2024 Cadillac CT5 vs 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class was designed to counter the sterile aesthetics of many modern vehicles, featuring long hood and short deck proportions, softly rounded forms, clean flanks, and bold detailing. This redesign aimed for a lasting elegance with unique elements like a star-map grille texture, star-shaped taillights, a chrome roofline accent, and a variety of wheel designs. At launch, it was available as the E 350 4Matic and E 450 4Matic sedans, starting at $62,300, plus a $1,150 destination charge. Despite its competitive base price, most of the groundbreaking features required additional packages.

Our E 350 4Matic test vehicle ticked nearly all the option boxes except for the Multicontour Seating Package, bringing the total MSRP to $82,450 with destination. This heavily-optioned interior boasted Tonka Brown Nappa leather upholstery and an impressive Superscreen triple-display panel across the dashboard. Complementing this was attractive wood with aluminum inlays, an active ambient lighting system, and a high-tech yet classic luxury interior design.

On the other hand, the 2024 Cadillac CT5, succeeding the Cadillac CTS, toned down the bold styling of its predecessor while retaining a distinctive and confident front fascia. The stretched wheelbase gave it a statelier appearance compared to the smaller CT4, with a subtly arched roof lending a hint of a fastback look. Although older than the latest Audi A6, BMW 5 Series, and Mercedes E-Class, the CT5 remained contemporary with cleaner lines.

The trim levels for the CT5 included the base Luxury, Premium Luxury, and Sport, with the performance-oriented CT5-V and CT5-V Blackwing models. Although the interior sported Cadillac branding, it felt like a mix of various car designs, lacking cohesion. Despite optional two-tone semi-aniline leather upholstery and carbon-fiber trim, the cabin appeared less luxurious, with the luxury feel derived more from features like massaging front seats.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class featured two main powertrains. The E 350 4Matic was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 6.1 seconds. For enhanced performance, the E 450 4Matic used a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six, delivering 375 hp and 369 lb-ft, with a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds. Both models included a nine-speed automatic transmission and 4Matic AWD, supplemented by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system for fuel economy and performance enhancements.

Despite its power, our E 350 4Matic test vehicle, equipped with the optional Airmatic Package for adaptive air suspension and rear-axle steering, delivered a smooth and quiet ride, albeit at the cost of less-than-expected fuel economy. Officially rated at 27 mpg combined, we observed only 23.8 mpg. Notably, while it performed well on mountain roads, it excelled as a luxury cruiser, offering comfort and a soothing drive.

The 2024 Cadillac CT5 provided various powertrain options. Base models featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 237 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, while an available 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 produced 335 hp and 405 lb-ft. Both engines used a 10-speed automatic transmission with either RWD or optional AWD. The CT5-V variant offered a tuned twin-turbo V6 with 360 hp and 405 lb-ft, and the top-tier CT5-V Blackwing boasted a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 producing 668 hp and 659 lb-ft, driving the rear wheels with an available six-speed manual or automatic transmission.

Our AWD CT5 Premium Luxury test car, equipped with the twin-turbo V6, achieved 0-60 mph in 5.1 seconds (4.9 seconds for RWD). With balanced, neutral handling and decent performance on winding roads, it maintained a sportier ride quality without sacrificing too much comfort. Low interior noise levels added to the driving comfort, striking a balance between sporty growls and a quiet cabin.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class offered a luxurious and tech-filled interior, even without the unavailable Multicontour Seating Package. Front seats were supportive, power-operated, and available with heating and ventilation, wrapped in different upholstery options from MB-Tex to premium Nappa leather. However, the center console's shape and lack of padding could be uncomfortable at times.

Rear seat access was slightly challenging due to intruding wheel wells, though once inside, passengers enjoyed good leg support and a decent if not spacious legroom. The trunk offered 19.1 cubic feet of cargo space, sufficient for storing full-size suitcases upright, with a 40/20/40-split rear seat for added flexibility.

The 2024 Cadillac CT5 competed well with its rivals regarding passenger space, though it slightly lagged in second-row headroom. It excelled in front row legroom and headroom, closely matching the BMW 5 Series and surpassing the outgoing Mercedes E-Class. The cargo capacity, however, was limited to 11.9 cubic feet, the smallest among its competitors.

The CT5 also featured a good driving position with easy adjustments for outward visibility without compromising comfort. Trim levels offered varying degrees of power adjustments, with higher trims featuring 14-way or 18-way adjustments and additional comfort amenities. The center console effectively utilized space for storage, including well-sized cupholders and a conveniently placed wireless phone charger, despite the presence of the shifter and other controls.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class was a tech powerhouse with the latest MBUX infotainment system. Standard features included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display paired with a 14.4-inch infotainment touchscreen. The system offered customizable themes, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, Wi-Fi hotspot, and navigation with augmented video technology.

MBUX allowed for up to 800 vehicle settings for seven driver profiles and programmable routines for personalized experiences. With available options like the Superscreen Package, extending the display to the front passenger side, and a 17-speaker Burmester 4D surround-sound system with Dolby Atmos, the E-Class offered a sophisticated technological experience.

Conversely, the 2024 Cadillac CT5's standard infotainment system included a 10-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The optional Technology Package introduced a 12-inch digital instrument cluster and a head-up display. While Cadillac's system improved over earlier versions, it lacked the dashboard-spanning screens seen in Mercedes and BMW models, focusing instead on simplicity and usability.

Standard safety features in the 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class included numerous driver-assistance systems. The optional Driver Assistance Package added 15 advanced features, including upgraded Pre-Safe functions, Active Emergency Stop Assist, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping, lane-centering, and lane-change systems. These features mostly worked well, though some were less suited to specific driving environments like Los Angeles freeways.

The 2024 Cadillac CT5 earned five stars from NHTSA for overall safety, frontal, side, and rollover tests. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, automatic emergency braking, and more. Optional features added adaptive cruise control, reverse automatic emergency braking, and GM’s Super Cruise hands-free driver-assist system. Super Cruise stood out for its intuitive controls and confident vehicle handling on most U.S. highways.