Kia EV9 vs Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP lists the Kia EV9 at 5 stars (2023) and the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe at 5 stars (2022). ANCAP tested these in different years (2023 vs 2022). Its criteria get stricter about every three years, so the stars are not like for like. Adult occupant protection scored 84% for the Kia EV9 and 92% for the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe, under different test years.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 7 of 10 key ADAS systems on both.

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 Coupe.

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 GLC Coupe 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 ventilated seats and V2L — features our data doesn't list for the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe. The Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe counters with head-up display, panoramic roof, Burmester audio 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 8.2 seconds.

The Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe responds with a Petrol making 190kW and 400Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7 seconds.

The Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe has the clear power advantage at 190kW vs 160kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe is 1.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

Boot space is 333L in the Kia EV9 and 570L in the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe, giving the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe a 237L advantage. The Kia EV9 seats 7 vs 5.

For towing, the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 900kg. That 1,100kg 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 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe's turning circle is 0.1 m tighter, 11.9 m against 12.0 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 GLC Coupe about $2,195 a year (7.7 L/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh.

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

Where each one leads

The Kia EV9: the lower starting price ($97,000 against $111,400) and the longer warranty (7 years against 5).

The Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe: more power (190kW against 160kW), the bigger boot with the seats up (570L against 333L) and the higher braked towing limit (2,000kg against 900kg).

The Verdict

Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe scores higher, 72 vs 67

The Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe scores 72 to the Kia EV9's 67 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 4 of the 8 spec rows that separate them. The biggest gaps: practicality (Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe ahead by 12 points), performance (Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe ahead by 12 points). Boot space with the seats up: 333L in the Kia EV9, 570L in the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe. Warranty: 7 years on the Kia EV9, 5 on the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe.

Common questions