2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS, a continuation of the third generation introduced in 2020, evolved from the GL-Class, which debuted in 2006. Initially intended to replace the G-Class, the GLS instead found its niche among affluent families seeking a luxurious, three-row SUV. The GLS's design softened its angles and lines, making it appear less bulky than its predecessors. Inside, the GLS boasted a futuristic cabin dominated by a massive digital screen that spanned nearly two-thirds of the dashboard, emphasizing its tech-centric controls.

The GLS lineup included the GLS 450, GLS 580, and the high-performance AMG GLS 63. Standard features on the GLS 450 included remote keyless entry, nine USB ports, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, and a power liftgate. The GLS 580 added a V8 engine, heated-and-cooled front seats, and massaging front seats, among other luxuries. The AMG GLS 63, with its aggressive bodywork and performance-inspired interior, stood out with a hand-crafted 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, delivering a thrilling driving experience.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 marked the debut of a new era for Hyundai's electrified mobility, distinct from the original Ioniq. The Ioniq 5's exterior design, referred to as Parametric Pixel, featured minimal character lines and an abundance of LED pixels in its lighting elements, giving it a concept car-like appearance. The aerodynamic wheels and unique design elements added to its futuristic look.

Inside, the Ioniq 5's cabin embraced a "Living Space" theme, offering a mellow and comfortable environment with sustainable materials. The interior featured stain-resistant cloth seats, recycled fibers, and bio-materials. The center console, designed as a moveable island, provided flexibility and convenience. The leatherette seats were both comfortable and supportive, catering to a wide range of drivers.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered three engine options. The entry-level GLS 450 featured a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine producing 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The GLS 580 came with a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine, delivering 483 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. Both models used a nine-speed automatic transmission and Mercedes' 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system. The AMG GLS 63, with its hand-crafted 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, produced an impressive 603 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque, enabling it to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds.

The GLS 63 featured an adaptive air suspension system, allowing for adjustable ground clearance and precise cornering. Multiple drive modes, including Comfort, Sport, and Sport+, allowed drivers to customize their driving experience. Despite its size, the GLS handled like a smaller car, offering a composed and comfortable ride even on rough roads.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 came in three trims (SE, SEL, and Limited) and offered both rear-wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations. The base SE Standard Range model featured a single 128-kW rear-mounted electric motor, producing 168 horsepower and offering 220 miles of range. The extended-range models, available in RWD and AWD, featured a larger 168-kW rear motor producing 225 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, with a range of 303 miles for RWD and 256 miles for AWD. The AWD model, with a dual-motor system, produced 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque.

The Ioniq 5's performance was solid for a midsize crossover, with the AWD model capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in less than 5 seconds. The vehicle featured four drive modes, including Sport, which enhanced the driving experience but reduced range. Paddle shifters allowed for adjusting regenerative braking levels, adding an element of gamification to the driving experience. The Ioniq 5's quiet cabin and noise-reducing features contributed to a pleasant driving experience.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered three rows of spacious seating, with ample headroom and legroom for first- and second-row occupants. The third row, while not as spacious, was still suitable for adults. The GLS provided 17.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 42.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 87.4 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. The driver and front passenger enjoyed numerous storage compartments, including a large center console.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5, built on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), offered a spacious interior with a longer wheelbase than the seven-passenger Hyundai Palisade. The Ioniq 5 provided 133.7 cubic feet of total interior volume, with 106.5 cubic feet of passenger space. The rear cargo space measured 27.2 cubic feet, prioritizing passenger comfort over cargo capacity. The moveable center console and comfortable leatherette seats added to the interior's flexibility and comfort.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS featured the MBUX infotainment system, with a massive touch screen and a trackpad for easy navigation. The system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though it required a USB-C cable. The voice-control system, activated by saying "Hey Mercedes," allowed for complex commands. The digital dash extended to the fully-digital instrument panel, controlled by touch-sensitive pads on the steering wheel.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 boasted advanced technology, including a high-voltage, energy-dense system with vehicle-to-load capabilities. The Ioniq 5 could charge to 80 percent battery capacity in just 18 minutes and offered unlimited 30-minute fast-charging sessions for two years through Electrify America. The vehicle featured a redesigned Blue Link app, digital key, AI-powered voice recognition, and over-the-air updates. The 12.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment were elegant and intuitive, with an anti-glare coating for clear visibility.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with a range of driver-assistance features, including Active Brake Assist, forward-collision avoidance, rain-sensing wipers, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic high beams. Additional safety features included automatic parking assist, a surround-view camera system, a driver-drowsiness monitor, and crosswind assist. Optional safety tech included lane-keep assist, lane-change assist, adaptive cruise control, and stop-and-go cruise control.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 featured Hyundai SmartSense, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS). Standard features included blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and front- and rear-collision avoidance. The Hyundai Highway Drive Assist I (HAD) system offered Level 2 semi-autonomous driving with machine-learning adaptive cruise control. The Ioniq 5 also featured a head-up display (HUD) with augmented reality overlays, though it could be distracting in actual use. Safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS were not yet available, but Hyundai's recent track record suggested high marks were likely.