2024 Genesis G70 vs. 2024 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Comparison

The 2024 Genesis G70 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class sit near the very top of our ranking of the Best Luxury Compact Cars for many reasons. They have elegant designs, modern and roomy cabins, available all-wheel drive, and finely honed driving dynamics. 

They’re also both fresh from either a mid-cycle refresh or a complete redesign. This means they offer the latest in onboard technology – such as feature-rich infotainment systems – and advanced driver aids. We’ve put countless miles on the G70 and C-Class during road testing, and each time, we’re reminded why these sedans leave us wanting more time behind the wheel.

Let’s compare the highlights of the Genesis G70 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. 

2024 Genesis G70

The 2024 Genesis G70 rolls into its latest model year with a new base drivetrain and small but notable upgrades. These consist of a touchscreen dedicated to the climate control system and USB-C ports. Pricing for a rear-wheel drive 2.5T model begins at $42,750, including a $1,250 destination charge. All-wheel drive is available, as is a more powerful twin-turbo V6 found in the 3.5T variant.  

Genesis G70 Highlights 

All-wheel drive: Having all-wheel drive as an option is a trait shared between both the G70 and C-Class, granted. But we think it’s worth pointing out this shared advantage. It means both of these sedans won’t wilt when the forecast turns nasty and roads become slippery. 

More powerful base engine: This model year, Genesis G70 has ditched its previous 252-horsepower turbo 4-cylinder as the base drivetrain. In its place is a 300-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. This provides ample acceleration and passing power at highway speeds. For those who want even more tire-burning performance, Genesis offers a 365-hp twin-turbo V6 that hustles the G70 from a standstill to 60 mph in less than five seconds. 

Awesome warranty: Besting the coverage offered by the C-Class, the G70 comes with a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and 10 years/100,000-mile powertrain coverage. To make a good thing even better, a Genesis G70 owner gets three years or 36,000 miles of free scheduled maintenance. 

Lexicon audio: A proper luxury car should have the pipes to match the prestigious badge on the front grille. In this case, we’re talking about audio systems. The G70’s available 15-speaker/660-watt Lexicon system is a peach. Lexicon is known for its studio-grade sound quality, and it shows here. 

Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the G70 models near you.

2024 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Starting at $48,100 including the $1,150 destination charge, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz C-Class has a few important updates. The base C 300 is now fitted with wireless device charging, front and rear parking sensors, and satellite radio for no extra cost. 

One thing missing from the C-Class lineup is the coupe and convertible version – these are now sold as the CLE-Class. Motivated by a 255-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, the C 300 delivers a nice balance of speed and fuel economy. It’s also extremely comfortable in any type of driving scenario.

Mercedes-Benz C-Class Highlights

Almighty AMG models: The C 300’s turbo 4-cylinder whisks it from a standstill to 60 mph in six seconds. We wouldn’t call that slow by any measure, but Mercedes has gone a couple of steps further. First, there is the 402-hp AMG C 43, which, if money was no object, would likely be our pick. And for those who truly want the last word in performance and could care less about pricing, the new-for-2024 AMG C 63 S E Performance is crazy fast (and pricey at roughly $85,000). For that expenditure, the AMG C 63 has no less than 671 hp and 752 lb-ft of torque via its combination of a turbo 4-cylinder and electric motor. Hold on — the sprint from zero to 60 mph takes only 3.3 seconds.  

Cutting-edge infotainment system: From the driver’s seat, you might think you’ve gotten behind the wheel of Mercedes’ largest and most advanced sedan, the S-Class. An 11.9-inch touchscreen sits prominently in the center of the dashboard, while in front of the driver is a 12.3-inch digital instrument display. It looks cutting-edge and is packed with features. 

Augmented-reality navigation: While we’re on the subject of tech, the optional augmented-reality navigation is extremely useful in getting you where you want to go. We mean this literally because an available head-up instrument display shows where you’re headed using arrows overlaid on a map. There’s no need to glance away from the road to check a dash-mounted screen for directions.

Burmester audio: Countering the Lexicon unit in the Genesis G70, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class offers a superb 15-speaker Burmester audio system with excellent sound quality.

Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the C-Class models near you.

Similarities

This qualifies as one of the most evenly-matched comparisons we’ve ever done. The Genesis G70 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class feel upscale and worth their premium prices. Thanks to recent updates, they have the latest tech and driver aids. And they’re a blast to drive, though equally content to putter along comfortably and quietly when you’re in the mood to relax. 

Conclusion

Drive them both; that’s our best advice. Technically, the Genesis G70 sits one level above the Mercedes-Benz C-Class in our ranking of the best luxury compact cars. This is a razor-thin advantage, however. The Mercedes has a slightly larger trunk, better mileage (unless you’re in one of the manic AMG models), and more rear legroom. With the G70 you pay thousands less and get a bit more as standard equipment. At the end of the day, we’d be happy to have the keys to either one in our pocket.