Kia Optima vs Mercedes-Benz EQS
What's the difference?

Kia Optima

$14,670 - $22,990

2018 price

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Mercedes-Benz EQS

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2023 price

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Maserati Quattroporte

Mazda 6

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Mercedes-Benz C43

Mercedes-Benz C63

Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Mercedes-Benz EQS

Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Summary

2018 Kia Optima

2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS

By Matt Campbell

By Tom White

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Inline 4, 2.4L

Electric motor type

Permanent Magnet

Fuel Type

Unleaded Petrol

Vehicle type

Battery Electric

Fuel Efficiency

8.3L/100km (combined)

Electric range

587 km

Energy consumption

23.0 kWh/100km

Battery capacity

107.80 kWh

Seating

Likes

Very roomy
Great ownership plan
Decent price

Tech extravaganza
Astounding performance
Superb range and fast charging

Dislikes

Removed some good stuff to lower price
Not as good looking as pre-facelift model
A bit basic inside

Interior might be too much for some
Controversial styling
Rear seats could be more luxe

2018 Kia Optima Summary

There are plenty of reasons why you should still consider a mid-sized sedan like the Kia Optima. I’m sure there are… just let me think about this for a sec…

Okay, so this part of the market is dying. A decade ago, sedans like this were really popular, but now there are heaps of alternative options. Yep, people are going for mid-sized SUVs rather than mid-sized sedans like this.

But that doesn’t mean models like the just-updated 2018 Kia Optima are without their reasons for being. I’m just not sure the facelift has made it more appealing to look at…

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2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS Summary

The Mercedes-Benz EQS is a car faced with multiple momentous responsibilities.

Not only is it the latest purely electric offering from Mercedes-Benz, but it also has to represent the future of the historic S-Class limousine, and in the AMG-spiced 53 trim we’re reviewing, it has to represent the future of the brand’s driving experience, too.

So can this oddly-shaped EV really take it all on and succeed? Read on to find out.

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Deep dive comparison

2018 Kia Optima 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS

Verdict

If you travel long distances, want a good amount of space and don’t want to pay big bucks for a new car, then yeah, maybe there is a reason sedans like this will hang around for a while longer.

Sure, the appeal of sedans mightn’t be as strong as it once was, but models like the Kia Optima prove they still have a reason to exist.

Verdict

It’s unquestionably fast, certainly luxurious, but I’ll be honest, I don’t think the EQS is going to be for everyone. The styling will be challenging for some and the glittery interior tech offering might be a bit much, even for the more rusted-on Benz traditionalists.

Then again, shouldn't an electrified flagship be all about challenging the status quo, trying new ideas, and bringing new fans to the brand? If anything, I think that might be what the EQS does best.

Kia Optima vs Mercedes-Benz EQS What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Kia Optima vs Mercedes-Benz EQS
What's the difference?