Kia EV9 vs Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP's published record does not give the Mercedes-Benz G-Class a rating. With no pair of ratings to compare, the active-safety features in the spec table above are the fairer comparison.

Recalls 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.

Feature Showdown

The Kia EV9 features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Mercedes-Benz G-Class gets a 12.3-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Kia EV9 stands out with heated front seats, ventilated seats, power tailgate and V2L — features our data doesn't list for the Mercedes-Benz G-Class. The Mercedes-Benz G-Class counters with head-up display, Burmester audio and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Kia EV9 gets synthetic leather upholstery while the Mercedes-Benz G-Class offers nappa leather.

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 G-Class responds with a Diesel making 270kW and 750Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 5.8 seconds.

The Mercedes-Benz G-Class has the clear power advantage at 270kW vs 160kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Mercedes-Benz G-Class is 2.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The Kia EV9 measures 5,010mm long on a 3,100mm wheelbase, 185mm longer than the Mercedes-Benz G-Class at 4,825mm (2,890mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Kia EV9 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 333L in the Kia EV9 and 480L in the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, giving the Mercedes-Benz G-Class a 147L advantage. The Kia EV9 seats 7 vs 5.

For towing, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 900kg. That 2,600kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Neither U-turns in one sweep on a 7 m local street (both need a three-point turn); the Kia EV9's turning circle is 1.0 m tighter, 12.0 m against 13.0 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 Kia EV9 costs about $1,042 a year (21.7 kWh/100km) and fuel for the Mercedes-Benz G-Class about $2,480 a year (8.7 L/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh.

Warranty: 7 years / Unlimited (Kia EV9) and 5 years / Unlimited (Mercedes-Benz G-Class).

Where each one leads

The Kia EV9: the lower starting price ($97,000 against $214,900) and the longer warranty (7 years against 5).

The Mercedes-Benz G-Class: more power (270kW against 160kW), the bigger boot with the seats up (480L against 333L) and the higher braked towing limit (3,500kg against 900kg).

The Verdict

Kia EV9 scores higher, 67 vs 65

The Kia EV9 scores 67 to the Mercedes-Benz G-Class's 65 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 3 of the 7 spec rows that separate them, at the lower price. The biggest gaps: performance (Mercedes-Benz G-Class ahead by 28 points), value (Kia EV9 ahead by 26 points), practicality (Mercedes-Benz G-Class ahead by 23 points). Boot space with the seats up: 333L in the Kia EV9, 480L in the Mercedes-Benz G-Class. Warranty: 7 years on the Kia EV9, 5 on the Mercedes-Benz G-Class.

Common questions