2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs 2021 Kia K5

The 2021 Kia K5 represented a fresh makeover for Kia’s identity, distinguishing itself notably from its predecessor, the Optima. This model flaunted a fastback sedan design, reminiscent of the performance-styled Kia Stinger. The GT-Line trim, with its sleek Wolf Gray paint and vivid red seats, offered a striking resemblance to the Audi A5 Sportback. This semblance was no coincidence, as Peter Schreyer—the driving design force behind Audi's resurgence—spearheaded the design. The K5 stood out with its elongated rear window blending into a short tail, polished black trim around its D-pillars, and unique taillights featuring dashed LEDs that emphasized the car’s width. Despite some faux air vents and exhaust tips, the K5's proportions made it look sporty, being lower and longer than the Optima, with a two-inch longer wheelbase.

Inside, the K5 showcased an upscale interior, particularly in the GT-Line. The dashboard design was driver-centric with a Supra-style divider, an angled center stack, and soft, quality materials throughout. Though equipped with standard analog gauges and a 8-inch touchscreen, the layout exuded a sporty and upscale vibe, surpassing the interior quality typically seen in GM and Ford.

In contrast, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class exuded a sense of pure luxury, especially in the AMG E53 Cabriolet model we reviewed. The Cabriolet version, with its matte-blue paint and radiant finish, looked sensational. Inside, Mercedes devoted impeccable attention to detail, providing sumptuous leather, a plethora of high-resolution digital displays, and an exquisite Burmester sound system. The combination of its minimalist exterior design accentuated by AMG styling, larger wheels, and the convertible top, gave the E53 Cabriolet an aura of unadulterated luxury. Further, the cabin was embellished with glowing air vents, soft seats, and exotic materials, fully encapsulating the luxury it promised.

When it came to performance, the 2021 Kia K5 in the GT-Line trim fell short of its aggressive styling. The K5 struggled to match the verve expected from a sports sedan, especially when compared to rivals like the Volkswagen GLI. Though it featured good brakes, communicative steering, and a balanced ride, the FWD GT-Line lacked the handling prowess suggested by its appearance. The GT trim, on the other hand, promised better dynamics with a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine capable of 290 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. However, this power was also routed through the front wheels, which might have compromised handling without AWD or a limited-slip differential. The standard 1.6-liter turbo-four produced 180 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission that provided commendable fuel economy: 27 mpg city, 37 mpg highway, and 31 mpg combined for FWD models.

Conversely, the 2022 Mercedes-AMG E53 Cabriolet showcased a dual-purpose personality powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with EQ Boost mild-hybrid technology. This setup delivered a robust 429 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque, propelling the car from 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds. The AMG Speedshift nine-speed automatic and 4Matic+ AWD systems ensured that power reached the pavement efficiently. The AMG Dynamic Select driving modes allowed for significant character shifts, perfect for relaxed cruising or spirited driving. The AMG-tuned air suspension and performance exhaust system, along with 20-inch wheels with summer performance tires, rounded off its dynamic attributes. Even with some minor cowl shake in convertible form, the E53 Cabriolet felt solid and agile, offering a refined yet exhilarating driving experience.

The interior space of the 2021 Kia K5 catered well to its passengers, comfortably accommodating two adults in the back despite its sloping profile. There was ample headroom and legroom for six-footers, though it lacked rear air vents—a minor drawback. Up front, the seats were supportive and firm, ideal for long drives. The hard buttons for climate control, stereo, and touchscreen proved user-friendly. A notable feature was the wireless charging pad, which was secure yet easily accessible. The trunk offered a generous 16 cubic feet of cargo space, which increased when the rear seats were folded down.

In terms of interior comfort, the 2022 Mercedes-AMG E53 Cabriolet was a true four-passenger convertible. While the focus was on front passenger comfort, with amenities like heated seats, a heated steering wheel, rapid-heating features, and the Airscarf neck-warming system, the rear seats also provided decent comfort. The sun-reflective leather and available ventilated front seats ensured a cool cabin in hot weather, while the triple-layer acoustic soft top helped maintain a quiet and cool interior. The trunk, however, offered only 9.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the top up—reducing significantly when the top was down.

The 2021 Kia K5 excelled with its user-friendly infotainment system, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. However, there were occasional glitches when reconnecting with Apple CarPlay. The base LX trim offered substantial standard equipment, including LED headlights, dual-zone climate control, and various driver assistance features. The GT-Line added several enhancements like upgraded wheels, power driver’s seat, and pretty LED taillights. An optional Premium package included advanced features like a panoramic sunroof, adaptive cruise control, and triple LED projector headlights. Higher trims included heated and ventilated seats, a Bose stereo system, and the 10-inch infotainment display.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class featured the impressive MBUX infotainment system—a benchmark in digital instrumentation. The dual 12.3-inch screens offered spectacular clarity, assisted by the swipe and scroll steering wheel controls. The system’s complexity was managed by its user-friendly interface, with interactions possible via touchscreen, physical controls, voice assistant, or steering wheel buttons. It included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, with options for WiFi service and an augmented reality overlay for navigation. The Burmester surround-sound system was another highlight, providing top-tier audio experience.

The safety features of the 2021 Kia K5 were extensive despite its newness, suggesting strong predicted ratings from NHTSA and IIHS. Standard features included forward emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist, and a driver attention monitor. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring with Safe Exit Assist, cyclist detection, and Junction Turning assist. The top trims offered features like rear emergency braking and parking sensors.

In contrast, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class came packed with standard safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Additionally, the Cabriolet featured pop-up rollbars and Pre Safe technologies to prepare for potential collisions. The AMG E53 included Active Parking Assist and the comprehensive Driver Assistance Package, which bundled several advanced features like adaptive cruise control with Active Speed Limit Assist, Active Steering Assist, and Active Blind Spot Assist. These systems were particularly impressive, aiding in various driving scenarios to ensure maximum safety.