Li Auto L9 vs Mercedes EQE SUV
Head-to-head comparison for the Canadian market. Which electric vehicle offers the best value in 2026?
Li Auto L9
$75,000
CAD before incentives
210 km
Electric range
Mercedes EQE SUV
$85,990
CAD
488 km
Range
Our Verdict
The Li Auto L9 saves you $10,990 compared to the Mercedes EQE SUV. China-built EVs are not eligible for the federal EVAP rebate. Quebec's Roulez vert is limited to vehicles with an MSRP under $65,000 and ends December 31, 2026: at an estimated $75,000, the Li Auto L9 would not qualify.
Who Should Buy the Li Auto L9?
The Li Auto L9 is the better pick if maximizing value matters more than dealer coverage. At an estimated $75,000 CAD before any rebate, it undercuts the Mercedes EQE SUV by $10,990 (13%) and is a plug-in hybrid: about 210 km in electric mode, then a petrol engine takes over.
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 EQE SUV?
The Mercedes EQE SUV remains a strong choice if dealer access, service infrastructure, and resale value are top priorities. At $85,990 CAD, it costs more upfront. It may qualify for the federal EVAP rebate (up to $5,000 in 2026) if its final transaction value, mandatory fees included, is $50,000 or less.
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 EQE SUV also offers 278 km more range, which can matter for cold-weather Prairie and Atlantic routes.
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 Li Auto L9 remains attractive because its base price ($75,000) 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 EQE SUV may qualify for the federal EVAP rebate if its final transaction value is $50,000 or less; the starting prices above are shown before any rebate.
Range is not a like-for-like comparison here: the Li Auto L9 is a plug-in hybrid, so its 210 km is electric-only before the petrol engine starts, while the Mercedes EQE SUV runs on its battery alone. In Ontario and Quebec winters, expect both electric figures to drop.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 Li Auto L9 better than the Mercedes EQE SUV?
The Li Auto L9 is $10,990 cheaper than the Mercedes EQE SUV in Canada — a 13% lower price. However, the Mercedes EQE SUV offers 278 km more range and has established dealer networks across Canada. The best choice depends on your priorities: value (Li Auto L9) or brand familiarity (Mercedes EQE SUV).
How much can I save with the Li Auto L9 vs Mercedes EQE SUV?
The Li Auto L9 is estimated $10,990 CAD below the Mercedes EQE SUV on purchase price. These are starting prices before any rebate.
When will the Li Auto L9 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 EQE SUV qualify for the federal EVAP rebate?
It may: the federal EVAP rebate (up to $5,000 in 2026) is reserved for vehicles built in Canada or in a country that has a free-trade agreement with Canada, and requires a final transaction value of $50,000 or less, mandatory fees included (no cap for vehicles built in Canada). Check Transport Canada's eligible-vehicle list for the exact trim.
What's the 5-year total cost of ownership for the Li Auto L9?
Over 5 years and 100,000 km of driving in Canada, the Li Auto L9 costs approximately $95,910 CAD including purchase price ($75,000), electricity (~$2,160), insurance (~$15,000), and maintenance (~$3,750). That's $13,738 less than the Mercedes EQE SUV's $109,648 total.