Hyundai IONIQ 9 vs Mercedes-Benz GLE
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Data checked: specs 15 Oct 2026, price 6 Sep 2026
Driver assistance, as the maker lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
$119,750RRP
- no option data for this car
$199,900RRP
- with the Hyundai IONIQ 9's standard kit: $199,900 (nothing to add)
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
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Price Breakdown
The Hyundai IONIQ 9 starts from $119,750 before on-road costs, while the Mercedes-Benz GLE opens at $199,900. That makes the Hyundai IONIQ 9 the more affordable entry point by $80,150.
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 $219,890 respectively.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Recalls on our record
Hyundai IONIQ 9
- REC-006589 · published 20 Apr 2026Due to a software issue, the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) may fail to illuminate the visual vehicle speed, fuel level and other critical safety information.Year range on the notice: 2025
Mercedes-Benz GLE
- REC-006362 · published 16 Jun 2025Due to a manufacturing defect, the multi-purpose camera and/or the interior rear-view mirror on the windscreen may not have been bonded correctly and could detach.Year range on the notice: 2024
- REC-005948 · published 11 Apr 2024Due to a manufacturing issue, the threaded nut securing the 48 Volt wiring harness under the driver seat may become loose.Year range on the notice: 2019 - 2022
- REC-005922 · published 20 Mar 2024Due to a software issue in the transmission control module, the transmission may not downshift under certain conditions and could result in a sudden loss of engine power.Year range on the notice: 2019 - 2023
- 26 more on the model page.
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Charging Times
How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC, estimated from battery size and max charge rates.
How long to charge
110.3kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 350kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (10.5kW AC, 350kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
Feature Showdown
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 V2L and Bose audio — features our data doesn't list for 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 nappa leather. Climate control is 3-zone in the Hyundai IONIQ 9 and 2-zone in the Mercedes-Benz GLE.
Drivetrain
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 Petrol making 320kW and 560Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 5.3 seconds.
The Mercedes-Benz GLE has the clear power advantage at 320kW vs 314kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Hyundai IONIQ 9 is 0.1s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
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.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
12.1m to 12.5m
Based on 12.5m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.1m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
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.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Hyundai IONIQ 9 if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mercedes-Benz GLE if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Hyundai IONIQ 9: Top CarSorted Score, 72 vs 65
The Hyundai IONIQ 9 comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (72 vs 65), taking 4 of 7 key spec rows below and coming in at a lower price. The deciding gaps: safety (Hyundai IONIQ 9 ahead by 27), practicality (Mercedes-Benz GLE ahead by 22), value (Hyundai IONIQ 9 ahead by 20). If boot space matters, the Mercedes-Benz GLE has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Hyundai IONIQ 9 and Mercedes-Benz GLE?
The Hyundai IONIQ 9 is the cheapest at $119,750 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mercedes-Benz GLE by $80,150.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mercedes-Benz GLE uses the least fuel at 10.1L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
Hyundai IONIQ 9 holds a 5-star ANCAP rating. We have no published ANCAP rating for Mercedes-Benz GLE, so there is nothing to compare on crash performance. Compare the active-safety features above instead.
Which has the most boot space?
The Mercedes-Benz GLE has the largest boot at 630L with the seats up.
Which can tow the most?
The Mercedes-Benz GLE has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mercedes-Benz GLE makes the most power at 320kW. The Hyundai IONIQ 9 is quickest to 100km/h in 5.2s.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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