2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2022 Kia EV6

The 2022 Kia EV6 presented a sporty and sleek design, reminiscent of a Ford Mustang Mach-E, with a lower and wider stance that gave it a visually appealing presence. Its short highback tail featured a lip spoiler doubling as a lightbar, and the wheels were pushed to the farthest corners of the chassis, creating a body with pronounced hips. The EV6's voluptuous curves, similar to those on a Porsche 911, added both style and stability. The headlights, with their V-shaped pattern, mirrored the black trim below, which mimicked sealed air intakes. The car's profile was sharp and smooth, especially in matte silver paint, and its design elements, like recessed lights and chrome trim, were purely for aesthetic appeal, capturing attention with their industrial design.

Inside, the EV6 featured a futuristic interior with dual 12-inch screens on a linear dash, a floating centre console, and seats covered in faux suede and leather. Ambient lighting circled the rear passengers, and the digital controls, including a hockey-puck shifter, set the EV6 apart from basic Kia models. The car's design prioritized a car-first, computer-second approach, making it enjoyable to drive with its wild and crazy aesthetic.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE 53 Coupe, with its Selenite Gray paint and 22-inch forged aluminum wheels, had a design that was neither offensive nor overly striking. The SUV's styling was reminiscent of an athletic sneaker, especially from a front three-quarter perspective. Inside, the GLE 53 Coupe was luxurious, featuring high-end materials and a high-tech appearance with dual-screen instrumentation. The cabin boasted Nappa premium leather, a Dinamica simulated suede headliner, and brushed aluminum trim, with ambient lighting enhancing the driving experience at night.

The interior design of the GLE Coupe masked its complexity with a facade of simplicity. While the lack of traditional controls could be challenging for newcomers, the vehicle's technology became intuitive with time. The GLE Coupe's sumptuous interior and high-tech features made it a pleasure to drive, despite its initial complexity.

The 2022 Kia EV6, in its GT-Line e-AWD configuration, delivered a powerful performance with 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque from its dual electric motors. The 77.4 kWh battery, mounted low in the chassis, allowed the EV6 to accelerate to 60 mph in a claimed 4.6 seconds and handle corners with agility. The upcoming GT trim promised even more power with 576 hp and a 0-60 time of less than 3.5 seconds. The EV6's torque delivery was seamless, with the rear motor driving the wheels until full power was needed, at which point the front motor engaged. The regenerative braking system offered more than eight settings, allowing for one-pedal driving in the maximum I-Pedal setting.

However, the EV6's driving range was disappointing in cold weather, with the battery's capacity dropping significantly. Despite charging the battery to 95 percent, the EV6 only delivered 65 percent of Kia's estimated range. Charging times were also longer than Kia's claims, with the EV6 taking 35 minutes to go from 15 to 80 percent battery at a 150 kW station. The EV6's performance was impressive, but its efficiency in cold weather was lacking.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe featured a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-6 engine with 429 hp and 384 pound-feet of torque, enhanced by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system called EQ Boost. This system provided extra power when needed and helped conserve fuel. The GLE 53 Coupe's performance was further enhanced by a SpeedShift nine-speed automatic transmission and an AMG Performance 4Matic+ AWD system. The AMG Dynamic Select system offered multiple driving modes, and the optional AMG sport exhaust system added to the driving experience.

In urban settings, the GLE Coupe's speed-sensitive variable-ratio power steering made maneuvering easy, while the AMG Active Ride Control suspension smoothed out speed humps. On the highway, the GLE Coupe was comfortable and quiet, with a reserve of performance available when needed. In Sport+ mode, the GLE Coupe excelled on winding roads, with its AWD powertrain and performance-oriented tires providing excellent grip. However, the GLE's size and weight were noticeable on challenging roads, and the performance exhaust system was loud in Sport+ mode. In Sport mode, the GLE Coupe was more rewarding to drive, with a less intrusive exhaust note.

The 2022 Kia EV6 reinvented core functions with features like pop-out door handles, paddle shifters, and a twisting rotary shifter. The climate controls and stereo shortcuts were combined in a thin touchscreen, which could be frustrating to use while driving. The EV6 offered generous legroom and headroom, with reclining rear seats and optional heated cushions. However, the cargo space was limited, with 690 litres behind the seats and 1,322 litres when folded. The towing capacity was 1,043 kilograms, and the onboard power generator could run 120-volt equipment.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe offered seating for up to five people, but it was more comfortable for four. The front seats were sport-bolstered and multi-contour, with numerous power adjustments, heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The back seat provided ample room for adult legs and feet, and the cargo hold offered 655 litres of space, expanding to 1,790 litres with the second-row seats folded. The GLE Coupe's comfort upgrades included a four-zone automatic climate control system, heated armrests, and an Air Balance in-cabin fragrance system.

The 2022 Kia EV6 featured an infotainment system similar to other Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis models, with a simple and quick interface. However, it lacked wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, requiring a wired connection. The instrument panel displayed vehicles in surrounding lanes and offered live feeds of blind spots. The 360-degree surround-view cameras were sharp and clear, and the head-up display used augmented reality for navigation. The highest trim included a 14-speaker Meridian stereo and a remote parking assist system.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe came with the MBUX infotainment system, featuring dual 12.3-inch screens under a single piece of glass. Standard features included navigation, satellite radio, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The MBUX system was easy to use, with natural voice recognition technology and multiple interaction methods. Optional features included an MBUX Interior Assistant, augmented video for navigation, a head-up display, and a Burmester 3D high-end surround-sound system.

The 2022 Kia EV6 lacked published test results from government or independent agencies, but it came equipped with impressive safety tech. Standard features included forward collision avoidance assist, lane keep assist, driver attention warning, and rear occupant alert. Higher trims offered blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and 360 cameras.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe was equipped with numerous safety features, including forward-collision warning, forward automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The Intelligent Drive Package added 13 additional systems related to driver assistance and collision avoidance. The GLE Coupe's safety systems were refined and accurate, with features like Active Lane Change Assist and Active Emergency Stop Assist. Crash-test results for the GLE Coupe were unavailable, but the standard GLE received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.