Head-to-head
Kia EV9 vs Mercedes EQA
The Mercedes EQA starts $11,200 (12%) below the Kia EV9. Here's how that price gap plays out across range, charging, safety and warranty.
Option A · SUV
Kia EV9
Australia's first true 7-seat electric SUV at this price point. The EV9 brings genuine three-row practicality with the same 800V fast-charging platform as the EV6 and a square-jawed, distinctive design.
- From
- $97,000
- Range
- 563 km
- Battery
- 99.8 kWh
Option B · SUV
Mercedes EQA
Mercedes-Benz's electric small SUV sits on the GLA platform and shares its body silhouette. The 5-star ANCAP rating is inherited from the B-Class tested in 2019, which is worth knowing — the result is dated under newer protocols.
- From
- $85,800
- Range
- 426 km
- Battery
- 70 kWh
Key differences at a glance
The biggest material gaps between the Kia EV9 and Mercedes EQA, ranked by how much they're likely to matter day-to-day.
- 1
Range · advantage Kia EV9
The Kia EV9 goes 137 km further on a charge (563 vs 426 km WLTP).
- 2
DC charging · advantage Kia EV9
The Kia EV9 accepts 133 kW more DC peak charging (233 vs 100 kW), meaning shorter road-trip stops.
- 3
Battery · advantage Kia EV9
The Kia EV9 carries a 29.8 kWh larger battery (99.8 vs 70 kWh).
- 4
Warranty · advantage Kia EV9
The Kia EV9 covers the vehicle for 2 more years (7 vs 5 yrs).
- 5
Price · advantage Mercedes EQA
The Mercedes EQA undercuts the Kia EV9 by $11,200 (12%) on starting price.
Spec for spec
Highlighted cells show the better number in each row.
Where the Kia EV9 wins
- ▸ 137 km longer WLTP range
- ▸ Faster DC charging peak (233 kW vs 100 kW)
- ▸ Longer warranty (7 years)
Where the Mercedes EQA wins
- ▸ Cheaper by $11,200
- ▸ Quicker 0–100 km/h (8.6s vs 9.4s)
Kia EV9
What we like
- ✓ True 7-seat layout with usable third row
- ✓ Fast 800V DC charging
- ✓ Strong towing capacity (up to 2,500 kg AWD)
What we don't
- ✕ Heavy kerb weight hurts efficiency
- ✕ Premium pricing for the top trims
- ✕ Tight boot with the third row deployed
Mercedes EQA
What we like
- ✓ Premium Mercedes cabin materials
- ✓ Long battery warranty (8 years / 160,000 km)
- ✓ Established dealer network across Australia
What we don't
- ✕ DC charging peak (100 kW) lags the segment
- ✕ Inherited ANCAP rating from older B-Class testing
- ✕ Modest boot for an SUV at this price
Frequently asked: Kia EV9 vs Mercedes EQA
Quick answers to the questions cross-shoppers most often ask about this pair.
- Which is cheaper, the Kia EV9 or the Mercedes EQA?
- The Mercedes EQA is the cheaper of the two — it starts at $85,800 versus $97,000 for the Kia EV9, a $11,200 difference. Prices shown are manufacturer recommended retail excluding on-road costs.
- Which has the longer driving range?
- The Kia EV9 has the longer WLTP-claimed range at 563 km, 137 km further than the Mercedes EQA's 426 km. Real-world range typically lands 10–20% below the WLTP figure depending on speed, terrain, climate and load.
- Which one charges faster on a DC fast charger?
- The Kia EV9 accepts a peak DC charging rate of 233 kW versus 100 kW for the Mercedes EQA. Peak rate only holds for a short window during the charging curve, so real-world 10–80% times often diverge less than the peak numbers suggest. Compatibility with 350 kW chargers depends on the vehicle's onboard architecture, not just the published peak.
- Which is quicker off the line?
- The Mercedes EQA does 0–100 km/h in 8.6 seconds — 0.8 s quicker than the Kia EV9's 9.4 s. EV acceleration figures hold up at speed better than equivalent petrol cars because electric motors deliver peak torque instantly.
- Is the Mercedes EQA better value than the Kia EV9?
- On paper the Mercedes EQA is $11,200 cheaper, but trails the Kia EV9 on the core measurable specs. The saving might still be worth it if you don't need the extra range, power or charging speed — but the Kia EV9 is the spec-sheet winner.
Which one should you buy?
The short version, based on where each car pulls ahead.
Choose the
Kia EV9
if…
- ✓ maximum range matters (137 km further per charge)
- ✓ you regularly do long road trips (faster DC peak)
- ✓ peace-of-mind warranty matters (2 more years of cover)
Choose the
Mercedes EQA
if…
- ✓ you want to save $11,200 on the sticker
- ✓ you match the profile: premium-brand buyers
Verdict reasoning is derived from published specs; brand preference, dealer experience and how a car drives are personal — always take a test drive before deciding.