Everyone has their unique idea of luxury, and these outstanding SUVs offer a customizable platform so you can craft your perfect vehicle. But your capacity for building the perfect family car is dependent on your options, and so this guide aims to lay everything out offered in the top full-sized luxury SUVs of the new model year. Find out what's possible between the new 2026 Genesis GV80 and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE. Envision yourself in your new car by visiting Genesis of Columbus for a personal tour of new luxury SUVs near you.
2026 Genesis GV80 vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE
2026 Genesis GV80 vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE
After intensive digging, anyone can see that the new 2026 Genesis GV80 grants more worthwhile options for personalizing your ideal family SUV in Columbus, especially now that it's had a minor refresh. And it's not just about the number of options available. It's about holding them to a high standard with more profound options that effectively elevate the quality of your ride. Mercedes-Benz has had more years to perfect its stance on iconic luxury, but even still, one can't help but feel like the GLE's offerings are lacking.
Performance
An outstanding powertrain is crucial for maintaining a composed drive, and even the GV80's standard engine is more than capable of exceeding your expectations. The 2026 Genesis GV80 uses a 2.5L inline-4 turbocharged platform to deliver 300 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque to get you from anywhere to anywhere in Columbus. Opting for the available 3.5L twin-turbocharged V6 engine raises your specs to an incredible 375 HP and 391 lb-ft of torque. The GV80 never breaks character, especially when you add the available Electronically Controlled Suspension with Road Preview that adjusts your suspension system according to the readouts of the road conditions that lie ahead.
Genesis has no qualms with giving you as much as 300 HP in the GV80 at no extra cost. The same can't be said for the new Mercedes-Benz GLE. The base model barely pumps out 255 HP on its standard 2.0L inline-4 turbo engine, and that's even with the power of a mild hybrid drive. If you want any hope of matching the power of Genesis in this particular Mercedes-Benz model, you have no choice but to scale up to the available 3.0L inline-6 turbo for 375 HP.
Safety Features
Your family is precious, and you need an SUV that watches your safety from every angle, front and back. The 2026 Genesis GV80 is a top choice for safe luxury cars in Columbus for supporting Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist. These systems can automatically detect vehicles (and other obstacles) and hit the brakes in situations where the driver can't react in time. For an advanced safety feature that exudes luxury, the available Blind-Spot View Monitor displays live footage of your blind spot for a show of elegance in proactive safety.
PRE-SAFE in the Mercedes-Benz GLE braces your car for impact. That's not necessarily a bad thing, but the thought of getting into such a situation can induce anxiety with every driving session. There's greater peace of mind to be had in the idea of preventive safety and avoiding collisions altogether when at all possible. As far as that is concerned, Genesis does a better job of offering this reassurance in the latest GV80.
Interior
Genesis laid the groundwork for you to shape the GV80 into exactly what you want it to be. Do you need 5, 6, or 7 seats? There's a spacious layout for each seating arrangement. How's your taste in leather? Choose between leatherette, traditional leather, and Nappa leather when selecting your 2026 Genesis GV80 model in Columbus! For interior themes, the GV80 comes in a dark setting with open-pore black ash wood trim for those who prefer something that's easier on the eyes. However you enjoy your luxury SUV, every GV80 model comes standard with a massive 27-inch OLED display.
Mercedes-Benz has always been stuck on traditional luxuries, and that mindset continues even with the latest GLE model. Heated seats come as no surprise, massage functions also aren't anything new, and ambient lighting can be found in non-luxury vehicles nowadays. Dashboard tech in the GLE is also falling behind, with two 12.3-inch screens that feel ordinary in comparison to the GV80's 27-inch widescreen display.
Bottom Line
There are endless combinations and boundless potential in the new 2026 Genesis GV80 available in Columbus. You deserve the perfect luxury SUV, and Genesis just gave you the best way to treat yourself to the best. The Mercedes-Benz GLE is short on options, which makes it harder to get excited about.
Take the 2026 Genesis GV80 for a Test Drive!
Surprise your family with a luxury SUV that feels like home away from home. Explore your options when you shop for the new 2026 Genesis GV80 at Genesis of Columbus! Call our team today at (614) 471-3000 to learn more about our selection of 2026 Genesis vehicles near you.
