2023 Cadillac CT5 vs 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

In Southern California, the 2023 Cadillac CT5 stood out amidst a sea of Asian and German luxury cars. Its rarity on the roads of Los Angeles drew attention, with many passersby giving it a second look. The CT5-V test vehicle featured a unique light gray metallic color called Rift, complemented by 19-inch aluminum wheels with a Pearl Nickel finish. Cadillac's design choices, including black, body color, chrome, and wheel-matching trim elements, were praised for their precision and attention to detail.

The CT5-V, positioned between the standard CT5 and the high-performance Blackwing, offered a sporty appeal at a starting price of $52,390. Our test model, equipped with the Climate Package and Super Cruise 1 Package, was priced at $59,405. Competing with the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class in size and power, the CT5-V's interior quality was a point of contention. While it featured high-quality materials like leather and polished metallic accents, it also had hard plastic panels and unlined storage areas that detracted from its luxury feel. Despite these drawbacks, the CT5-V boasted standard ambient lighting, dual-zone climate control, and a user-friendly infotainment system.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, with its redesigned exterior, aimed to break away from the cold, technical look of many modern vehicles. It featured long hood and short deck proportions, rounded forms, and bold detailing, including a star-map grille texture and star-shaped taillight illumination. The E-Class was available in E 350 4Matic and E 450 4Matic models, starting at $62,300. Our test car, priced at $82,450, was loaded with options, excluding only a few extras and the Multicontour Seating Package.

Inside, the E-Class exuded luxury and technology, with Tonka Brown Nappa leather upholstery and a Superscreen triple-display glass panel. The interior design blended classic luxury with modern technology, featuring wood with aluminum inlays and an active ambient lighting system. The E-Class was praised for its plush and comfortable interior, making it a standout in its class.

The 2023 Cadillac CT5-V was powered by a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 engine, delivering 360 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque. This output surpassed the base engines of competitors like the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class, though it fell short of the BMW M340i and Mercedes-AMG C 43. Cadillac claimed the CT5-V could accelerate to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds, though the car felt slower than it sounded. The CT5-V featured a 10-speed automatic transmission, rear-wheel drive, and an optional all-wheel-drive system. It offered various driving modes, including Tour, Sport, Track, My Mode, and V-Mode, allowing drivers to tailor the car's performance to their preferences.

The CT5-V's Magnetic Ride Control adaptive damping suspension and Brembo front brakes contributed to its impressive handling and braking performance. However, the car was criticized for its loud exhaust note and road noise, as well as its lack of refinement on imperfect surfaces. Despite these issues, the CT5-V was enjoyable to drive, with excellent balance, body control, and grip. The steering, while quick and precise, lacked feel and feedback.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine in the E 350 4Matic, producing 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, and a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine in the E 450 4Matic, delivering 375 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The E 350 could accelerate to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds, while the E 450 achieved the same in 4.4 seconds. Both models featured a nine-speed automatic transmission and 4Matic all-wheel drive, along with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system for improved fuel economy.

The E-Class excelled in comfort and ride quality, especially with the optional Airmatic Package, which included an adaptive air suspension and rear-axle steering. This setup allowed the E-Class to glide over road surfaces, providing a smooth and quiet ride. While the E-Class handled well on twisty roads, it was more of a luxury car than a sports sedan, prioritizing comfort and refinement over sporty performance.

The 2023 Cadillac CT5 offered a spacious and comfortable interior, built on the same platform as the smaller CT4 and Chevrolet Camaro. The standard 18-way power-adjustable front seats were wrapped in Inteluxe artificial leather, with genuine leather available as an option. The test vehicle's seats initially felt flat due to deflated bolsters, but once adjusted, they provided good comfort and support. The rear seats, while offering decent knee clearance and foot room, were challenging to access due to the door frame design.

The CT5-V featured functional storage areas, including a wireless smartphone charging pad and a slot for devices. However, the trunk space was limited to 11.9 cubic feet, making it difficult to pack for road trips. Despite this, Cadillac provided some hidden storage under the trunk floor and a deep well for additional items.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, even without the Multicontour Seating Package, offered a comfortable interior with supportive front seats available in MB-Tex, genuine leather, or premium Nappa leather. The seats were heated and power-operated, with ventilation as an option. The rear seats, while providing good leg support and a tall riding position, were challenging to access due to intrusive rear wheel wells.

Despite appearances, the E-Class had ample storage space, with sizable door pockets, a hidden center console bin, and a roomy bin under the split-top center armrest. The trunk offered 19.1 cubic feet of cargo space, though this seemed optimistic. The trunk's height allowed for full-size suitcases to be stored on their sides, and the 40/20/40-split folding rear seat expanded capacity as needed.

The 2023 Cadillac CT5-V featured the Cadillac User Experience (CUE) infotainment system, which was praised for its simplicity and ease of use. The system included a 12-inch digital instrumentation display and a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment display, offering features like Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The CT5-V also included wireless smartphone charging, Alexa Built-in, and a Bose 15-speaker premium audio system.

Cadillac provided intuitive controls for stereo volume and radio tuning, with an optional embedded navigation system and a head-up display. The CT5-V could be upgraded with a high-definition surround-view camera and a Performance Data Recorder for capturing driving footage.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class showcased the third-generation Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a 14.4-inch infotainment touchscreen. The system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a navigation system with augmented video technology. The MBUX allowed for personalized driver profiles and programmable routines, enhancing the driving experience.

The E-Class also offered online music and video streaming, a Vivaldi web browser, and a 17-speaker Burmester 4D surround-sound system. The Superscreen Package added a 12.3-inch touchscreen display for the front passenger and a video camera for conference calls. The MBUX digital voice assistant was responsive and conversational, with artificial intelligence learning over time to anticipate driver needs.

The 2023 Cadillac CT5 came with the standard Cadillac Smart System, which included 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 offered hands-free driving assistance on approved highways, with features like automated lane changes and a driver monitoring camera.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class included numerous safety features, with the Driver Assistance Package offering 15 additional technologies for $1,950. This package included upgraded Pre-Safe features, Active Emergency Stop Assist, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping, lane-centering, and lane-change systems. The E-Class's ADAS was effective in daily driving situations, though some features, like Active Speed Limit Assist, were less suitable for fast-flowing traffic.