2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs 2022 Kia K5

The 2022 Kia K5 was available in five trim levels: LX, LXS, GT-Line, EX, and GT. Each trim came with a turbocharged engine, and the LXS and GT-Line offered an optional all-wheel-drive system. Base prices ranged from $23,790 to $31,190, excluding the destination charge. The test car, a K5 EX with front-wheel drive, extra-cost paint, the EX Premium option package, and floor mats, had an MSRP of $33,945, including destination. The K5's design was low, long, and sleek, resembling a luxury sports sedan more than a practical family car. The Glacial White Pearl paint paired with Ash Blue synthetic leather and matte-finish fake wood trim created an upscale interior feel. The car exuded quality, with solid controls and a refined sense of motion in the transmission shifter, door release handles, and steering wheel stalks.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class was available in coupe, convertible, sedan, and station wagon body styles. Sedans came with an E350 model designation, featuring a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. All E-Class variants were available as an E450, powered by a turbo 3.0-liter inline-six with EQ Boost 48-volt mild-hybrid technology. Rear-wheel drive was standard, with 4Matic all-wheel drive as an option. The AMG E53 model, available in all body styles except the All-Terrain wagon, used a more powerful version of the E450’s engine. The test car, an AMG E53 Cabriolet, had a base price of $85,400, with an as-tested MSRP nearing $110,000. The car featured matte-finish paint, premium leather, and carbon fiber trim. The design was modern and luxurious, with AMG styling, larger wheels, a convertible top, and a matte-blue paint finish. Inside, the car boasted high-resolution digital displays, Burmester speaker grilles, and supple leather, epitomizing luxury.

The 2022 Kia K5 GT featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 290 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. However, the GT was the most expensive and least efficient K5 variant, lacking all-wheel drive. The standard K5 engine was a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder with 180 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, offering linear power delivery with minimal low-end lag. Drive Mode Select allowed calibration of the powertrain, and Active Sound Control added a simulated engine note. During testing, the 1.6-liter turbo proved well-matched to the car, providing adequate power for merging onto freeways and handling curves. The K5 EX returned 29.1 mpg in combined driving, slightly below the EPA's 31 mpg estimate. Road noise and suspension issues were noted, but wind noise was minimal. The EX Premium package added a surround-view camera system and bumper sensors, enhancing parking ease.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG E53 models had a 3.0-liter turbo-six engine with EQ Boost mild-hybrid technology, producing 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque. The engine provided robust response across the rev range, with a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds. An AMG Speedshift nine-speed automatic transmission and AMG Performance 4Matic+ variable AWD system delivered power to the pavement. AMG Dynamic Select driving modes allowed customization of the car's character. The E53 Cabriolet featured AMG-tuned air suspension and an AMG performance exhaust system, with optional 20-inch wheels and summer performance tires. The car excelled as both a quiet cruiser and a performance vehicle, handling twists and turns with confidence. The convertible top added some cowl shake, but the car remained solid and sure-footed. The E53 Cabriolet was suitable for three-season, top-down driving, with heated features and AWD for winter use.

The 2022 Kia K5 offered comfort with dual-zone automatic climate control, power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, a heated steering wheel, and rear air conditioning vents. The panoramic glass sunroof added natural light. Entry and exit were challenging due to the low-slung design. Front seats were comfortable, and SynTex synthetic leather was convincing. Rear passengers had ample room, though hard plastic front seatback panels could be a liability. Controls were logically laid out, blending style with utility. Storage space was generous, with a roomy bin under the center armrest, a smartphone charging slot, and hidden trays in the door panels. The 16 cubic-foot trunk offered ample cargo space, expandable by lowering the 60/40-split folding back seat. However, the trunk lid lacked an interior handle for closing.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG E53 Cabriolet was a true four-passenger convertible, with comfortable seats and an Aircap system to reduce turbulence. Heated seats, a heated steering wheel, rapid-heating front seats, and heated armrests were standard. The Airscarf neck-warming system added comfort. Sun-reflective leather and ventilated front seats were available for hot weather. The triple-layer acoustic soft top kept the cabin cool and quiet. Multi-contour front seats with massage and an Air Balance interior fragrance system enhanced long drives. The trunk held 9.5 cubic feet of cargo with the top raised, but this volume was halved with the top down, comparable to a Mazda MX-5 Miata.

The 2022 Kia K5 offered two infotainment systems. The standard system for LX and LXS trims included an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The GT-Line trim and above featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen, requiring a cable for smartphone integration. This system included satellite radio, Kia Connect subscription services, a Wi-Fi hotspot, navigation, and Sounds of Nature ambient noise tracks. A wireless smartphone charger was standard on most trims, and the Premium package added a 12-speaker Bose audio system and Active Sound Design technology. The Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system was also included. The infotainment system graphics were purple, and voice recognition technology was subpar, making Apple CarPlay or Android Auto preferable.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class featured the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, with two 12.3-inch screens forming the foundation. The system was complex yet user-friendly, with swipe and scroll functions on the steering wheel buttons. Interaction options included the touchscreen, center console controls, digital voice assistant, and touch-sensing buttons on the steering wheel. MBUX included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with upgrades like WiFi service and augmented reality navigation. A head-up display and Burmester surround-sound audio system were available. The system's challenges included remembering menu locations and accidentally waking the digital assistant. In a convertible, wind noise could confuse the assistant, but this was expected.

The 2022 Kia K5 excelled in driver assistance systems, bundled within the Kia Drive Wise collection. Features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-following assist. Additional features included automatic high-beam headlights, a driver monitoring system, rear-seat reminder, and Safe Exit Assist. The EX Premium package added cyclist detection, Junction Turning Assist, navigation-based adaptive cruise control, Highway Driving Assist, parking sensors, automatic rear braking, a surround-view monitoring system, and power rear child locks. The K5 achieved a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star crash-test rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class included standard forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The E-Class Cabriolet featured pop-up rollbars for rollover protection. Mercedes Pre Safe and Pre Safe Sound were standard, preparing the cabin for impact and protecting ears from loud noises. Active Parking Assist and a surround-view camera system aided parking, while rain-sensing wipers with Magic Vision Control improved visibility. The Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control, Active Steering Assist, front automatic braking for cross traffic, Evasive Steering Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Emergency Stop Assist, and Pre Safe Plus. The package impressed with adaptive cruise control and Active Steering Assist, including signaled lane-change functionality. Active Emergency Stop Assist worked as advertised, bringing the car to a controlled stop with hazard lights flashing.