2022 Kia K5 vs 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The 2022 Kia K5 was available in Canada in four trim levels: LX, EX, GT-Line, and GT. Each trim featured a turbocharged engine, with the LX, EX, and GT-Line offering standard all-wheel-drive (AWD), while the GT came with a front-wheel drive (FWD) drivetrain. The base prices ranged from $29,595 to $40,495, excluding a $1,800 destination charge. The K5 EX, priced at $32,995 in Canada, was the test car for this review. The K5's design was striking, with a low, long, and sleek appearance that suggested a luxury sports sedan. The interior, featuring 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.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, specifically the S 580e plug-in hybrid, continued the legacy of the seventh generation S-Class, which debuted in 2021. The S 580e featured a plug-in hybrid powertrain with 4Matic AWD. The exterior was sophisticated, with optional high-gloss black trim, 20-inch AMG wheels, and AMG-style bumpers and side skirts. Inside, the S-Class offered a choice of 15 leather upholstery colours and five trim materials, with our tester showcasing Sienna Brown and Black leather. The panoramic sunroof and superb fit and finish added to the luxurious feel. The interior was designed for comfort, with soft headrests and a focus on passenger relaxation.

The 2022 Kia K5 GT was the performance-oriented model, equipped with a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 290 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. However, it lacked AWD and was the least efficient version. The standard K5 featured a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine with 180 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, offering linear power delivery and decent performance for daily driving. The K5's fuel economy was rated at 8.2 litres per 100 kilometres, with our test achieving 8.1 L/100 km. The ride quality was affected by road noise and suspension issues, but wind noise was minimal. The steering system in Canadian models was more responsive, though handling was not as engaging as competitors like the Honda Accord.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S 580e combined a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six engine with a 28.6-kWh battery and electric motor, offering 90 kilometres of all-electric range. The powertrain delivered 510 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque, with a 0-100 km/h time of 4.4 seconds. The S 580e excelled in comfort, with a buttery soft air suspension and rear-wheel steering for improved manoeuvrability. The hybrid mode provided smooth transitions between electric and gas power, with a seamless nine-speed automatic transmission. Brake regeneration was adjustable, and the car offered a one-pedal driving experience.

The 2022 Kia K5 provided comfort with dual-zone automatic climate control, power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The panoramic sunroof added natural light, while the interior offered ample storage space. The K5's trunk had a capacity of 434 litres, expandable with 60/40-split folding rear seats. However, entry and exit were challenging due to the low-slung design, and rear-seat comfort was affected by hard plastic front seatback panels.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was packed with luxury features, including massaging, heated, and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and armrests. Power sunshades and soft-closing doors enhanced comfort, while ambient lighting offered 64 colours. The Energizing Comfort wellness program combined lighting, massage, audio, fragrance, and climate controls for a unique experience. Storage space was adequate, but the trunk was limited to 350 litres. The standard S-Class offered more cargo space, but the S 580e prioritized luxury over practicality.

The 2022 Kia K5 offered two infotainment systems. The base system featured an 8-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The GT-Line trim introduced a 10.25-inch touchscreen with satellite radio, navigation, and Kia Connect services, but required a cable for smartphone integration. The system's graphics were purple, and voice recognition was limited, making Apple CarPlay or Android Auto preferable.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class featured a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12.8-inch OLED touchscreen with the MBUX infotainment system. The system included a map-based home screen, games, and a natural-language AI assistant. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, along with a native navigation system with augmented reality. The system also offered a stoplight view, wireless charging, and USB-C ports. The standard Burmester sound system catered to audiophiles.

The 2022 Kia K5 excelled in safety with features like forward-collision-avoidance assist, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The Safe Exit Assist system warned occupants of unsafe exits, and Kia Connect offered 911 Connect and teen driver settings. The K5 achieved a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class offered comprehensive safety features, including lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. The hands-on highway driver-assist system used adaptive cruise control and lane-centring. Crosswind Assist and Speed Limit Assist added to the safety suite. However, the S-Class had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS.