Hyundai Kona Electric vs Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV
Two electric SUVs go head to head. Which EV is the better buy for Australian drivers in 2026?
Hyundai Kona Electric scores higher, 70 vs 62
Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Data checked: specs 10 Nov 2026, price 15 Oct 2026
Hyundai Kona Electric
16 of 27 standard · no option data · 7 not offered · 4 no dataFrom
$46,000
RRP, before on-road costs
- Body
- SUV
- Fuel type
- Electric
- Engine
- Electric
- Power
- 99kW
- Energy use
- 14.8 kWh/100km
- Safety
- ANCAP ★4 · 2023
- Boot (seats up)
- 407L
Top CarSorted Score, 70 vs 62
Hyundai Australia offer: $43,990 drive-away (state not stated), ends 31 Dec 2026. Terms
Driva is an independent finance provider, not part of CarSorted. We aren't paid for this link.
Manufacturer offer
Drive-away
Ends 31 Dec 2026
Offer from Hyundai Australia, checked 8 Nov 2026
T&Cs apply, as the maker prints them. Eligibility, stock and build limits vary, so confirm the offer with the dealer.
Hyundai Kona Electric: we're still completing kerb weight, seat count, 0-100km/h and braked towing.
A blank cell below means we don't have that figure, not that the car scores badly on it. We leave them empty rather than estimate, so any row where one car is blank isn't a like-for-like comparison yet.
$46,000RRP
- cannot be matched: 360-Degree Camera, Head-Up Display, Premium Audio and 4 more not offered
$225,900RRP
- with the Hyundai Kona Electric's standard kit: $225,900 (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.
Price and cost per week
Hyundai Kona Electric Standard Range 99kW
$46,000
RRP, before on-road costs. Checked 15 Oct 2026
No published drive-away price on our record.
About $190 a week in repayments ($46,000 RRP, before on-road costs; assumes $5,000 deposit, 5 yrs at 7.5% p.a.). An estimate, not a loan offer.
Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV EQS 450 4MATIC SUV
$225,900
RRP when new; no longer sold new in Australia. Checked 24 June 2026
No published drive-away price on our record.
The Hyundai Kona Electric starts $179,900 lower on RRP.
The Hyundai Kona Electric currently qualifies for the electric-vehicle FBT exemption, which applies to novated leases. The Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV does not: above the $91,661 fuel-efficient lct threshold.
On-road costs (stamp duty, registration, CTP and dealer delivery) depend on your state and the dealer; ask for a written drive-away price before you sign.
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Ways to buy
For the Hyundai Kona Electric.
Finance
≈$190/wk(≈$822/mo)
Estimate on the Hyundai Kona Electric at $46,000 RRP, before on-road costs; assumes $5,000 deposit, 5 yrs at 7.5% p.a. Not a quote or an offer of credit.
Compare real car-loan ratesDriva is an independent finance provider, not part of CarSorted. We aren't paid for this link.
Novated lease
Electric, with an RRP under the $91,661 fuel-efficient LCT threshold (2026-27): under the ATO's electric cars exemption a novated lease of an eligible electric car attracts no FBT if luxury car tax was never payable on it. The benefit is still reportable.
Novated lease quoteWork out a lease on the Hyundai Kona ElectricDriva is an independent finance provider, not part of CarSorted. We aren't paid for this link. Opens apply.driva.com.au in a new tab.
Safety Rundown
We hold no ANCAP data for the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV. With no pair of ratings to compare, the active-safety features in the spec table above are the fairer comparison.
Driver assistance, as the manufacturer lists it
Driver assistance, system by system. We can confirm 7 of 10 key systems on the Hyundai Kona Electric and 8 on the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV.
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.
Recalls on our record
Hyundai Kona Electric
- REC-006586 · published 9 Apr 2026A software issue in the Battery Management System (BMS) may cause an electrical short circuit while charging or parked leading to a vehicle fire.Year range on the notice: 2018 - 2023
- REC-001592 · published 23 Aug 2021Due to a manufacturing defect, the battery does not meet specifications and may lead to an electrical short which could start a fire.Year range on the notice: 2018 - 2020
- REC-000605 · published 28 Jan 2021A software fault in the Integrated Electronic Brake (IEB) may significantly reduce braking performance.Year range on the notice: 2018 - 2020
- 1 more on the model page.
Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV
None open on our record
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 a DC fast charger, estimated from battery size and the car's own maximum charge rates.
How long to charge
48.6kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 100kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (10.4kW AC, 100kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
How long to charge
108.4kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 200kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (11kW AC, 200kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
Feature Showdown
The Hyundai Kona Electric features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV gets a 12.8-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Hyundai Kona Electric stands out with Apple CarPlay — features our data doesn't list for the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV. The Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display, panoramic roof, heated front seats, ventilated seats, power tailgate, Burmester audio and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Hyundai Kona Electric gets premium cloth upholstery while the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV offers nappa leather. Climate control is 2-zone in the Hyundai Kona Electric and 4-zone in the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV.
Equipment few rivals have, on either carShowHide
Drivetrain
The Hyundai Kona Electric uses a Electric producing 99kW and 255Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout.
The Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV responds with a Electric making 265kW and 800Nm, paired to a 1 spd auto driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.1 seconds.
The Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV has the clear power advantage at 265kW vs 99kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 48.6kWh (Hyundai Kona Electric) vs 107.8kWh (Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV), giving WLTP ranges of 370km and 609km. DC fast charging peaks at 100kW (Hyundai Kona Electric) vs 200kW (Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV).
Space & Comfort
The Hyundai Kona Electric measures 4,355mm long on a 2,660mm wheelbase, 770mm shorter than the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV at 5,125mm (3,210mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 407L in the Hyundai Kona Electric and 645L in the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV, giving the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV a 238L advantage.
Neither U-turns in one sweep on a 7 m local street (both need a three-point turn); the Hyundai Kona Electric's turning circle is 1.8 m tighter, 10.6 m against 12.4 m kerb to kerb. The street estimate is indicative, worked from the published turning circles.
Cost to own
At 15,000 km a year, electricity for the Hyundai Kona Electric costs about $710 a year (14.8 kWh/100km) and electricity for the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV about $1,070 a year (22.3 kWh/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh. That is $360 a year less for the Hyundai Kona Electric.
Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (Hyundai Kona Electric) and 5 years / Unlimited (Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV).
Where each one leads
The Hyundai Kona Electric: the lower starting price ($46,000 against $225,900) and lower fuel or energy costs on our assumptions ($710 a year against $1,070).
The Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV: more power (265kW against 99kW) and the bigger boot with the seats up (645L against 407L).
The Verdict
Hyundai Kona Electric scores higher, 70 vs 62
The Hyundai Kona Electric scores 70 to the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV's 62 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 2 of the 6 spec rows that separate them, at the lower price. The biggest gaps: energy efficiency (Hyundai Kona Electric ahead by 50 points), performance (Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV ahead by 43 points), value (Hyundai Kona Electric ahead by 33 points). At 15,000 km a year, electricity for the Hyundai Kona Electric costs about $360 less (14.8 kWh/100km against 22.3 kWh/100km, at 32c a kWh). Boot space with the seats up: 407L in the Hyundai Kona Electric, 645L in the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV.
Ways to buy
For the Hyundai Kona Electric.
Finance
≈$190/wk(≈$822/mo)
Estimate on the Hyundai Kona Electric at $46,000 RRP, before on-road costs; assumes $5,000 deposit, 5 yrs at 7.5% p.a. Not a quote or an offer of credit.
Compare real car-loan ratesDriva is an independent finance provider, not part of CarSorted. We aren't paid for this link.
Novated lease
Electric, with an RRP under the $91,661 fuel-efficient LCT threshold (2026-27): under the ATO's electric cars exemption a novated lease of an eligible electric car attracts no FBT if luxury car tax was never payable on it. The benefit is still reportable.
Novated lease quoteWork out a lease on the Hyundai Kona ElectricDriva is an independent finance provider, not part of CarSorted. We aren't paid for this link. Opens apply.driva.com.au in a new tab.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Hyundai Kona Electric and Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV?
The Hyundai Kona Electric is the cheapest at $46,000 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV by $179,900.
Which has the longest driving range?
The Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV has the most range at 698km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV accepts the highest DC charging at up to 200kW.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
Hyundai Kona Electric holds a 4-star ANCAP rating (tested 2023). We hold no ANCAP data for Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV, 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 EQS SUV has the largest boot at 645L with the seats up.
Which can tow the most?
The Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV makes the most power at 265kW.
Track the Hyundai Kona Electric & Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV
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How to read this page. Prices, specifications, ANCAP ratings, warranty, the CarSorted Score and the verdict come from our records for the grades shown, sourced from the manufacturers' Australian documents, and change when those records change; the date each was last checked is printed under the headline. Prices are recommended retail prices before on-road costs unless marked drive-away. A plug-in hybrid's fuel figure is labelled with its basis: with a full battery (the certified combined figure) or as a hybrid (battery depleted). Charging and running costs are estimates on the stated assumptions. Always confirm price and specification with the manufacturer or dealer before you buy. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
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