Hyundai IONIQ 9 vs Mercedes-Benz GLE

The Hyundai IONIQ 9 starts from $119,750 before on-road costs, while the Mercedes-Benz GLE opens at $128,900. That makes the Hyundai IONIQ 9 the more affordable entry point by $9,150.

Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $131,725 and $141,790 respectively.

The Hyundai IONIQ 9 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Mercedes-Benz GLE, as a petrol model, does not qualify.

Both the Hyundai IONIQ 9 and Mercedes-Benz GLE hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Hyundai IONIQ 9 packs more ADAS features with 10 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 7 in the Mercedes-Benz GLE.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 10 in the Hyundai IONIQ 9 and 9 in the Mercedes-Benz GLE.

How long each takes to charge — from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC — estimated from battery size and max charge rates.

The Hyundai IONIQ 9 features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Mercedes-Benz GLE gets a 12.3-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Hyundai IONIQ 9 stands out with ventilated seats, V2L and Bose audio that you will not find on the Mercedes-Benz GLE. The Mercedes-Benz GLE counters with Burmester audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Hyundai IONIQ 9 gets nappa leather upholstery while the Mercedes-Benz GLE offers synthetic leather. Climate control is 3-zone in the Hyundai IONIQ 9 and 2-zone in the Mercedes-Benz GLE.

The Hyundai IONIQ 9 runs a pure electric powertrain producing 314kW and 700Nm of torque, sent through a single-speed reduction gear to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 5.2 seconds.

The Mercedes-Benz GLE responds with a Diesel making 198kW and 550Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.3 seconds.

The Hyundai IONIQ 9 has the clear power advantage at 314kW vs 198kW. In the real-world sprint, the Hyundai IONIQ 9 is 2.1s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The Hyundai IONIQ 9 measures 5,060mm long on a 3,130mm wheelbase, 136mm longer than the Mercedes-Benz GLE at 4,924mm (2,995mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Hyundai IONIQ 9 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 338L in the Hyundai IONIQ 9 and 630L in the Mercedes-Benz GLE, giving the Mercedes-Benz GLE a 292L advantage.

For towing, the Mercedes-Benz GLE leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 2,500kg. That 1,000kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.

Warranty: 5 years (Hyundai IONIQ 9) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz GLE). Both match on warranty length.