Kia EV9 vs MG S6 EV
What's the difference?

Kia EV9

$97,000 - $129,600

2026 price

View pricing & specs

MG S6 EV

—

2027 price

View pricing & specs

Summary

2026 Kia EV9

2027 MG S6 EV

By Stephen Ottley

Safety Rating

Electric motor type

Permanent Magnet

—

Vehicle type

Battery Electric

—

Electric range

510 km

—

Energy consumption

—

Battery capacity

99.80 kWh

Seating

—

Likes

Loaded with creature comforts
User-friendly cabin and technology
Immense performance

Bolder styling for the brand
Spacious cabin makes it family friendly
Quiet driving experience

Dislikes

Big price tag for a Kia
Active safety needs fine tuning
Doesn’t look like a $130k SUV

Lacks ‘wow factor’ in a competitive market
Safety integration still needs refinement
Ride needs fine-tuning for Aussie roads

2026 Kia EV9 Summary

Kia’s newest addition is either an overpriced mistake or the logical next step for a brand looking to move up in the world.

It’s called the EV9 GT, and much like the many ‘GT’ variants that have gone before it, this one is packing plenty of performance. It’s also loaded with creature comforts, enough to push it into the same league as the luxury car establishment.

But it also takes Kia to new heights in terms of price, which were already pushing boundaries. And it comes at a time when electric vehicles are in hot demand, but at the other end of the price spectrum.

So is this the case of the right car at the wrong time, or simply the next step in Kia’s evolution?

View full pricing & specs

2027 MG S6 EV Summary

BYD, Chery, GWM and MG - one of these Chinese car brands is not like the others.

While the first three all enjoyed major growth in 2025, MG had a year to forget. A flood of new models, rushed into the market with little or no fanfare, resulted in a nearly 20 per cent sales decline, when the brand should have been basking in the same growth as its rivals.

So, the old management has been swept away and MG Australia is attacking 2026 with a fresh outlook and a renewed purpose, fully aware that launching an affordable car and hoping the buyers come is not a sound strategy.

Which is why the brand is making a far more concerted effort with this all-new MGS6 (all one word, likely to avoid copyright issues with Audi). It’s an important model to get right, too, as the electric mid-size SUV is becoming an increasingly popular choice for Australian buyers, as witnessed by the success of the BYD Sealion 7 and Tesla Model Y.

But with those two, plus many more mid-size EV SUVs, including the Kia EV5, GAC Aion V, Geely EX5 and Zeekr 7X (to name a few), to compete with, MG will need to put its best foot forward to give the MGS6 its best chance of success.

This one model alone won’t determine the fortunes of MG in the final reckoning of the year, but if MG wants to turn around its sales numbers and enjoy the same growth as its Chinese rivals, having the MGS6 succeed would be an important step.

View full pricing & specs

Deep dive comparison

2026 Kia EV9 2027 MG S6 EV

Verdict

Whether you think the EV9 GT is an over-priced mistake or the logical next step for a brand looking to move up in the world will depend on your point-of-view.

Kia has certainly extended the appeal of the EV9 range, but possibly in the wrong direction. Certainly the wrong direction if the goal is to add significantly more sales.

A cheaper alternative to the $97,000 EV9 Air would likely be a more popular choice from the point-of-view of Australian families considering replacing their diesel-powered SUVs with something that doesn’t rely on the chaotic fuel market.

But that’s not really who the EV9 GT will appeal to. Instead, from the point-of-view of someone looking at a more expensive European option, whether it be an Audi Q8 e-tron, BMW iX or something else, the EV9 GT may be appealing in a very different way - assuming that they aren't driven by what badge is on the front.

Kia has certainly evolved beyond its ‘cheap and cheerful’ image or buying primarily for its long warranty. These days Kia is a mainstream brand, but whether it has enhanced its reputation enough to attract buyers willing to spend more than $130,000 will be decided in the showroom.

Verdict

It’s probably a bit much to place the future success or failure of MG as a brand solely on the shoulders of the MGS6. A lot more work behind-the-scenes and customer facing will need to happen to ensure the brand doesn’t repeat its 2025 sales performance.

However, the MGS6 is a step forward and something of a return to form for the brand. It’s a good value, well-equipped and spacious electric SUV, so if that’s what you’re looking for, it should be on your short list.

However, the challenge for MG is that there are several other very similar offerings that have emerged in recent times, namely the BYD Sealion 7, while hybrids like the Toyota RAV4 remain family favourites. Not to mention the other options from GAC, Geely, Hyundai, Kia, Subaru etc as the electric SUV segment continues to grow.

It won’t be easy for MG to recover lost ground but the MGS6 is a good start.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with accommodation and meals provided.

Kia EV9 vs MG S6 EV What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Kia EV9 vs MG S6 EV
What's the difference?