Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs Kia K5

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class broke away from the often cold and technical aesthetic of modern vehicles, offering a more sophisticated and timeless design. It maintained traditional luxury car proportions with a long hood, short deck, and softly rounded forms. The car also exhibited clean side surfaces and distinctive detailing, such as a star-map grille texture, star-shaped taillight illumination, and a chrome sweep that defined the roofline. Moreover, it offered a wide range of expressive wheel designs that contributed to a look destined to age gracefully. Initially available in E 350 4Matic and E 450 4Matic sedan configurations, the E-Class started at $62,300, excluding a $1,150 destination charge. While the base price included plenty of standard equipment, the best features were bundled into optional packages. Our test model was an E 350 4Matic loaded with nearly all available options except for the Multicontour Seating Package, which would have added massaging front seats, an air purification and fragrance system, and Energizing Comfort Plus programs. With these extras, the MSRP of our test car reached $82,450. Luxury dripped from every corner of our heavily-optioned E 350, featuring Tonka Brown Nappa leather upholstery, a Superscreen triple-display glass panel across the dashboard, attractive wood accents with aluminum inlays, an active ambient lighting system, and an interior that seamlessly blended classical luxury with modern high-tech features. Meanwhile, the 2024 Kia K5 turned heads with its GT-Line trim and bold Passion Red Tint Coat, particularly popular during a photo shoot on a cyclist-frequented back road. Despite the K5’s 2021 debut and its role as the successor to the Optima, it seemed many Americans were still unfamiliar with it. The sleek design and attention to detail made it a standout on Southern California roads. Positioned between the base LXS and the more luxury-oriented EX trims, the GT-Line offered a sports-sedan aesthetic starting at $25,390, going up to $31,790, plus a $1,125 destination charge. Our test vehicle’s MSRP was $30,530, thanks to the extra-cost paint, Premium Package, Panoramic Sunroof Package, and additional accessories like floor and trunk mats, making it a budget-friendly option in today’s market. Despite the K5's stylish exterior, its interior had room for improvement regarding material quality. There were plenty of hard, glossy plastic surfaces, but these were balanced by an aesthetically pleasing design, including textured metallic trim around the air vents and a refined transmission shifter. The interior design and styling masked some of the less premium materials, providing a balanced and attractive cabin.

Under the hood, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class offered two powertrain options. The E 350 4Matic featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. This setup allowed the car to accelerate to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds, according to Mercedes. For those seeking more power, the E 450 4Matic with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine delivered 375 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, achieving a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds. Both E-Class models came with a nine-speed automatic transmission and 4Matic all-wheel drive (AWD) as standard. They also featured a 48-volt mild-hybrid system with an integrated starter/generator to boost fuel economy and aid in vehicle launching with an electric motor providing up to 23 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque. Our test drive revealed that the E 350 offered ample power for most drivers, feeling swift and responsive when accelerating. However, it fell short in fuel economy, with an observed 23.8 mpg compared to the EPA-estimated 27 mpg. This shortfall was noted even though the car was driven mostly in Comfort mode, except for performance testing on mountain roads. With the optional Airmatic Package—adding adaptive air suspension and rear-axle steering—the E-Class delivered a remarkably smooth ride even on staggered-width 21-inch wheels. The adaptive suspension system allowed the car to glide effortlessly over varying road surfaces, although certain conditions made the suspension's work feel slightly unnatural. Ultimately, the E-Class excelled in delivering comfort, calm, and a stress-free driving experience, especially with its Airmatic-equipped calm-inducing ride. In contrast, the 2024 Kia K5 featured a baseline turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine producing 180 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. This engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission powering the front wheels, with AWD available for the GT-Line trim. The higher trim K5 GT boasted a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 290 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, equipped with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission and only available in front-wheel drive. Drivers could select from Smart, Normal, Sport, and Custom driving modes, with the K5 GT additionally offering a Sport+ mode with launch control. The GT model also featured a sport-tuned suspension, quicker steering, larger brakes, and more aggressive tires on bigger alloy wheels. The GT-Line trim we tested provided a sporty look without the performance-oriented components of the GT. It was expected to be more fuel-efficient, rated by the EPA at 31 mpg combined for front-wheel drive (28 mpg with AWD). However, our test car significantly underperformed, averaging 24.5 mpg over 300 miles . Despite this disappointment, the K5 GT-Line offered a delightful drive experience with ample low-end torque, quickly shifting transmissions, and well-tuned suspension, providing a comfortable yet controlled ride. The GT-Line’s electric power steering and brakes, however, had room for improvement. The steering, being column-mounted rather than rack-mounted, felt less precise. The brakes, although adequate for daily driving, showed signs of fade during more spirited mountain runs, making the true GT model a better option for performance enthusiasts.

While the 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class could have benefitted from the Multicontour Seating Package, it still provided extensive comfort. The front seats, wrapped in options ranging from synthetic MB-Tex to premium Nappa leather, were heated, power-operated, and ventilated. However, the center console's shape and lack of padding could cause discomfort, particularly during longer drives. Entry and exit from the rear seats were somewhat challenging due to intrusive rear wheel wells. Yet once seated, passengers enjoyed good leg support and adequate legroom, although accommodating three in the back might be cramped. Despite its visually minimalist interior, the E-Class hid practical storage spaces, including large door pockets, a hidden center console bin, and a spacious area beneath the split-top center armrest. The trunk offered a generous 19.1 cubic feet of cargo space, though this figure seemed optimistic. Nonetheless, the trunk's height allowed for the storage of full-sized suitcases, and a 40/20/40-split rear seat could expand cargo capacity. Meanwhile, the 2024 Kia K5 emphasized comfort and utility with its stylish interior. The GT-Line trim featured SynTex artificial leather and cloth seat inserts, though entry and exit could be hindered depending on one’s attire, such as blue jeans creating excessive friction. Our test car included a 10-way power driver’s seat, and all K5 models had a front passenger seat height adjuster, with higher trims offering a 10-way power-adjustable passenger seat. Dual-zone automatic climate control was standard, and trims above the LXS also had heated front seats. The GT-Line AWD came with a heated steering wheel, and the EX and GT trims offered ventilated front seats. The optional panoramic sunroof added an element of luxury, though it slightly compromised headroom for taller passengers. The K5 provided generous storage spaces, although hard plastic linings could cause irritating scraping noises. The cargo space measured 16 cubic feet. The Smart Trunk feature allowed hands-free opening by standing behind the vehicle with the key fob, making access more convenient.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class showcased state-of-the-art technology with its third-generation Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system. Standard configuration included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display paired with a 14.4-inch infotainment touchscreen. Four main themes—Sport, Classic, Navigation, and Assistance—could be used to customize the digital cluster, with an optional 9-inch head-up display available. The infotainment system boasted wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and navigation with augmented video technology, overlaying real-time video feeds with guidance graphics. MBUX allowed up to 800 settings across seven driver profiles and programmable routines for a personalized user experience. Online Music and Video streaming options included Apple Music, Spotify, TikTok, and YouTube, alongside a Vivaldi web browser for internet access. The optional 17-speaker Burmester 4D surround-sound system with Dolby Atmos and Apple Spatial Audio provided an outstanding audio experience. Our test car featured the Superscreen Package, adding a 12.3-inch touchscreen for the front passenger, eliminating standard wood trim in favor of a continuous glass surface over the entire dash. A video camera for selfies and participation in Webex and Zoom meetings was also included. The new MBUX system responded swiftly to inputs and was intuitive, comparable to a smartphone, with a conversational digital voice assistant providing assistance. However, the AI sometimes activated unexpectedly, suggesting constant listening. The 2024 Kia K5 came with an 8-inch touchscreen on the LXS trim, while higher trims got a 10.25-inch touchscreen. Both supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with the LXS connecting wirelessly, whereas other trims required a wired connection. Bluetooth supported multiple devices, with the larger display offering navigation, SiriusXM, and Kia Connect services. Kia Connect added features like 911 Connect, panic button notification, stolen vehicle recovery, remote start, teen driver notifications, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The vehicle's standard voice recognition technology was inconsistent, and our test car lacked an active Kia Connect subscription to evaluate the digital assistant. Other models with the larger display also featured wireless phone charging and an optional 12-speaker Bose audio system for EX and GT trims, providing a decent auditory experience comparable to the Mercedes' more advanced system without the same high-end flourish.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class included a comprehensive suite of safety features, with the optional $1,950 Driver Assistance Package adding advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS). This package upgraded pre-collision features, included Active Emergency Stop Assist, adaptive cruise control, and advanced lane-keeping, lane-centering, and lane-change assist systems. Extensive testing showed the ADAS working effectively, though the lane-centering assist could have performed with more confidence on curvier roads. The Automatic Lane Change function, while useful, might not inspire trust in heavy or fast-moving traffic. Active Speed Limit Assist and Route-based Speed Adaptation could be liabilities in fast-flowing traffic, causing unexpected braking based on posted speed limits. Nevertheless, the lane-keeping assist system was excellent at keeping the car centered in its lane during daily driving. The 2024 Kia K5 came standard with Kia Drive Wise, a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems including forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, active blind-spot monitoring, active rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and a safe exit warning. Additional upgrades included cyclist detection, automatic intersection braking, front and rear parking sensors, rear automatic braking, a surround-view camera, and an active safe exit warning. The K5 could also be equipped with adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go and curve speed control, and Highway Driving Assist (HDA), which worked effectively in most scenarios, providing smooth and refined semi-autonomous driving. Kia's Highway Driving Assist proved impressive, handling curves and various driving situations adeptly, although occasionally it needed driver intervention to navigate more complex scenarios. In terms of crash tests, the K5 received favorable ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). However, it struggled in two newer and more challenging tests from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), earning Poor and Marginal scores in moderate overlap frontal- and side-impact tests, respectively.