2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs 2022 Kia K5

In 2022, the Kia K5 was available in Canada in four trim levels: LX, EX, GT-Line, and GT. Each model featured a turbocharged engine, with the LX, EX, and GT-Line offering standard all-wheel-drive (AWD), while the GT came with a more powerful engine paired with front-wheel drive (FWD) only. The base prices ranged from $29,595 to $40,495, excluding a $1,800 destination charge. The U.S.-specification K5 EX tested had a Canadian MSRP of $32,995, including destination. The K5 was praised for its unique styling, resembling a luxury sports sedan rather than a practical family car. The interior, with its Glacial White Pearl paint and Ash Blue synthetic leather, exuded an upscale feel, despite some hard plastic surfaces. The controls conveyed a sense of quality, with a solid automatic transmission shifter, hefty door release handles, and refined steering wheel stalks, making the K5 feel like a bargain-priced yet well-constructed vehicle.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class offered a variety of body styles, including coupe, convertible, sedan, and station wagon. The E-Class sedans featured a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while the E450 variants came with a turbo 3.0-litre inline-six engine equipped with EQ Boost mild-hybrid technology. In Canada, 4Matic AWD was standard. The AMG E53 model, with a more powerful version of the E450 engine, was available for driving enthusiasts. The AMG E53 Cabriolet tested had a base price of $103,000, with options pushing it close to $120,000. The E-Class was noted for its design purity, with the AMG styling, larger wheels, convertible top, and matte-blue paint finish enhancing its appeal. Inside, the high-end spec featured bright digital displays, glow-in-the-dark air vents, Burmester speaker grilles, and luxurious leather, creating an unmistakable sense of luxury.

The 2022 Kia K5 GT was the choice for maximum power and performance, boasting a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 290 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, delivered to the front wheels via an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. However, the GT was the most expensive and least efficient K5 variant, lacking AWD. The standard K5 engine was a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder, generating 180 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, with power delivery between 1,500 rpm and 4,500 rpm. The K5's standard turbo-four offered linear power delivery with minimal lag, and Drive Mode Select allowed for powertrain calibration. During testing, the 1.6-litre turbo proved well-matched to the car, providing adequate acceleration for merging onto highways. Fuel economy was a concern, with the K5 returning 8.1 L/100 km during testing. The K5's ride quality was affected by road noise and suspension issues, but wind noise was minimal at highway speeds. The rack-mounted electric steering system in Canadian models was likely more responsive than the U.S.-spec test unit.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG E53 models featured a 3.0-litre turbo inline-6 engine with EQ Boost mild-hybrid technology, producing 429 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque. The engine delivered maximum power or torque between 1,800 rpm and 6,100 rpm, ensuring robust throttle response. The AMG Speedshift nine-speed automatic transmission and AMG Performance 4Matic+ AWD system provided power to the pavement, with multiple AMG Dynamic Select driving modes altering the car's character. The E53 Cabriolet had an AMG-tuned air suspension and performance exhaust system, with optional 20-inch wheels and summer performance tires. The E53 Cabriolet offered a dual personality, serving as a quiet cruiser or a performance machine, with the AMG Dynamic Select transforming its character. The car felt solid and sure-footed on twisty roads, with the exhaust note enhancing the driving experience. The E-Class Cabriolet was suitable for three-season driving, with heated features and a quick-closing top for inclement weather. The AWD system and heated wiper blades made winter driving possible with appropriate tires.

The 2022 Kia K5 offered comfort with dual-zone automatic climate control across all trims. The test vehicle featured a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and rear air conditioning vents. A panoramic sunroof provided natural light, and the power sunroof shade operated smoothly. The low-slung design made entry and exit challenging, but the front seats were comfortable, and the SynTex synthetic leather was convincing. Rear-seat passengers had ample headroom, legroom, and foot room, though reclined front seats could be problematic. Controls were logically laid out, blending style with utility. Storage space was generous, with a roomy centre armrest bin, smartphone charging slot, and hidden door panel trays. The K5's 434-litre trunk offered ample cargo space, expandable with the 60/40-split folding back seat. However, the trunk lid lacked an interior handle, and the Smart Trunk feature required the key fob for automatic release.

The Mercedes-AMG E53 Cabriolet was a true four-passenger convertible, with comfortable seating for adults front and rear. The Aircap system reduced cabin turbulence with the top down. The focus was on driver and front passenger comfort, with standard heated seats, a heated steering wheel, rapid-heating front seats, and heated armrests. The Airscarf neck-warming system was also standard. Sun-reflective leather and available ventilated front seats kept the cabin cool in hot weather, while the triple-layer acoustic soft top maintained a quiet environment. The test car featured multi-contour front seats with massage and an Air Balance interior fragrance system, enhancing long-drive comfort. With the top raised, the trunk held 360 litres of cargo, but dropping the top reduced capacity by half, similar to a Mazda MX-5 Miata.

The 2022 Kia K5 offered two infotainment systems. The standard system for LX and EX trims featured an 8-inch touchscreen with large stereo knobs, Bluetooth, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The GT-Line trim introduced a 10.25-inch touchscreen, losing the tuning knob and requiring a cable for smartphone integration. This system included satellite radio, Kia Connect services, navigation, and Sounds of Nature tracks. A wireless smartphone charger was standard on most trims, while the 12-speaker Bose audio system was exclusive to the GT trim in Canada. The infotainment graphics were predominantly purple, and voice recognition was limited, making Apple CarPlay or Android Auto preferable.

Mercedes-Benz excelled in digital instrumentation and infotainment with the MBUX system. The E-Class featured two 12.3-inch screens—a touchscreen and digital instrument cluster—offering high-resolution displays. MBUX was user-friendly, with steering wheel touchpad buttons requiring acclimation. Interaction options included the touchscreen, centre console controls, digital voice assistant, and steering wheel buttons. The system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with upgrades like Wi-Fi and augmented reality navigation. A head-up display and Burmester surround-sound audio system were available. MBUX's challenges included menu navigation and accidental activation of the digital assistant, especially in a convertible with the top down.

The 2022 Kia K5 excelled in driver assistance systems, with standard features including forward-collision-avoidance assist, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-following assist, rear occupant alert, and automatic high beams. The Safe Exit Assist system warned occupants of unsafe door openings. Kia Connect offered 911 Connect and teen driver settings. Additional features included cyclist detection, Junction Turning Assist, adaptive cruise control, Highway Driving Assist, parking sensors, automatic rear braking, and power rear child locks. The K5 achieved a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star crash-test rating from the NHTSA.

The E-Class included standard safety features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Cabriolet featured pop-up rollbars for rollover protection. Mercedes Pre Safe and Pre Safe Sound were standard, preparing the cabin for collisions and protecting hearing. Active Parking Assist and a surround-view camera system aided parking, while rain-sensing wipers with Magic Vision Control improved visibility. The Driver Assistance Package offered adaptive cruise control, Active Steering Assist, front automatic braking, Evasive Steering Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Emergency Stop Assist, and Pre Safe Plus. The package impressed with its adaptive cruise control and Active Steering Assist, including lane-change functionality. Active Emergency Stop Assist worked effectively to stop the car in emergencies.