2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2022 Kia EV6

The 2022 Kia EV6 had a sporty and svelte design reminiscent of a 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 on the bumper. The wedgy profile looked blade-sharp up top with an angled roofline and twin ducts in the rear spoiler, while the lower part was smooth and silken, especially in matte silver paint.

In contrast, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE received a subtle exterior makeover that was hard to notice even for trained eyes. The front grille featured clever Mercedes star logos, and the headlights and taillights had minor updates. Standard LED headlights and optional multi-beam LED headlights were available. The GLE 450e test vehicle was finished in Twilight Blue metallic and rode on sleek 21-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels, which filled out the wheel wells nicely. Mercedes offered a choice of 19- and 20-inch alloys as standard, with seven wheel designs and ten exterior colors in total.

The 2022 Kia EV6 GT-Line e-AWD, with its two electric motors, produced 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque. It had a 77-kilowatt-hour battery and could accelerate to 60 mph in a claimed 4.6 seconds. The top-power GT trim, arriving in fall 2022, promised 576 hp and a 0-60 time of less than 3.5 seconds. The base EV6 Light had a smaller battery (58 kWh) and a single motor (167 hp and 258 lb-ft), which was not recommended. The single-motor Wind and GT-Line models offered 225 hp and the same torque with a larger battery. The dual-motor GT-Line provided a thrilling driving experience with quick torque routing and effective power delivery, even in challenging conditions.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of powertrains, including the GLE 350, GLE 450, GLE 450e, and GLE 580, with two additional AMG models. The top-of-the-line AMG GLE 63 S featured a twin-turbo V8 producing 603 horsepower. The GLE 450e, with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder and electric motor, delivered 381 hp and 479 pound-feet of torque, reaching 60 mph in 5.4 seconds. The GLE 450e could operate as an EV on the highway at speeds up to 87 mph. The transition from gas to electric power was seamless, and the suspension provided a smooth ride even on rough roads. The GLE 450e exceeded performance expectations with its sophisticated steering and maneuverability.

The 2022 Kia EV6 featured innovative functions like 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 while driving. The interior offered generous legroom and headroom, with reclining rear seats and optional heated cushions. However, the cargo space was limited to 24 cubic feet behind the seats and 50 cubic feet when folded. The RWD models had a small front trunk, while the AWD models had an electric motor occupying the space. The EV6 had a towing capacity of 2,300 pounds and an onboard power generator.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE provided ample space for adults in both the first and second rows, with a light and airy cabin. The GLE 450e had 33 cubic feet of cargo space behind the 40/20/40 split-folding second row, which compared favorably with rivals like the BMW X5. The optional third-row seat was limited to the GLE 350 and GLE 450 and was suitable only for young children. The GLE 450e came with power-adjustable heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, a power sunroof, and a power liftgate. Additional options included ventilated front seats, massaging front seats, a head-up display, and heated rear seats.

The 2022 Kia EV6's infotainment system was user-friendly, with dual 12-inch screens and a head-up display with augmented reality. However, it lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Highway Driving Assist (HDA) system showed vehicles in surrounding lanes and live feeds of blind spots. The 360-degree cameras were sharp and clear, and the remote parking system allowed for external control. Kia Connect features were disabled for Massachusetts residents due to compliance issues.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with dual 12.3-inch screens. The system could be controlled via touch, a control pad, or touch-sensitive buttons on the steering wheel. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with an improved "Hey Mercedes" voice command system. The head-up display and augmented reality navigation were praised for their clarity. However, the touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel could be accidentally activated, causing issues like sudden volume changes.

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 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE came with a comprehensive lineup of active safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, pedestrian detection, hands-free park assist, rain-sensing wipers, automatic high-beam headlights, and a driver attention monitor. The optional Driver Assistance package added active blind-spot assist, active lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, and evasive steering assist. These features were unobtrusive and effective during everyday driving.