Kia EV9 vs Mercedes-Benz EQB
Two electric SUVs go head to head. Which EV is the better buy for Australian drivers in 2026?
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.
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Price Breakdown
The Kia EV9 starts from $97,000 before on-road costs, while the Mercedes-Benz EQB opens at $84,900. That makes the Mercedes-Benz EQB the more affordable entry point by $12,100.
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 $106,700 and $93,390 respectively.
Both models qualify for Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) exemption, which is a significant advantage for salary-sacrificed novated leases. Depending on your tax bracket, this can save $5,000-$15,000+ per year compared to an equivalent ICE vehicle.
Safety Rundown
Both the Kia EV9 and Mercedes-Benz EQB hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 84% for the Kia EV9 and 95% for the Mercedes-Benz EQB.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 6 out of 10 key ADAS systems.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Kia EV9 and 7 in the Mercedes-Benz EQB.
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
99.8kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 240kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (11kW AC, 240kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
How long to charge
66.5kWh 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 (11kW AC, 100kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
Feature Showdown
The Kia EV9 features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Mercedes-Benz EQB gets a 10.3-inch display and 10.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Kia EV9 stands out with heated front seats, power tailgate and V2L that you will not find on the Mercedes-Benz EQB. The Mercedes-Benz EQB counters with ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Kia EV9 uses a Electric producing 160kW and 350Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.2 seconds.
The Mercedes-Benz EQB responds with a Electric making 140kW and 385Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.9 seconds.
The Kia EV9 has the clear power advantage at 160kW vs 140kW. In the real-world sprint, the Kia EV9 is 0.7s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 76.1kWh (Kia EV9) vs 70.5kWh (Mercedes-Benz EQB), giving WLTP ranges of 519km and 465km. DC fast charging peaks at 240kW (Kia EV9) vs 100kW (Mercedes-Benz EQB).
Space & Comfort
The Kia EV9 measures 5,010mm long on a 3,100mm wheelbase, 326mm longer than the Mercedes-Benz EQB at 4,684mm (2,829mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Kia EV9 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 333L in the Kia EV9 and 495L in the Mercedes-Benz EQB, giving the Mercedes-Benz EQB a 162L advantage.
For towing, the Mercedes-Benz EQB leads with a 1,800kg braked capacity vs 900kg. That 900kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.4m to 12.0m
Based on 12.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.4m 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: 7 years / 999,999km (Kia EV9) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz EQB). The Kia EV9 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Kia EV9 if: You prioritise performance, value a longer warranty, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mercedes-Benz EQB if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Kia EV9 takes 8 of 11 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the Mercedes-Benz EQB has a clear edge. The Kia EV9 adds peace of mind with a longer 7-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Kia EV9 and Mercedes-Benz EQB?
The Mercedes-Benz EQB is the cheapest at $84,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Kia EV9 by $12,100.
Which has the longest driving range?
The Mercedes-Benz EQB has the most range at 536km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The Kia EV9 accepts the highest DC charging at up to 240kW.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Kia EV9 and Mercedes-Benz EQB all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Mercedes-Benz EQB has the largest boot at 495L.
Which can tow the most?
The Mercedes-Benz EQB has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,800kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Kia EV9 has the longest warranty at 7 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The Kia EV9 makes the most power at 160kW. The Kia EV9 is quickest to 100km/h in 8.2s.
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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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