2022 Kia K5 vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The 2022 Kia K5 commanded attention with its unique design and upscale elements. Available in LX, LXS, GT-Line, EX, and GT trims, every K5 featured a turbocharged engine. The LXS and GT-Line also offered an optional all-wheel-drive (AWD) system. Its price ranged from $23,790 to $31,190, excluding the destination charge from Kia’s West Point, Georgia assembly plant.

Our K5 EX test vehicle came with front-wheel drive (FWD), extra-cost paint, the EX Premium option package, and a set of floor mats, amounting to $33,945 including destination. With its Glacial White Pearl paint paired with an unusual Ash Blue synthetic leather over a black interior with matte-finish fake wood trim and polished metallic accents, the K5 EX radiated a sense of luxury.

Kia’s attention to detail was visible in the K5’s quality feel. The automatic transmission shifter lacked the typical looseness, door release handles had a reassuring heft, and the steering wheel stalks felt refined. The switchgear, air vents, and minimal flexing of the cabin panels further conveyed a sense of care in construction, making the K5 feel bargain-priced but not bargain-sourced.

In contrast, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class continued to embody the luxury sedan segment with its sleek, elegant design. Derived from a lineage dating back to the 1954 "Ponton" models, the current seventh-generation S-Class, code-named “W223,” represented the pinnacle of Mercedes-Benz’s flagship sedans.

The exterior of the S-Class was defined by its extended, low profile and the significant distance between the front axle and the dashboard, which contributed to its elegance. Sporting a proud Mercedes-Benz grille and a star hood ornament, the S-Class maintained its lineage while having the potential to fit seamlessly into the Audi lineup if debadged.

Inside, the S-Class’s dashboard was a testament to quality with a waterfall of open-pore wood trim cascading down to meet a 12.8-inch touchscreen, complemented by a separate 12.3-inch digital instrument panel. High-quality materials dressed the cabin meticulously from top to bottom, exuding an aura of luxury and technology.

For those seeking maximum power and performance in the Kia K5, the GT model with its turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating 290 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque was the go-to option. This engine paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission delivered a performance-oriented driving experience, albeit at a higher cost and with lower fuel efficiency.

However, the standard turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine found in other K5 trims produced a modest 180 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. This engine's power delivery was surprisingly linear, benefiting from torque availability between 1,500 rpm and 4,500 rpm, and maximum horsepower at 5,500 rpm. Drive Mode Select allowed calibration of the powertrain through Normal, Sport, Smart, and Custom settings. The K5 EX also featured Active Sound Control, simulating engine noise for added personality.

In terms of real-world performance, the K5 EX’s 1.6-liter turbo engine proved adequate for Southern California’s varied driving conditions, achieving a fuel economy of 29.1 mpg during testing against the EPA’s 31 mpg combined rating. While the K5 traversed various road surfaces efficiently, it allowed more road noise into the cabin and exhibited suspension limitations on uneven pavements.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, specifically the S500, was powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder mild-hybrid engine with “EQ Boost.” This system supplemented the engine with an electric motor, providing up to 21 additional horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, contributing to a total of 429 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque. The S580 model offered a more powerful 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, also benefiting from EQ Boost.

Both the S500 and S580 used a nine-speed automatic transmission with available paddle shifters and came standard with 4Matic AWD. Despite their hefty weights, both models were quick off the line, with the S500 reaching 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds and the S580 in 4.4 seconds. Handling remained flat and predictable, with powerful braking to match.

Fuel economy for the S500 stood at 21 mpg city/30 mpg highway/24 mpg combined, while the S580 managed 16 mpg city/25 mpg highway/19 mpg combined. The S-Class’s serene yet responsive handling made it suitable for both commuting and leisure driving.

Comfort in the 2022 Kia K5 was easy to achieve, with dual-zone automatic climate control standard across all trims. Our K5 EX test vehicle featured a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat and front passenger seat with heating and ventilation, a heated steering wheel, and rear air conditioning vents. A panoramic glass sunroof added natural light, enhancing the Ash Blue interior.

Getting into and out of the low-slung K5 could be challenging, but once inside, front seats were comfortable, and the SynTex synthetic leather emulated real leather convincingly. Rear passengers enjoyed ample room, though front seatback panels’ hard plastic could be an issue if front seats were reclined too much.

The K5’s control layout balanced style and utility, with intuitive switchgear and traditional analog gauges. Storage solutions included a spacious center armrest bin, a dedicated smartphone charging slot, and hidden trays in the door panel armrests. The K5 offered a 16 cubic-foot trunk, expandable with 60/40-split folding back seats. However, closing the trunk did not have an interior handle, relying on the Smart Trunk feature for convenience.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, a true executive sedan, ensured luxury and comfort for all passengers. Second-row passengers enjoyed powered sun blinds and a Panorama Sunroof, while the 13.8-cubic-foot trunk, though lushly carpeted, provided adequate storage.

The cabin featured six USB-C ports and a 115-volt power supply for the second row. Front seats boasted heated and ventilated active multicontour seats with massage, memory settings, lumbar support, and comfort headrests. The Luxury Line option added a heated steering wheel, heated armrests, rear seat heating, and the Energizing Comfort health and wellness system. The Executive Line for the S580 included rear multicontour seats with heating, entertainment systems, and advanced occupant restraint systems.

The S-Class’s soft-close doors prevented frustrations with wide-opening doors, while its basic and powertrain warranty offered four years/50,000 miles coverage, ensuring peace of mind.

The 2022 Kia K5 featured two infotainment systems. The standard system for LX and LXS trims had an 8-inch touchscreen, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims, starting with the GT-Line, received a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen, though losing the tuning knob and requiring a cable for smartphone connectivity. Satellite radio, Kia Connect services, Wi-Fi hotspot, navigation, and Sounds of Nature tracks were additional perks.

The K5’s infotainment system included a wireless smartphone charger and a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system in higher trims. Leading Vehicle Departure Alert and purple-themed graphics added to the tech suite. However, voice recognition technology proved subpar, necessitating reliance on smartphone integration.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class showcased cutting-edge technology, focusing on a 12.8-inch OLED touchscreen for the latest MBUX infotainment system. The OLED’s rich black levels and energy efficiency set it apart, while the 12.3-inch LED virtual instrument panel offered customizable themes and an optional 3D cluster for added depth.

Navigation received a boost with augmented video superimposing instructions on real-world surroundings, complemented by an advanced augmented reality head-up display (HUD). The audio experience, led by the Burmester 3D Surround system, provided high fidelity, with an available 4D system adding headrest speakers for a complete surround experience.

The S-Class emphasized its high-tech prowess with features like EQ Boost for the powertrain and rear-axle steering for enhanced maneuverability, boasting a tight turning radius akin to smaller cars.

The Kia K5 excelled in safety with the advanced Kia Drive Wise suite. Features included forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and junction turning assist. Additional features in the EX Premium package encompassed cyclist detection, navigation-based adaptive cruise control, Highway Driving Assist, and a surround-view monitoring system.

These systems earned the Kia K5 the highest IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating and a five-star NHTSA rating, reflecting its commitment to occupant protection.

Mercedes-Benz loaded the S-Class with comprehensive safety features. Magic Vision Control optimized windshield water spray, while active driver assistance systems like Distronic adaptive cruise control, active stop-and-go assist, active steering assist, and active brake assist enhanced safety. Pre-Safe systems prepared the car for imminent collisions, while car-to-x communication enabled real-time warning exchanges.

The S-Class also offered executive-level safety upgrades, such as rear-passenger airbags and the innovative rear-seat belt bag, underscoring its commitment to passenger safety.