Haval H9 vs Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class
What's the difference?

Haval H9

$12,490 - $21,990

2019 price

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Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

$138,028 - $279,900

2026 price

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Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

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Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

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Summary

2019 Haval H9

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

By Laura Berry

By Chris Thompson

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 2.0L

Diesel Turbo 6, 3.0L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Diesel

Fuel Efficiency

10.9L/100km (combined)

7.4L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Great value
Advanced safety equipment
Spacious and practical

Practical and spacious
Comfortable ride
Easy power delivery

Dislikes

Seats could be more comfortable
Agricultural driving dynamics
No diesel engine available

Almost unjustifiably expensive
Some will find interior outdated
Servicing costs

2019 Haval H9 Summary

Not content with being China’s biggest auto brand, Haval is trying to win Australia over and is now throwing everything it’s got at us in the form of its H9 flagship SUV.

Think of the H9 as an alternative to seven-seat off-roaders such as the SsangYong Rexton or Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and you’re on the right track.

We tested the top-grade Ultra in the H9 range when it came to live with my family for a week.

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2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Summary

Well into its second generation, the Mercedes-Benz GLE remains a key player in the luxury large SUV space.

Though it lags well behind the BMW X5 in terms of sales, by about half in fact, the GLE still aims to exude status and luxury, helped by a facelift in 2023.

In its category, there are however plenty of badges with the power to lure buyers away: Audi, Porsche and Range Rover. Even non-Euros like Genesis and Lexus.

Despite the facelift, the category is moving on with big screens and more tech, where the GLE still has to rely on some traditional charm to win over wallets - especially in our big diesel ‘450d’ guise.

A week behind the wheel around and out of the city should reveal whether the GLE still has a strong-enough USP in 2025.

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Deep dive comparison

2019 Haval H9 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Verdict

There's a lot to like about the Havel H9 - it's great value, practical and spacious, packed with advanced safety tech, and also darn good looking. More comfortable seats would be an improvement and so would a better feel to the cabin materials and switchgear.

As for the H9's on-road performance - the 2.0-litre engine isn't the most responsive and the ladder frame chassis limits its dynamics.

So, unless you need an off-road SUV the H9 is borderline overkill in the city, where you could step into something without four-wheel drive and with more car-like comfort and handling.

Verdict

If you can get past the relatively steep asking price, the design appeals to you, and its slightly last-gen ergonomics work for you, then there’s a lot to like about the GLE. It’s a big, capable and comfortable cruiser, but given there are cheaper and more efficient options around, it would be a decision of the heart rather than the head.

Haval H9 vs Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Haval H9 vs Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class
What's the difference?