For many reasons, the 2025 Genesis G70 and 2025 Mercedes-Benz C-Class sit high in our rankings of Best Luxury Compact Cars. They each have elegant designs, modern and roomy cabins, finely honed driving dynamics, and offer all-wheel drive (AWD).
Both are relatively fresh, from a mid-cycle revamp last year (the G70) or the recent launch of a new generation (the C-Class, in 2023). So they can bring the latest technology, like feature-rich infotainment systems and advanced driver aids. We’ve put countless miles on the G70 and C-Class during road testing, yet both sedans leave us wanting more time behind the wheel.
Let’s compare the highlights of the 2025 Genesis G70 and 2025 Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
2025 Genesis G70
The only change to the 2025 Genesis G70 this year is that Burleigh Blue Matte joins the list of paint options. The lineup starts with a 300-horsepower engine, the biggest of this compact luxury sedan class. Rear-wheel drive (RWD) is standard, with all-wheel drive (AWD) available as an option. The G70 also offers a 3.3T variant with a twin-turbocharged 365-horsepower V6.
Genesis G70 Highlights
All-wheel drive: Granted, all-wheel drive is available with the C-Class as well as the G70, but we think it’s worth pointing out this shared advantage. Both sedans can inspire confidence when the roads become slippery.
Powerful base engine: Even at its entry-level, the Genesis G70 has a 300-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. This engine provides ample acceleration and passing power at highway speeds. For even more performance, the 3.3T packs a 365-hp twin-turbo V6 that hustles the G70 from a standstill to 60 mph in less than five seconds.
Awesome warranty: Beating the C-Class, the G70 has a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage. Genesis provides three years or 36,000 miles of complimentary scheduled maintenance to make a good thing even better.
Lexicon audio: A proper luxury car should have the pipes to match the prestigious badge on the grille. In this case, we’re talking about audio equipment. The G70’s 15-speaker/660-watt Lexicon system (standard in the 3.3T models and the 2.5T Sport Prestige) is a peach. Lexicon is known for its studio-grade sound quality, and it’s apparent here.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the G70 model for sale near you.
2025 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz C-Class luxury sedan range begins with the C 300, which delivers a fine balance of performance and fuel economy thanks to its 255-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine. With all-wheel drive also available, we’ve found the C-Class extremely comfortable and composed in virtually any type of driving scenario.
This year’s changes include an updated MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) infotainment system, now with 5G connectivity. A center airbag also becomes standard. New Nappa leather upholstery color choices are Black and Sienna Brown. The Manufaktur personalization program brings Alpine Grey onto its list of exterior paint choices. Buyers may choose to wrap their steering wheel in simulated leather — aka MB-Tex — instead of real leather. We like the non-animal angle here and have found MB-Tex to be convincing and hard-wearing.
Coupe and convertible versions are no longer part of the C-Class lineup. These kinds of cars have become the CLE-Class.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class Highlights
Mighty AMG models: The C 300 zips from zero to 60 mph in six seconds. We wouldn’t call that slow, but Mercedes-Benz has taken things a couple of steps further. First comes the 402-hp AMG C 43, which might be our pick if we had the funds. The last word in C-Class thrills is the AMG C 63 S E Performance. It’s a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) with a massive 671 hp and 752 lb-ft of torque. Hold tight because the sprint to 60 mph takes only 3.3 seconds. And don’t relax yet, because it starts in the high-$80,000 region.
Cutting-edge infotainment system: From the driver’s seat, you might think you’re behind the wheel of Mercedes-Benz’s 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 because a head-up display shows arrows overlaid on a map. There’s no need to glance away from the road to check the center 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 model for sale near you.
Similarities
This comparison must qualify as one of the most evenly matched we’ve ever done. The Genesis G70 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class both feel upscale and worth their premium prices. They have the latest tech and driver aids and are great to drive. Yet they’re equally content to glide along comfortably and quietly when you’re in the mood to relax.
New 2025 Genesis G70 Prices
New 2025 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Prices
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors.
The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2025 Genesis G70 vehicles and New 2025 Mercedes-Benz C-Class vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership.
These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
Specifications
| 2025 Genesis G70 | 2025 Mercedes-Benz C-Class | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | Turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder | Turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 300 hp @ 5,800 rpm | 255 hp @ 5,800 rpm |
| Torque | 311 lb-ft @ 1,650 rpm | 295 lb-ft @ 2,000 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 9-speed automatic |
| Fuel economy MPG | 21 city/29 highway/24 combined | 25 city/35 highway/29 combined |
| Also Available | AWD; twin-turbo 3.3-liter V6 | AWD; turbo gas/electric 2.0-liter 4-cyl. |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 10 years/100,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety Rating | NA | NA |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 111.6 inches | 112.8 inches |
| Overall Length | 184.4 inches | 187.0 inches |
| Width | 72.8 inches | 74.4 inches |
| Height | 55.1 inches | 56.6 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 36.3 feet | 37.6 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 39.8 inches | 40.0 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 38.7 inches | 37.5 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 42.6 inches | 41.7 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 34.8 inches | 36.6 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 56.3 inches | 56.3 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 54.6 inches | 55.6 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 10.5 cubic feet | 11.6 cubic feet |
Conclusion
Our best advice is to drive them both. The Genesis G70 sits just above the Mercedes-Benz C-Class in our best luxury compact car rankings, but that advantage is razor-thin. The C-Class has a slightly larger trunk, better fuel economy, and more rear legroom. The G70 costs thousands less, yet comes with more standard equipment. We’d be delighted with either one.