2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs 2023 Cadillac CT5

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class was a versatile offering, available in coupe, convertible, sedan, and station wagon body styles, a variety unmatched by most competitors. The E-Class sedans, designated as E350, featured a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while all variants could be upgraded to the E450, which boasted a turbo 3.0-litre inline-six engine with EQ Boost 48-volt mild-hybrid technology. In Canada, the E-Class came standard with 4Matic all-wheel drive, with rear-wheel drive not available. The AMG-tuned E-Class models, such as the AMG E53, offered a more powerful version of the E450 engine, appealing to driving enthusiasts. The AMG E53 Cabriolet, with its luxurious features and high price tag, was a car for those who appreciated opulence and style, with its matte-finish paint, premium leather, and carbon fibre trim. The interior of the AMG E53 Cabriolet was a testament to luxury, with high-resolution digital displays, Burmester speaker grilles, and supple leather, creating an environment of pure indulgence.

The 2023 Cadillac CT5, particularly in its CT5-V variant, was a rare sight on Canadian roads, often turning heads with its unique light grey metallic Rift colour and 19-inch aluminum wheels. The CT5-V was positioned between the standard CT5 and the high-performance CT5-V Blackwing, offering a sporty yet luxurious experience. Priced competitively, the CT5-V provided a balance of performance and affordability, with its twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 engine delivering 360 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque. The interior of the CT5-V was a mix of high-quality materials and some less impressive details, with standard ambient lighting, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system. While the CT5-V's interior quality lagged behind its German rivals, it offered a spacious cabin and a hands-free Super Cruise driving assistance system, making it an attractive option for those seeking a blend of performance and technology.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG E53 was equipped with a 3.0-litre turbo inline-6 engine featuring EQ Boost mild-hybrid technology, producing 429 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain ensured robust performance across a wide rev range, with a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 4.6 seconds. The AMG Speedshift nine-speed automatic transmission and AMG Performance 4Matic+ variable AWD system provided excellent power delivery, while the AMG Dynamic Select driving modes allowed drivers to tailor the car's character to their preferences. The E53 Cabriolet's AMG-tuned air suspension and performance exhaust system enhanced its dynamic capabilities, making it a versatile vehicle for both relaxed cruising and spirited driving. Despite some cowl shake due to the convertible design, the E53 Cabriolet remained solid and sure-footed, with its exhaust note adding to the driving experience. The car's three-season suitability was highlighted by its heated features and AWD system, making it a viable option for winter driving with the right tires.

The 2023 Cadillac CT5-V featured a twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 engine, delivering 360 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque. While it offered more power than the base engines of its German competitors, it fell short of the performance of models like the BMW M340i. The CT5-V's acceleration to 100 km/h was approximately five seconds, with the car sounding faster than it felt. The 10-speed automatic transmission, paired with an electronic limited-slip differential, provided power to the rear wheels, with AWD available as an option. The CT5-V's driving modes, including Tour, Sport, Track, My Mode, and V-Mode, allowed for customization of the car's performance characteristics. The Magnetic Ride Control adaptive damping suspension and Brembo front brakes contributed to the CT5-V's dynamic capabilities, while the resonant exhaust note added to the driving experience. However, the CT5-V's road noise and lack of refinement detracted from its overall appeal, despite its enjoyable driving dynamics and balance.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG E53 Cabriolet was a true four-passenger convertible, offering comfortable seating for adults in both the front and rear. The Aircap system reduced cabin turbulence with the top down, while heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and the Airscarf neck-warming system enhanced comfort. The sun-reflective leather and available ventilated front seats provided relief in hot weather, while the triple-layer acoustic soft top helped maintain a cool and quiet cabin. The multi-contour front seats with massage and the Air Balance interior fragrance system added to the luxurious experience. However, the E-Class Cabriolet's trunk space was limited, with 360 litres available with the top raised and significantly less with the top down.

The 2023 Cadillac CT5-V, built on the same platform as the smaller CT4 and Chevrolet Camaro, offered a roomier and more comfortable interior. The standard artificial leather-wrapped 18-way power-adjustable front performance seats provided good comfort and support, with genuine leather and ventilated front seats available as options. The rear seats, while offering decent knee clearance and foot room, were less accessible due to the door frame design. The CT5-V's interior storage included functional areas for smartphones and a decent-sized storage bin under the centre armrest. The trunk, however, was small and narrow, offering just 337 litres of cargo space, with some hidden storage under the trunk floor and a deep well for additional items.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class featured the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, renowned for its complexity and ease of use. The system included two 12.3-inch screens, a touchscreen, and a digital instrument cluster, providing high-resolution displays. Interaction with MBUX was possible through the touchscreen, physical controls, digital voice assistant, or steering wheel touch-sensing buttons. The system offered features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Wi-Fi service, and an augmented reality video overlay for navigation. The test car also included a Burmester surround-sound audio system, enhancing the overall experience. However, the digital assistant could be accidentally activated, and wind noise in the convertible could cause confusion.

The 2023 Cadillac CT5-V's Cadillac User Experience (CUE) infotainment system was praised for its simplicity and ease of use. The system included a 10-inch touchscreen and a 12-inch digital instrumentation display, offering features like Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The CT5-V also featured wireless smartphone charging, natural voice recognition, and a Bose 15-speaker premium audio system. While the test car lacked an embedded navigation system, Apple CarPlay was easy to use, and Cadillac's approach to stereo volume and radio tuning controls was considered perfect. The CT5-V could be upgraded with a head-up display, a high-definition surround-view camera, and a Performance Data Recorder.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class came with standard safety features like forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The E-Class Cabriolet also included pop-up rollbars for rollover protection. Mercedes Pre Safe and Pre Safe Sound were standard, preparing the cabin and occupants for a collision and protecting hearing during an impact. Active Parking Assist and a surround-view camera system aided parking, while rain-sensing wipers with Magic Vision Control improved visibility. The optional Driver Assistance Package added features like adaptive cruise control, Active Steering Assist, and Evasive Steering Assist, enhancing the car's safety capabilities.

The 2023 Cadillac CT5 featured the Cadillac Smart System, offering basic safety features like forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and a vibrating Safety Alert Seat. The CT5-V added adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The optional Super Cruise 1 Package provided hands-free driving assistance on approved highways, with features like lane-centring and lane-change systems. While Super Cruise was impressive, it required driver attention and could be overridden if necessary. The system's automated lane-change function was notable, but occasional issues with lane markings and HOV lanes were observed.