2021 Kia K5 vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

The 2021 Kia K5 marked a significant departure from Kia's past, embodying the brand's new identity with a fresh design and a name that resonated with a modern, robotic flair. The K5's fastback form and GT-Line trim, featuring flat Wolf Gray paint and striking red seats, drew comparisons to the Audi A5 Sportback, thanks to the influence of Peter Schreyer, Kia's chief designer. The K5's exterior was a blend of sporty proportions and unique details, such as its distinctive taillights and Z-shaped LED running lights. Despite some fake vents and exhaust tips, the K5's design was well-executed, offering a lower and longer profile than its predecessor, the Optima.

Inside, the K5's interior was a testament to Kia's commitment to style and quality. The dashboard was driver-focused, with a Supra-style divider and an angled centre stack. The GT-Line trim featured a flat-bottom steering wheel and upscale materials, including polished black trim and padded surfaces. The seats, though vinyl, felt like leather, and the overall design exuded a sportiness and quality that set it apart from many competitors. The K5's interior was both functional and stylish, with thoughtful details like the instrument panel overlapping the driver's air vent and a fin rising from the front door armrests.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class showcased a cohesive design that borrowed elements from other Mercedes models, resulting in a stylish sedan recognizable from any angle. The front end featured a prominent grille with a large Mercedes logo, while the cab-rearward proportions emphasized its rear-wheel-drive platform. Standard LED headlights and taillights, along with the optional Mercedes Digital Light system, added to its sophisticated appearance. The C-Class's interior aimed to replicate the luxury of the S-Class, with a freestanding touchscreen, ambient lighting, and intricate speaker grilles. Despite using MBTex synthetic leather as standard, the C-Class's interior felt special, offering a compelling case for choosing a luxury car over mainstream options.

The 2021 Kia K5, particularly in the GT-Line trim, did not quite deliver the sporty performance its aggressive styling suggested. The suspension was tuned for comfort, and the Pirelli P Zero All-Season tires protested during tight turns. The GT trim promised a more engaging experience with a 2.5-litre turbocharged engine producing 290 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, but it was only available with front-wheel drive. The standard 1.6-litre turbo-four engine offered 180 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, providing adequate performance for daily driving. Fuel efficiency was impressive, with an estimated 9.2 L/100 km in the city and 6.9 on the highway.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, specifically the C300 model, featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine with 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. The C300 could accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.0 seconds, with a top speed of 210 km/h. The C300's power delivery was not always smooth, with noticeable turbo lag and occasional rough shifts. However, the ride quality was up to luxury standards, with muted impacts over bumps. The C-Class offered good body control and precise steering, making it enjoyable on twisty roads, though it required a more deliberate driving approach.

The 2021 Kia K5 provided ample space for passengers, with enough headroom and legroom for two adults in the back, despite its raked profile. The front seats were supportive and firm, ideal for long drives. The K5's interior featured hard buttons for climate control and stereo functions, along with a convenient wireless charging pad. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with an optional 10.25-inch display. Trunk space was 434 litres, offering practicality for everyday use.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan was longer and wider than its predecessor, resulting in increased interior space. The C-Class led its segment in front-seat headroom and rear-seat legroom, providing comfort for passengers. The seats were comfortable and supportive, with excellent forward visibility. However, thick rear pillars created blind spots. The C-Class offered 455 litres of trunk space, with a wide opening for easy loading. A 40/20/40 split-folding rear bench allowed for versatile cargo options.

The 2021 Kia K5 featured wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity as standard, making it easy to set up. The GT-Line trim added 18-inch black alloy wheels, LED taillights, a panoramic sunroof, and adaptive cruise control. Heated and ventilated seats, along with a 10.25-inch infotainment system, were also included. The K5's Smart Cruise Control allowed for semi-automated highway driving, even without navigation.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class boasted an infotainment system inspired by the S-Class, with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an 11.9-inch touchscreen. Keyless entry, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto were standard. The MBUX system featured a "Zero Layer" setup, allowing multiple functions to be displayed simultaneously. The C-Class also offered a Burmester 3D surround-sound system, a head-up display, and an augmented-reality navigation system, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2021 Kia K5 received top marks in crash tests from the NHTSA and IIHS, earning a Top Safety Pick+ designation. Standard safety features included rear side airbags, a driver's knee airbag, forward collision avoidance assist, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The K5 EX trim and above offered Junction Turning, which warned of potential collisions at intersections.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class also earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. Standard safety features included automatic emergency brake assist, blind-spot monitoring, and Pre-Safe, which prepared the car for a collision. Optional features included lane-keep assist, a 360-degree camera system, and Car-to-X communication, which shared information between vehicles to warn of potential hazards.