2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs 2022 Kia K5

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, part of the W213 generation, showcased a design evolution from its predecessor, adopting a more fluid and curvier form reminiscent of the S-Class and C-Class models. This design philosophy, termed "sensual purity" by Mercedes' chief designer, Gorden Wagener, was evident in the car's elegant and handsome appearance. The E-Class featured new bumpers, exhaust tips, and wheels, with a slightly edgier front and a rear reminiscent of the W212. Despite the absence of the classic standing hood ornament, the E-Class maintained its reserved and conservative exterior, with the AMG models offering a more dramatic flair. Inside, the E-Class was a showcase of luxury, with rich woods, aluminum, and carbon fibre adorning the cabin. The interior was a blend of decadent materials and modern technology, with features like metal speaker grilles, elaborate stitching, and ambient lighting creating an inviting space. The dual 12-inch screens and new steering wheels added a touch of modernity, making the E-Class's interior unmatched in its class.

The 2022 Kia K5, available in LX, EX, GT-Line, and GT trims, offered a distinct and sleek design that set it apart from other sedans. With its low, long, and sleek profile, the K5 exuded the aura of a luxury sports sedan. The test car, a U.S.-specification K5 EX, featured a Glacial White Pearl paint with an Ash Blue synthetic leather interior, creating an upscale feel. The cabin was well-appointed, with a mix of matte-finish fake wood trim and polished metallic accents. Despite some hard plastic surfaces, the K5's interior conveyed a sense of quality and solidity. The controls were well-designed, with a secure and refined feel, enhancing the overall driving experience. The K5's design and build quality made it a compelling choice for those seeking a stylish and practical family sedan.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class introduced significant changes to its powertrain, with the E450 model transitioning to a hybrid system featuring an electrified inline-six engine. This system, utilizing a 48-volt electrical setup, provided an additional 21 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque for brief moments, enhancing fuel efficiency and reducing emissions. The E450's 3.0-litre engine produced 362 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, with the battery's overboost offering more power. The AMG E53 model added a second turbo, delivering 429 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque, providing brisk acceleration and a refined driving experience. The AMG E63 S, with its 4.0-litre V8 engine, offered a staggering 603 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque, making it a performance powerhouse. Despite its impressive power, the E-Class maintained a comfortable ride, with the AMG models offering a balance of speed and handling precision. Fuel efficiency varied across models, with the E450 and E350 4Matic sedans achieving 9.2 and 9.4 L/100 km combined, respectively.

The 2022 Kia K5 GT was the performance leader in its lineup, featuring a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 290 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. This power was delivered to the front wheels through an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, providing an exhilarating driving experience. However, the GT's lack of all-wheel drive and lower fuel efficiency made it less practical for some buyers. The standard K5 models, equipped with a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine, offered 180 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, providing a more balanced performance. The K5's powertrain delivered linear power with minimal lag, and the Drive Mode Select feature allowed drivers to customize their driving experience. During testing, the K5 achieved a fuel consumption rate of 8.1 L/100 km, making it an economical choice. While the K5's handling was not as sharp as some competitors, it offered a comfortable and capable ride for everyday driving.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class featured a redesigned infotainment system with a touchscreen interface, making everyday tasks more intuitive. The cabin was spacious, accommodating four adults comfortably, with ample headroom and legroom. The E-Class offered various body styles, including a sedan, coupe, convertible, and wagon, each with its own unique features. The sedan provided 540 litres of trunk space, while the wagon offered up to 1,820 litres with seats folded. Despite its luxury, some features like rear USB ports and heated rear seats were missing in the E53 model.

The 2022 Kia K5 prioritized comfort, with dual-zone automatic climate control and power-adjustable seats with heating and ventilation. The interior was well-designed, with logical controls and ample storage space. The K5's trunk offered 434 litres of cargo space, expandable with the 60/40-split folding back seat. While the K5's low-slung design made entry and exit challenging, the interior provided ample space for passengers. The K5's blend of style and functionality made it a practical choice for families.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class featured the MBUX infotainment system, offering a touchscreen interface with gesture control and natural voice processing. The system included features like live camera feeds, massaging seats, and seat kinetics. While Apple CarPlay and Android Auto required a cable, the E-Class offered a range of connected services and optional driving assists. The customizable instrument cluster added a modern touch, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2022 Kia K5 offered two infotainment systems, with the LX and EX trims featuring an 8-inch touchscreen and the GT-Line and GT trims offering a 10.25-inch display. While the larger screen required a cable for smartphone integration, it included features like satellite radio and navigation. The K5's voice recognition technology was lacking, but the system's graphics and functionality were user-friendly. The K5's infotainment system provided a good balance of features and usability.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class was a leader in safety, with a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick+" designation from the IIHS. The E-Class offered a range of safety features, including forward automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and innovative systems like Pre-Safe Sound and side bolster inflation during collisions. While some features were optional, the E-Class set a high standard for safety.

The 2022 Kia K5 excelled in safety, with a comprehensive suite of driver assistance systems, including forward-collision-avoidance assist, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The K5's safety features were effective, with Highway Drive Assist providing a refined and accurate driving experience. The K5 achieved a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a five-star crash-test rating from the NHTSA, making it a safe choice for families.