2024 Kia K5 vs 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, in its seventh generation since 2021, continued to impress with its luxurious offerings. The S 580e model, featuring a plug-in hybrid powertrain and 4Matic all-wheel drive, was a testament to Mercedes' commitment to electrification. The exterior of the S-Class was marked by its calm sophistication, with clean lines and a sculpted front end. Our tester, however, stood out with optional high-gloss black trim, 20-inch AMG wheels, and AMG-style bumpers and side skirts, adding a touch of sportiness to its otherwise elegant demeanor. Inside, the S-Class offered a choice of eight leather upholstery colors and five trim materials, with our tester showcasing Sienna Brown and Black leather. The panoramic sunroof and superb fit and finish added to the luxurious experience, complemented by the incredibly soft headrests that promised comfort for passengers.

In contrast, the 2024 Kia K5, particularly in the GT-Line trim, was a head-turner with its striking Passion Red Tint Coat. Although the K5 had been around since 2021, it still managed to draw attention, often leaving onlookers curious about its identity. The GT-Line trim, positioned between the base LXS and the upscale EX, offered a sporty appearance without the high-powered performance of the GT model. The K5's design was both stylish and functional, with a focus on comfort and utility. The interior featured SynTex artificial leather and cloth seat inserts, with a 10-way power driver's seat and manual front passenger seat height adjuster. The dual-zone automatic climate control and optional panoramic sunroof added to the comfort, while the generous legroom and supportive back seats ensured a pleasant ride for all occupants.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S 580e combined a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine with a 28.6-kWh battery and an electric motor, offering 56 miles of all-electric range. Charging the battery at home took about two hours and 20 minutes, costing $8.93 in California. For faster charging, the S 580e supported DC fast charging at 60 kW. The EPA rated the S 580e PHEV at 51 MPGe combined, but during testing, it achieved 53.9 mpg over nearly 400 miles, with 223 miles driven on electric power alone. The powertrain delivered 510 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque, allowing the S 580e to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in about 4.4 seconds. The nine-speed automatic transmission provided seamless gear shifts, although there was a slight jerk when downshifting into first gear. The S-Class excelled in comfort mode, with its air suspension and rear-wheel steering offering a smooth and agile driving experience.

The 2024 Kia K5 offered two engine options, with the GT-Line featuring a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine producing 180 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. The K5 GT, on the other hand, boasted a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 290 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. The GT-Line's engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, while the GT used an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The GT-Line offered Smart, Normal, Sport, and Custom driving modes, with AWD models adding a Snow mode. Despite its sporty appearance, the GT-Line prioritized fuel efficiency, with an EPA rating of 31 mpg combined for FWD models. However, during testing, it averaged only 24.5 mpg. The GT-Line's suspension provided a comfortable ride with impressive control, although the brakes faded during spirited driving. The electric steering was adequate but not exceptional, and the GT-Line's performance was best suited for daily driving rather than aggressive maneuvers.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was packed with standard features, including massaging, heated, and ventilated seats for both front and rear passengers. The heated steering wheel and armrests added to the comfort, while power sunshades and soft-closing doors enhanced the luxury experience. The ambient lighting offered 64 colors for a customizable atmosphere, and the Energizing Comfort wellness program combined various features to boost mood and spirit. Storage options were plentiful, but the trunk space was limited to 8.1 cubic feet, smaller than the standard S-Class's 12.9 cubic feet.

The 2024 Kia K5 provided comfort and utility with its SynTex artificial leather and cloth seat inserts, although the material could be sticky depending on clothing. The 10-way power driver's seat and manual front passenger seat height adjuster were appreciated features, with the option for a 10-way power front-passenger seat in higher trims. Dual-zone automatic climate control and heated front seats were standard, with additional options for a heated steering wheel and ventilated front seats. The panoramic sunroof was a highlight, though it reduced headroom for taller passengers. The K5 offered generous storage areas, albeit with plastic linings that could cause noise. The trunk space measured 16 cubic feet, with a Smart Trunk function for easy access.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class featured a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12.8-inch OLED touchscreen center display with the MBUX infotainment system. The system included a variety of games, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a native navigation system with augmented reality. The optional head-up display also utilized augmented reality, although the stoplight view feature was deemed unnecessary. Wireless charging and USB-C ports were available, along with a standard Burmester sound system.

The 2024 Kia K5 offered an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system in the LXS trim, with a 10.25-inch touchscreen in higher trims. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with wireless connectivity in the LXS and wired in other trims. The larger display included navigation, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Kia Connect services, offering features like remote start and vehicle recovery. A digital voice assistant was available through Kia Connect, though the test car lacked an active subscription. The larger display also included a wireless phone charging pad, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system was optional in higher trims.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was equipped with a comprehensive suite of ADAS features, including lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and rear cross-traffic alert. The hands-on highway driver-assist system used adaptive cruise control and lane-centering to provide a semi-autonomous driving experience. Crosswind Assist and Speed Limit Assist were additional features, although the S-Class had not been rated by NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2024 Kia K5 came standard with Kia Drive Wise, offering forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and more. Upgrades included cyclist detection, parking sensors, and adaptive cruise control with Highway Driving Assist. The HDA system provided a semi-autonomous driving experience, though it required driver intervention in certain situations. The K5 received high marks from NHTSA but scored poorly in updated IIHS tests for moderate overlap frontal-impact and side-impact protection.