-class. Though smaller than the S-class, delivers a similarly luxurious experience in a more compact and affordable package. The C300 features a deluxe interior with premium display screens and high-quality materials. Complemented by nimble handling and a 255-hp turbo four. While there’s room for improvement in ride quality and steering feel. The overall sense of quality and uniqueness positions the C300 as a compelling choice. Competing with the BMW 3-series and Audi A4.
| Genesis G70 | Mercedes-Benz C-Class | |
| Dimensions | 184.4 in x 72.8 in x 55.1 in | 187.0 in x 71.7 in x 56.6 in |
| Engine | 3.3L twin-turbo V6 | 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 |
| Horsepower | 365 hp | 255 hp |
| Torque | 376 lb-ft | 295 lb-ft |
| 0-60 MPH | 4.5 sec | 5.3 sec |
| 0-100 MPH | 11.4 sec | 14.7 sec |
| Top-Speed | 160 mph | 129 mph |
Genesis G70
Engine & Performance
The base G70 2.5T features a new turbocharged 2.5L four-cylinder that sends 300 hp through an eight-speed automatic transmission to the rear wheels. AWD is optional. We predict outright thrills will still be reserved for the twin-turbo 3.3L V6 model, with its 365 hp. Its suspension smoothed out uneven surfaces, and the sedan remained composed during spirited cornering sessions. The more powerful 3.3T has the benefit of adaptive dampers that allow the driver to firm up the ride if necessary.
Price & Mileage
Even the higher-end versions of the G70 represent a good value compared to rival sports sedans. So we’d splurge on the Sport Prestige 3.3T model. The G70 starts at $42,695 for the 2.0T and goes up to $51,145 for the 3.3T. For 2024, the RWD four-cylinder earns 21 mpg city and 29 highway. With AWD, the G70 2.5T is rated at 20 mpg city and 28 highway. The EPA rates the twin-turbo V6 at 20 mpg city, 28 highway, and 23 combined.
Acceleration & Features
With the V6, it surfed that engine’s wave of thrust to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. Every G70 is fitted with a standard 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system standing atop the otherwise clean dashboard. The setup includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability and can be hooked into the subscription-based Genesis Connected Services. All G70s come standard with wireless charging. The 3.3T comes with the brand’s Digital Key that turns a smartphone into a car key.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Engine & Performance
All C-class models have a strong 255-hp turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder engine, and they proudly wear the C300 name on their nicely shaped trunk lids. The turbo four gets a boost from a 48-volt hybrid system, giving it up to 20 hp extra for a bit. You can choose between AWD or the standard RWD, and it comes with a nine-speed automatic gearbox. It handles well for a small sports sedan, but we were a bit let down by the steering feel and the bumpy ride. The brakes work great; the C300 stops from 70 mph in just 154 feet, but we wish the brake pedal felt a bit firmer.
Price & Mileage
The C300 comes in three trim levels. Premium, Exclusive, and Pinnacle, that group together popular options. The starting price is $48,100 for the Premium and goes up to $52,200 for the Pinnacle. According to the EPA, if you go for RWD, you can expect up to 25 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. Opting for AWD slightly lowers those numbers to 24 mpg city and 33 mpg highway.
Acceleration & Features
In a recent test, the AWD C300 4Matic accelerated to 60 mph in a swift 5.3 seconds, outnumbering the previous-generation C-class by 0.1 seconds. Inside, a sizable 11.9-inch vertically oriented infotainment display gracefully ascends from the centre console toward a trio of round air vents on the upper dashboard. The touchscreen is thoughtfully angled toward the driver for easy use while on the road, running the latest Mercedes MBUX infotainment system. This system boasts a voice-activated digital assistant, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and online access through a Wi-Fi hotspot. Across all models, you’ll find a 12.3-inch digital gauge display, a wireless smartphone charging pad, and a fingerprint sensor for personalized driver settings.