Kia EV9 vs Mercedes-Benz GLC
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.
Price Breakdown
The Kia EV9 starts from $97,000 before on-road costs, while the Mercedes-Benz GLC opens at $89,900. That makes the Mercedes-Benz GLC the more affordable entry point by $7,100.
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 $98,890 respectively.
The Kia EV9 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Mercedes-Benz GLC, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
Both the Kia EV9 and Mercedes-Benz GLC hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 84% for the Kia EV9 and 92% for the Mercedes-Benz GLC.
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 9 in the Mercedes-Benz GLC.
Feature Showdown
The Kia EV9 features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Mercedes-Benz GLC gets a 11.9-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 and V2L that you will not find on the Mercedes-Benz GLC. The Mercedes-Benz GLC counters with head-up display, panoramic roof and 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 9.4 seconds.
The Mercedes-Benz GLC responds with a Petrol making 150kW and 300Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.2 seconds.
The Kia EV9 has the clear power advantage at 160kW vs 150kW. In the real-world sprint, the Mercedes-Benz GLC is 1.2s 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, 294mm longer than the Mercedes-Benz GLC at 4,716mm (2,888mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Kia EV9 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 333L in the Kia EV9 and 600L in the Mercedes-Benz GLC, giving the Mercedes-Benz GLC a 267L advantage. The Kia EV9 seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the Kia EV9 leads with a 2,500kg braked capacity vs 2,000kg. That 500kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.9m 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 11.9m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
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 GLC). The Kia EV9 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Kia EV9 if: You prioritise performance, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mercedes-Benz GLC if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Kia EV9 takes 5 of 8 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the Mercedes-Benz GLC 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 GLC?
The Mercedes-Benz GLC is the cheapest at $89,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Kia EV9 by $7,100.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mercedes-Benz GLC uses the least fuel at 7.5L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Kia EV9 and Mercedes-Benz GLC 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 GLC has the largest boot at 600L.
Which can tow the most?
The Kia EV9 has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,500kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Kia EV9 has the longest warranty at 7 years / 1000k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Kia EV9 makes the most power at 160kW. The Mercedes-Benz GLC is quickest to 100km/h in 8.2s.
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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