2021 Kia K5 vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The 2021 Kia K5 marked a significant departure from Kia's past, symbolizing a fresh identity for the brand. With its fastback form and GT-Line trim, the K5 was reminiscent of the performance-oriented Kia Stinger, showcasing a design that was both sporty and sophisticated. The exterior featured unique elements like Z-shaped amber LED running lights and a honeycomb grille, while the interior boasted a driver-focused layout with quality materials and a flat-bottom steering wheel. Despite its stylish appearance, the K5's base wheels detracted from its overall aesthetic, but upgrading to larger wheels enhanced its visual appeal.

In contrast, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class retained its sleek and elegant design from the previous year, embodying the pinnacle of luxury sedans. The S-Class's exterior was defined by its long, low profile and distinctive Mercedes-Benz grille, exuding sophistication and class. Inside, the S-Class offered a luxurious cabin with high-quality materials and a waterfall of open-pore wood trim. The dashboard featured a 12.8-inch touchscreen and a separate 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, providing a seamless blend of technology and elegance. The S-Class's design was a testament to Mercedes-Benz's commitment to luxury and innovation.

The 2021 Kia K5, while visually aggressive, did not deliver the sporty performance its appearance suggested. The GT-Line model lacked paddle shifters and had a softer suspension, resulting in a ride that was more balanced than sporty. The standard 1.6-litre turbo-four engine produced 180 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, offering good fuel efficiency but lacking in midrange power. The GT trim promised a more powerful 2.5-litre turbocharged engine with 290 horsepower, but its front-wheel-drive setup without a limited-slip differential raised concerns about handling.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, on the other hand, offered a refined and powerful driving experience. The S500 model featured a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six-cylinder engine with EQ Boost, delivering 429 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque. The S580 model boasted a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine, also enhanced by EQ Boost. Both models came with a nine-speed automatic transmission and 4Matic AWD, providing smooth and responsive performance. The S-Class's handling was flat and predictable, with impressive acceleration and braking capabilities, making it suitable for both commuting and pleasure driving.

The 2021 Kia K5 offered a comfortable interior with supportive front seats and ample space for rear passengers, despite its raked profile. The cabin featured easy-to-use controls and a wireless charging pad for convenience. The trunk provided 434 litres of space, accommodating luggage and other items with ease.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class excelled in providing a luxurious and spacious interior. The cabin was equipped with powered sun blinds, a Panorama Sunroof, and multiple USB-C ports for connectivity. The front seats offered rapid-heating, active multicontour features, while the Executive Rear Seating package catered to rear passengers with reclining seats and additional controls. The S-Class's trunk offered 510 litres of space, ensuring ample storage for travel essentials.

The 2021 Kia K5 came with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making it easy to set up and use. The GT-Line model featured a 10.25-inch infotainment system, adaptive cruise control, and a panoramic sunroof. The K5's technology package was user-friendly and offered a range of convenience features.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was equipped with cutting-edge technology, including a 12.8-inch OLED touchscreen and a 12.3-inch LED virtual instrument panel. The MBUX infotainment system provided seamless connectivity with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The S-Class also offered advanced features like augmented video for navigation and an optional augmented reality head-up display. The Burmester 3D Surround sound system delivered an exceptional audio experience, while the rear-axle steering system enhanced maneuverability.

The 2021 Kia K5 received top safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, earning the Top Safety Pick+ designation. It came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward collision avoidance assist, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The K5's safety package was robust and provided peace of mind for drivers and passengers.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was equipped with an extensive array of safety and driver assistance features. The Magic Vision Control system optimized windshield spray, while the Pre-Safe systems prepared the vehicle for imminent collisions. The S-Class also offered car-to-x communication and executive-level safety upgrades for rear passengers, ensuring a high level of protection and innovation.