Genesis G80 vs Mercedes-Benz E-Class

2026 Genesis G80 vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz E-Class — two midsize cars compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.

Genesis G80

2026 Genesis G80

Midsize CarsAWD/4WDHybrid/EV
VS1 – 4Mercedes-Benz E-Class wins 4 of 5 categories
Mercedes-Benz E-Class

2026 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Midsize CarsAWD/4WDHybrid/EV

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The short version

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is more fuel-efficient: 28 vs 23 MPG combined in its best version.

That works out to about $2,150 a year less in fuel for the Genesis G80 (EPA estimate, 15,000 miles).

Across all model years since 2005, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class has had fewer recall campaigns (0 vs 16).

The two cars

The 2026 Genesis G80 is a midsize car offered with 2 engines (2.5L 4-cyl turbo and 3.5L 6-cyl turbo) and all-wheel drive. It measures about 197 inches long and 76 inches wide on a 119-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,295 lb (4dr Sedan AWD 2.5t).

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is a midsize car offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl turbo and 3.0L 6-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. It measures about 195 inches long and 75 inches wide on a 117-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 5,269 lb (Amg 4dr Sedan).

Buying used? The 2024 G80 and the 2024 E-Class have the fewest problems in our data; avoid the 2018 G80.

Basics

Midsize Cars
Class
Midsize Cars
EV, Premium Gasoline
Fuel
Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid
2.5L 4-cyl turbo, 3.5L 6-cyl turbo
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo
All-Wheel Drive
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive

Efficiency

23 MPG
Best combined MPG
28 MPG
20 city
City / highway MPG (best)
25 city
300 mi
EV range
–
$800
Fuel cost per year (EPA)
$2,950

Performance & space

375 hp
Horsepower (most powerful)
–
196.5 in
Length
194.9 in
75.6 in
Width
74 in
57.9 in
Height
57.9 in
4,295 lb
Curb weight (lightest)
4,189 lb

Safety & reliability

14
Driver-assist features standard
–
1
Recalls (2026)
0
16
Recalls, all years since 2005
0
9
Owner complaints (latest year)
0

Interest

6,032
Wikipedia views, 30 days
28,957

Buying used

Best used year
Year to avoid
–

Green = clearly better. Prices are not included. How we calculate this →

Which one should you choose?

Choose the Genesis G80 if…

  • You want an EV with more range (300 miles)

Choose the Mercedes-Benz E-Class if…

  • You want lower fuel bills (28 vs 23 MPG)
  • You put reliability history first (0 vs 16 recalls since 2005)

Pros & cons of each

2026 Genesis G80

  • Long EV rangeUp to 300 miles on a charge (EPA).
  • Electric version availableOffered as a electric as well as gas.
  • Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
  • Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 23 MPG combined, 26% below the 2026 midsize car average of 31.2 MPG.
  • Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.

2026 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

  • Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid and plug-in hybrid as well as gas.
  • AWD / 4WD available
  • Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.

Full 2026 Genesis G80 specs →Full 2026 Mercedes-Benz E-Class specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →