Comparisons to MB E550

[gaggan82]

I have been driving the genesis 5.0 ultimate for 2 weeks now. I was leasing a 2013 MB E550 convertible before this.Here are some of my likes/dislikes in comparison to E550(considering 2013 vs 2015 model year):

1. Performance: This is the first time I've got a naturally aspirated(NA) engine.
E550 was turbo-charged(TB). The advantage of TB is the low-end torque.Whereas NA engine has a very nice linear acceleration( I was pleasantly surprised ! ). Also, 420 HP helps.
In sport mode, there is a difference than normal mode, but in E550 the sport mode is extremely sporty where there's a night and day difference.

2. Ride quality: Before E550 I had 2008 BMW 335i. BMW handled great but on the flip side the ride quality was very stiff. I felt E550 had a very good ride quality compared to the bimmer. Now with the genesis, I was so impressed with the ride quality. Its not 'floaty' like a lexus. Testing on the 'benchmark' stretches of potholes ridden road , genesis comes out a winner ! Very comfortable ride but still feels connected to the road.

3. Handling: Both the cars handle OK. Nothing handles like a BMW but then these cars serve a different purpose.

4. Head unit interface: Genesis' head unit interface including the GPS is very detailed as well as easy to use. The controls are also very uncluttered and straightforward.

5. Features: I love the small details of features like 'curve ahead warning', straighten your wheels warning, etc.
Although I did not have the LKA, ACC , heads up display,power trunk,automatic high beams in E550, I love these features.

6. I had planned to buy aftermarket wheels- had almost ordered them prior to the arrival of my car.But when I saw the stock 19" wheels, I absolutely loved them- they have a nice greyishness to them which makes them even nicer looking !

7. Interior: I feel that the genesis has better interiors than the MB. As mentioned by someone in another post, the elbow rest on the storage is not very comfortable, but the MB was similar! I had test driven an infiniti q70 and it had a very comfortable elbow rest !

In conclusion, I am absolutely loving my decision to go with the Genesis !

 

[Aquineas]

Welcome and thanks for the comparisons! Enjoy your new ride!

 

[ksoze]

Before I bought the 2015 Genesis, I was looking at certified E550 sedans pretty extensively. Although the MB was an incredible car, it also has a huge depreciation and a car that listed for over $75K could be had for $40K or so two to three years later. The E550 sedan is built like a tank but the wonderful turbo V8 really makes it a great sedan to drive at any speed. With all its pedigree pluses, it has minuses besides the loss in value. It has a dated interior and for those who hate the NAV in the Genesis, take a look at the MB COMMAND unit in those cars and be happy. The backup camera was circa 1990's and it did not have HUD or many of the small tech features which are crammed into the Genesis. It was difficult to find a ones with the advanced lane and cruise radar options, which drive the original price up.

In the end for me, a new Genesis was slightly more than a used E550, whose certified warranty would end in a few years leaving an expensive beast to maintain. The Genesis only lacks the MB's prestige and dealer network, all of which I was willing to forgo.

 

[Jo95]

which model from Lexus you consider its ride "floaty"?

 

[Pamplona/Beige]

Mercedes back up cameras do not function if head unit is off...seen it on ML and GLK...kinda odd.

 

[shortspark]

I have a Mercedes ML 350 and you are correct. However, the command function is always on because I never turn the navigation screen off. If it is off then the command unit is still on because I will be playing a disk or usb drive. Therefore, with the command function always on in one mode or another, the camera itself is enabled every time I put the car in reverse. I can see where some people might find this a problem if they want the screen off but still expect the camera to function. In my case, it is no problemo.

 

[Huddleston]

Great write up. Thanks for sharing!

 

[gaggan82]

which model from Lexus you consider its ride "floaty"?

I drove lexus GS 350 from sacramento to Lake tahoe... was really disappointed with the car.

 

[gaggan82]

Will add few more things as I find out/remember:

Tires: MB's rear tires were just 245s compared to 275 on genesis.
I always felt the tires were not grippy enough for the MB, not at all the case in the genesis.

Gas mileage: for the same kind of driving conditions(95+ % city), MB gas mileage used to be around 21 vs 20 for genesis(premium gas for both). Although its a little too soon for genesis, but I think I'm surprised by genesis considering its a 5L NA engine vs MB's 4.2L Turbo Charged.

Thanks all for your comments !

 

[Genentec]

if anyone is in the market for a v8 then this genesis is the one to have without a doubt.

the only direct comparisons in the v8 category luxury all start at 60k to 70k. given u can have a 2015 v8 5.0 for about 40k to 45k, it's like having an additional 30k for gas money.

you can't compare the 5.0 base and ultimate with anything else other than the cars in the 60k to 70k price range. thats just the honest truth. anything over 400hp with these kinda of features and build quality all start above 60k.

u get a used v8 at the right price point and u are talking about free gas money if you were to spring for a lexus LS or mercedes S class.

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