2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2022 Kia EV6

The 2022 Kia EV6 presented a sportier and more svelte design compared to the Tesla Model Y, reminiscent of the Ford Mustang Mach-E. It appeared lower and wider, with a highback tail featuring a lip spoiler that doubled as a lightbar. The wheels were pushed to the furthest corners of the chassis, giving the body a hip-like appearance similar to the wide fenders of a Porsche 911. The headlights squinted in anger, tracing a V-shaped pattern that mirrored the black trim below the bumper. The wedgy profile looked sharp with an angled roofline and twin ducts in the rear spoiler, while the lower part of the car was smooth and silken, especially in matte silver paint.

The EV6's interior featured dual 12-inch screens on a linear dash, a floating center console, and black and white seats covered in suede and leather. Ambient lighting flowed around the dash and circled the rear passengers. The hockey-puck shifter and digital controls added to the futuristic feel, making the EV6 enjoyable to drive. The design was car-first, computer-second, which contributed to its appeal.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 had a more subtle and less flashy look compared to competitors like the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator. It avoided a gaudy grille, opting for a more refined appearance. The AMG GLS 63 performance model added visual drama with flared wheel arches, a muscular grille, and prominent exhaust tips. The Maybach version featured chrome accents, a traditional hood ornament, and power running boards, with massive 23-inch wheels available.

The Maybach model offered added luxuries like reclining rear seats, while the AMG version had a performance-oriented interior with stainless steel trim and heavily bolstered Nappa leather seats. The Air Balance Package perfume spritzer was also an option. Our test car had a basic interior by GLS standards but still felt luxurious with leather upholstery, a panoramic roof, and ambient lighting. The intricate speaker grilles and rectangular air vents added to the rugged SUV feel. The digital instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen were well integrated into the upright dashboard.

The 2022 Kia EV6 GT-Line e-AWD, with its two electric motors producing 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque, offered impressive performance. The 77-kilowatt-hour battery allowed the 4600-pound car to accelerate to 60 mph in a claimed 4.6 seconds. The upcoming GT trim promised even more power with 576 hp and a 0-60 time of less than 3.5 seconds. The base EV6 Light had a smaller battery and a less powerful motor, which was not recommended. The single-motor Wind and GT-Line models provided a more acceptable performance with 225 hp.

The dual-motor GT-Line delivered a thrilling driving experience with quick and effective torque distribution. The regenerative braking system offered more than eight settings, allowing for one-pedal driving in the maximum I-Pedal setting. However, the driving range was disappointing in cold weather, with the EV6 delivering only 65 percent of its 274-mile EPA estimate. Charging times varied, with the car accepting up to 240 kW but often limited by the charging stations' output.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine with a nine-speed automatic transmission, assisted by the EQ Boost mild-hybrid system. The gasoline engine produced 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, with the electric motor adding 21 hp and 184 lb-ft in short bursts. The electric motor also served as the starter and powered most accessories, reducing the engine's workload.

The six-cylinder engine provided ample power, and the electric assist was well integrated. The GLS 450's air suspension could raise and lower the ride height, but the test car exhibited poor body control, bouncing over bumps and leaning in corners. The GLS 450 had a 7,700-pound towing capacity, which was competitive but not the highest in its class.

The 2022 Kia EV6 reinvented core functions with pop-out door handles, paddle shifters, and a twisting rotary shifter. The climate controls and stereo shortcuts were combined in a thin touchscreen, which could be frustrating to use while driving. The interior offered generous legroom and headroom, with reclining rear seats and optional heated cushions. However, the cargo space was limited, with 24 cubic feet behind the seats and 50 cubic feet when folded. The towing capacity was rated at 2,300 pounds, and the onboard power generator could run 120-volt equipment or charge another EV.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with a seven-seat configuration, with an optional six-seat version featuring individual captain’s chairs. The second-row seats could slide forward and fold for access to the third row, with the standard bench seat increasing legroom by 3.4 inches. The GLS offered 17.4 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats in place, expanding to 84.7 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The air suspension could lower the vehicle for easier loading and unloading. However, the touchscreen was difficult to reach, and the center console grab handles had no obvious purpose.

The 2022 Kia EV6's infotainment system was simple and quick, with connectivity options except for wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The instrument panel showed vehicles in surrounding lanes and live feeds of blind spots. The 360-degree surround-view cameras were sharp and clear, and the head-up display used augmented reality for navigation. Higher trims included a 14-speaker Meridian stereo and a remote parking system. However, Kia Connect features were disabled for Massachusetts residents due to compliance issues.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS featured the MBUX infotainment system with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, navigation, SiriusXM satellite radio, and voice recognition. The 13-speaker Burmester audio system was standard, with an optional head-up display. The voice recognition system was the easiest to use, while the touchpad controller was too sensitive. The touchscreen and instrument cluster had good graphics, but the navigation system had issues with route suggestions.

The 2022 Kia EV6 had no published test results but came equipped with impressive safety tech, including lane-keeping, cyclist and pedestrian detection, front and rear cross-traffic alert, a driver attention monitor, rear parking sensors, safe exit warning, and rear occupant alert. Higher trims added features like automatic rear braking, 360 cameras, evasive steering assist, and adaptive cruise control with machine learning.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, a driver-attention monitor, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, a surround-view camera system, Crosswind Assist, parking assist, and Pre Safe. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, second-row side airbags, and advanced driver-assistance features. Crash-test ratings were not available at the time of publication.