I recently took a special comparison test drive to Gangwon Province. It was a great opportunity to evaluate the Genesis G70 (2019 model with a 3D instrument panel), which stands as a symbol of pride for domestic sports sedans.
Regardless of price, even though these vehicles belong to the same D-segment, the comparison is already set, so I will focus on the emotional appeal, convenience, and satisfaction relative to the price rather than the powertrains.
As you might expect, I started the test drive with a conclusion already in mind.
Since MotorTrend named it Car of the Year, it seems the decision has been made.
People often say the car is a Benz...
but I always laugh at that.
In reality, the newest models are simply the best. Regardless of domestic or imported brands, or price, the truth remains that new cars are always better... Except for a few models that just change the exterior of older powertrains and market them as new (like the Renault Clio), which are not worth considering.
Nevertheless, I cannot overlook the influence of brand history and recognition, so I am unsure how the Genesis G70 will rank against the Benz C-Class in this comparison test drive. I feel like I have already given Benz a score of 50.
I am also curious about the opinions of other reviewers who participated in this test drive.
Our destination is Sokcho in Gangwon Province. We will depart from the Namyangju tollgate, pass through the Yangyang expressway, visit Sokcho, and return.
On the way, we conducted a harsh winter test in a snow-covered open space.
Of course, this was just for fun, but I definitely noticed the difference between Genesis's HTRAC all-wheel drive and the rear-wheel drive on the snowy roads.
The fun of drifting definitely belongs to the rear-wheel drive! Haha!
I think the youngest competitor was the BMW 320d. This popular model recorded impressive sales figures among imported diesel sedans. Although the seventh-generation full model change, the G20, has already been announced, the F30 still maintains its popularity due to significant discounts.
However, it might face an ignoble retirement due to its reputation for being a diesel vehicle. Recently, I saw news reports concluding that the cause of fires was a structural defect in the EGR valve...
Nevertheless, it achieved an impressive fuel efficiency of 17.4 km/L (approximately 41.0 mpg) during the two-day comparison test drive in Gangwon Province, making it the most fuel-efficient vehicle among the three brands. It was the only diesel sedan, and despite some spirited driving during the tests, this performance is quite commendable.
The outside temperature was -5°C (23°F)...
I remember the first time I encountered the BMW 5 Series and 3 Series, starting with the F10. Just seeing the blue propeller-shaped emblem in the center of the steering wheel made my heart race. I promised myself that I would someday become a BMW owner...
But looking back now, the steering wheel seems quite small. The classic analog instrument cluster that I once liked now feels outdated compared to the stunning 3D cluster of the 2019 Genesis G70.
You really have to see this in person to appreciate it!
Try to experience it like this~~^^
The Genesis clearly won this comparison.
Did it seem too much like comparing to an old car?
Although the new G20 3 Series has not yet been released in Korea, I expect to see it in the first half of next year. The interior looks much more sophisticated with a fully digital cluster and cybernetic design, but I still want to give more points to the G70.
Let’s skip the powertrain differences since they are starkly different among the comparison models and focus on ride comfort and suspension, which have clear pros and cons.
The stiff suspension can feel a bit bouncy at high speeds or during sharp hairpin turns, which can be perceived as either fun or somewhat unsettling, depending on the driver's preference.
The ride comfort is the hardest among the three, and it produces the most road noise and wind noise. Even considering that it is the oldest model.
How did such a car sell so well?
People can be so fickle.
I was once a huge fan of the F30 and F32, claiming that BMW, especially the 3 Series, offers the best driving pleasure! ^^;
Now, let’s take a look at the Benz C-Class.
Recently, a facelift model was released, but there are not many significant changes. The headlight details have changed slightly, and aside from a few improved convenience options, it is hard to distinguish between the old and new models.
The fact that the new model doesn't change much indicates that the design was well-made from the start, and it remains attractive. Personally, I prefer the design of the C-Class over the Genesis.
In particular, the rear design of the C-Class is so sleek that I never tire of looking at it. In contrast, the Genesis still seems to lack its own design identity.
They seem to be trying to follow trends while also attempting new things... It appears they are still in a transitional phase. Looking at the newly launched G90 and the soon-to-be-released G80, it seems they are finally starting to find their direction.
The large Mercedes logo on the radiator grille already determines the design competition. The only downside seems to be the silly wheels applied to the base C200 trim.
The new black chrome wheel design with elongated spokes, introduced in the 2019 model, isn't my favorite, but it looks much sportier than the C-Class wheels and pairs well with the red Brembo calipers.
Genesis clearly wins in braking performance.
Oh, we decided not to discuss performance comparisons, right?
Let’s compare the interior designs.
The C-Class test car was too basic, so I didn’t take any interior photos. Instead, I used a photo of an interior I like with a white-gray/wood grain design.
Overall, it was difficult to determine which model was better in terms of layout and luxury.
The front row space feels slightly more spacious in the G70, and the materials used for the leather seats and trim appear better, but in terms of overall ambiance and emotional appeal, Benz takes the lead!
This seems to be a challenge that Genesis needs to address moving forward. Throughout their 100-year history, they have maintained their distinctive design and emotional appeal, which have evolved over generations, but they still hold onto certain aspects.
They often showcase bold and innovative designs, but they strive to maintain an analog feel.
That’s what emotional appeal is all about!
In terms of value for money, driving performance, convenience options, and the latest autonomous driving technologies, the Genesis G70 clearly leads. However, when placed on the purchasing list for comparison, it still ranks behind Benz and BMW.
Similar price range... But what about the choice?
How to resolve that dilemma is perhaps the biggest challenge for the Genesis brand to grow further.
I believe time is the answer.
Technology has already advanced sufficiently, and in some aspects, they even lead the way. If the Genesis brand continues with strong product appeal and a clear design identity, I believe that in the near future, when discussing luxury cars, we will naturally mention Genesis alongside the German trio of Benz, BMW, and Audi.
I had a great time.
Comparing vehicles based solely on memories can be difficult, as evaluations can vary depending on timing, mood, or condition. However, conducting this comparison test drive in similar environments (even though the powertrains differed) allows us to clarify the differences in ride comfort, interior atmosphere, feel, and design.
I will conclude here.