Hyundai Ioniq 9 vs Mercedes-Benz Eqa350

What's the difference?

Hyundai is reaching for new heights with the Ioniq 9. And I don't just mean that literally – though it's certainly true that this three-row electric SUV is an absolute giant of a vehicle. I mean because it's also the most expensive car, electric or otherwise, to ever wear the Hyundai badge.

With it, Hyundai steps into premium air – the Volvo EX90 starts at around the same money, as does the Audi Q6 e-tron, albeit with fewer seats.

And because Hyundai has only brought in one flagship variant, the Ioniq 9 is also miles above the cheapest Kia EV9. But will its customers rise with it? 

Let's find out.

Have you ever wished for an electric version of a high-riding hatchback, something like a Subaru XV, but with batteries and a bit more prestige?

Clearly, many luxury car buyers have, as the conceptually similar EQA 250 has proven since launching in Australia at the tail end of 2020. Mercedes-Benz can’t import enough of them.

Now, there’s a 350 4Matic version, with two electric motors, not one, all-wheel instead of just front-wheel drive, and appreciably stronger performance.

But in the two years since the EQA’s debut, the EV landscape has transformed, with Korea and China leading in innovation, disrupting the long-established order of things.

In other words, can the new 350 4Matic cut it? Read on.