2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was a fresh take on electrified mobility, distinct from its predecessor, the original Ioniq. This new model was the first in Hyundai's standalone Ioniq brand, dedicated solely to electric vehicles. The Ioniq 5's exterior design was a mix of minimalistic lines and intricate details, featuring a unique Parametric Pixel design that gave it a concept car feel. The interior, in contrast, was calm and inviting, with a "Living Space" theme that emphasized comfort and sustainability, using recycled materials and offering features like a zero-gravity relaxation mode for the driver's seat.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE 53 Coupe, with its Selenite Gray paint and 22-inch forged aluminum wheels, had a sporty yet refined appearance. The interior was luxurious, featuring high-end materials like Nappa leather and a Dinamica simulated suede headliner. The dual-screen instrumentation and infotainment system added a high-tech touch, while ambient lighting enhanced the driving experience at night. Despite its complexity, the interior design aimed for a facade of simplicity, though it took some time to get used to the vehicle's advanced technology.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered two drive configurations, three trims, and three powertrains. The base SE Standard Range model featured a single 128-kW rear-mounted electric motor, producing 168 horsepower and offering 220 miles of range. The extended-range models, available in SE, SEL, and Limited trims, had a 168-kW rear motor delivering 225 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, with a range of 303 miles. The AWD variants had a dual-motor system with a total output of 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque, but the range dropped to 256 miles. The Ioniq 5 handled well on various terrains, with four drive modes, including a Sport mode that added excitement but reduced range. Paddle shifters allowed for adjusting regenerative braking levels, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe was powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine, producing 429 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque. The engine featured EQ Boost, a 48-volt mild-hybrid system that added extra power and improved fuel efficiency. The GLE 53 Coupe had a SpeedShift nine-speed automatic transmission and an AMG Performance 4Matic+ AWD system. It offered multiple driving modes, including Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Slippery, Individual, and Off-road. The AMG Active Ride Control suspension and AMG Performance brakes enhanced its performance. The GLE 53 Coupe was nimble and composed in urban settings and offered a thrilling driving experience in Sport+ mode, though its size and weight were noticeable on winding roads.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was built on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), offering a longer wheelbase and maximizing interior space. It had a total interior volume of 133.7 cubic feet, with a passenger volume of 106.5 cu-ft. The Ioniq 5's interior was designed for comfort, with soft touchpoints and a moveable center console. The leatherette seats were supportive and comfortable, and the vehicle's design allowed for easy entry and exit from either front door.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe could technically seat five people, but it was more comfortable for four. The front seats offered numerous power adjustments, heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The back seat provided ample legroom, and the cargo hold offered 27.5 cubic feet of space, expandable to 63.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The GLE Coupe also offered various comfort upgrades, including a four-zone automatic climate control system and an Air Balance in-cabin fragrance system.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 featured advanced technology, including a high-voltage, energy-dense system with vehicle-to-load capabilities. It supported ultra-fast charging, reaching 80% battery capacity in 18 minutes, and offered unlimited 30-minute fast-charging sessions for two years through Electrify America. The Ioniq 5 also had a redesigned Blue Link connected car app, digital key, enhanced smartphone pairing, and over-the-air updates. The 12.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment were elegant and intuitive, with an anti-glare coating for better visibility.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe came with the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, featuring dual 12.3-inch screens. Standard features included navigation, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Burmester surround-sound audio system. MBUX was user-friendly, with natural voice recognition technology and multiple interaction methods. Optional features included gesture recognition, augmented video for navigation, a head-up display, and an upgraded Burmester 3D high-end surround-sound system.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was equipped with Hyundai SmartSense, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS). Standard features included blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and front- and rear-collision avoidance. The Ioniq 5 also had Hyundai Highway Drive Assist I, a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system with machine-learning adaptive cruise control. A head-up display with augmented reality overlays was available, though it could be distracting. Safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS were not yet available, but Hyundai had a strong track record of high safety ratings.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe came with numerous safety features, including forward-collision warning, forward automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The Pre Safe Sound system emitted a "pink noise" tone before a collision to protect hearing. The Driver Assistance Package added 15 additional systems, including Traffic Jam Assist and Active Lane Change Assist. The GLE Coupe's safety systems were refined and accurate, with features like Active Emergency Stop Assist and route-based speed adaptation. Crash-test results were not available, but the standard GLE received top safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA.