Hongqi E-HS9 vs Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV
Head-to-head comparison for the Canadian market. Which electric vehicle offers the best value in 2026?
Hongqi E-HS9
$90,000
CAD before incentives
465 km
Range
Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV
$134,900
CAD
544 km
Range
Our Verdict
The Hongqi E-HS9 saves you $44,900 compared to the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV. In Quebec, after $2,000 in provincial incentives (Chinese EVs not eligible for federal EVAP), the Hongqi E-HS9 drops to just $88,000 — making it one of the best value EVs in Canada.
Who Should Buy the Hongqi E-HS9?
The Hongqi E-HS9 is the better pick if maximizing value matters more than dealer coverage. At $90,000 CAD before incentives, it undercuts the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV by $44,900 (33%) and delivers 465 km of real-world range — enough to cover two weeks of average Canadian commuting between charges.
Best for: urban drivers in Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver and Calgary who want the latest battery tech (LFP chemistry is widely used by Chinese OEMs, offering better safety and longer cycle life than older NMC packs), don't rely on a single dealer network, and are comfortable with a brand that is newer to the Canadian market but dominant globally.
Who Should Buy the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV?
The Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV remains a strong choice if dealer access, service infrastructure, and resale value are top priorities. At $134,900 CAD, it costs more upfront, but it may qualify for up to $5,000 in federal EVAP rebates (depending on final certification), closing the gap to roughly $39,900.
Best for: buyers who value an established dealership footprint across all 10 provinces, easier access to OEM service and parts, and predictable Canadian warranty handling. The Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV also offers 79 km more range, which can matter for cold-weather Prairie and Atlantic routes.
5-Year Ownership Costs (Canada)
Based on 20,000 km/year, $0.12/kWh average Canadian electricity rate, 4% annual insurance cost, and 1% annual maintenance — typical for a new EV kept for 5 years.
Hongqi E-HS9
- Purchase
- $90,000
- Electricity (5 yr)
- +$2,160
- Insurance (5 yr)
- +$18,000
- Maintenance (5 yr)
- +$4,500
- Total
- $114,660
Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV
- Purchase
- $134,900
- Electricity (5 yr)
- +$2,160
- Insurance (5 yr)
- +$26,980
- Maintenance (5 yr)
- +$6,745
- Total
- $170,785
💡 Over 5 years, choosing the Hongqi E-HS9 saves an estimated $56,125 CAD versus the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV— that's enough to cover more than a full year of electricity, insurance and maintenance for most Canadian households.
What This Means for Canadian Buyers
The Canadian EV market is at a turning point in 2026. With the federal iZEV program renamed EVAP in February 2026, eligibility has tightened to vehicles manufactured in Canada or FTA partner countries with an MSRP under $50,000 — effectively excluding Chinese-made EVs from the $5,000 federal rebate. Quebec's Roulez vert program was also reduced from $7,000 to $2,000 in January 2026 and is scheduled to end December 31, 2026. BC, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick provincial programs have all ended.
Despite these headwinds, the Hongqi E-HS9 remains attractive because its base price ($90,000) is already below the equivalent gas-powered compact segment once you factor in the 5-year fuel savings of around $$13,200versus a typical 8 L/100 km gasoline vehicle. The Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV keeps its EVAP eligibility, shrinking the gap to the Hongqi E-HS9 to roughly $39,900.
Range matters differently depending on where you live. In Ontario and Quebec, where winter temperatures drop to -20°C, both vehicles will lose approximately 25% of their rated range — the Hongqi E-HS9 at 349 km and the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV at 408 km. Use our incentive calculator to model your province, or browse the Quebec charging guide and Ontario charging guide to plan around your local network.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Hongqi E-HS9 better than the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV?
The Hongqi E-HS9 is $44,900 cheaper than the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV in Canada — a 33% lower price. However, the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV offers 79 km more range and has established dealer networks across Canada. The best choice depends on your priorities: value (Hongqi E-HS9) or brand familiarity (Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV).
How much can I save with the Hongqi E-HS9 vs Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV?
You save $44,900 CAD on the purchase price alone. Over 5 years including fuel and maintenance savings, the total savings could exceed $59,900 compared to a gas vehicle or $44,900 compared to the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV.
When will the Hongqi E-HS9 be available in Canada?
Chinese EV brands are expected to begin Canadian sales in late 2026. Sign up for notifications on China-EV.ca to be alerted when specific models become available at dealerships near you.
Does the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV qualify for the federal EVAP rebate?
Yes — the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV may qualify for up to $5,000 federal EVAP rebate if its MSRP is under $50,000 and it's manufactured in Canada or an FTA country. Check the current iVZEV/EVAP eligibility list for the latest confirmation.
What's the 5-year total cost of ownership for the Hongqi E-HS9?
Over 5 years and 100,000 km of driving in Canada, the Hongqi E-HS9 costs approximately $114,660 CAD including purchase price ($90,000), electricity (~$2,160), insurance (~$18,000), and maintenance (~$4,500). That's $56,125 less than the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV's $170,785 total.