2025 Audi A4 allroad vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC

$47,600 · Wagon

$49,550 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the 2025 Audi A4 allroad and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC often boils down to wagon practicality versus crossover height. While the Audi starts at a slightly lower MSRP of $47,600 compared to the Mercedes' $49,550, the Audi offers a better space proposition with 24.2 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the GLC's 21.9 cu ft. Performance is neck-and-neck: the A4 allroad boasts 261 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, slightly outpacing the GLC's 255 hp, although the Benz counters with marginally better torque at 295 lb-ft. Fuel economy shows a slight edge for the Mercedes, achieving 27 combined MPG versus the Audi's 26 combined MPG. The fundamental difference lies in drive type: the Audi provides standard all-wheel drive for confident traction, whereas the base GLC leans on rear-wheel drive.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC offers slightly better fuel economy at 27 combined MPG and a taller ride height.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Audi A4 allroad

The 2025 Audi A4 allroad wins for families due to its superior 24.2 cu ft of standard cargo capacity.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Audi A4 allroad

The Audi appeals more to driving enthusiasts with its standard all-wheel drive and slightly higher horsepower rating of 261 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Audi A4 allroad

The Audi provides more cargo volume and standard AWD for a lower starting MSRP of $47,600.

Choose the Audi A4 allroad if...

You prioritize cargo space and need the maximum available 24.2 cu ft provided by the wagon design.
You prefer standard all-wheel drive for enhanced traction in variable weather conditions.
You want the slightly higher peak horsepower figure of 261 hp paired with a lower entry price point.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLC if...

You desire the commanding driving position that comes with the GLC's 64.6-inch height.
You prefer the Mercedes' smoother-shifting 9-speed automatic transmission over the Audi's 7-speed automated manual.
You value the slightly better fuel efficiency, reaching 32 highway MPG compared to the Audi's 30 highway MPG.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi A4 allroad	Mercedes-Benz GLC
Length	187.5"	185.7"
Width	72.7"	74.4"
Height	58.8"	64.6"
Wheelbase	110.9"	113.1"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Lane Departure Warning	✓	—
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	—
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Preparation System	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Blind Spot Monitor	—	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Front Power Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	mild hybrid
Horsepower	261 hp @ 6300 rpm	255 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	273 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm	295 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Transmission Type	7-speed automated manual	9-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	rear wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	—
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	23/30 MPG	24/32 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	26 MPG	27 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	351.9/459.0 mi.	417.6/556.8 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	15.3 gal.	17.4 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	—
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	—
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	✓	—
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Cargo Floor Mats	✓	—
Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	—	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Automatic Parking Assist	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Infotainment Display	10.1 in	11.9 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Stereo Power	180W	—
Speaker System	10	5
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Subwoofer Count	—	1
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Satellite Radio	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	6 months

Power Feature

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass Extended	1st Row Power Glass
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Front Head Room	37.4 in.	41.3 in.
Front Leg Room	41.3 in.	40.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.9 in.	57.3 in.
Seat Material: Leather	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	10-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	10-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Driver Seat Memory Settings	—	3
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	—	3

Rearseats

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Rear Head Room	37.4 in.	39.7 in.
Rear Leg Room	35.7 in.	37.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.5 in.	56.6 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Rear Seat Feature	✓	—
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Wheel Material	Alloy	Alloy
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	18 x 8.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	245/45R H	235/60R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted

Suspension

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	—	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	—	✓

Warranty

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	12 yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	6 yr./ 62000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Audi A4 allroad and 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC.

Which vehicle is generally better for hauling cargo, the Audi A4 allroad or the Mercedes-Benz GLC?

The 2025 Audi A4 allroad is the clear winner for cargo volume, offering 24.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats. This beats the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC's capacity of 21.9 cubic feet, making the Audi's wagon body more practical for gear loading.

What is the main difference in their standard drivetrain setups?

The Audi A4 allroad comes standard with Quattro all-wheel drive, ensuring power goes to all four wheels for better grip. Conversely, the base 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC utilizes rear-wheel drive, which typically favors a sportier feel on dry pavement.

How do their fuel requirements and efficiency compare?

Both vehicles recommend or require premium unleaded fuel, but the GLC is slightly more efficient, achieving 27 combined MPG compared to the A4 allroad's 26 combined MPG. The GLC also has a slight advantage on the highway at 32 MPG versus 30 MPG.

Is the performance significant between the two, horsepower vs. torque?

The Audi edges out in horsepower with 261 hp versus the GLC's 255 hp, but the Mercedes counters with higher torque at 295 lb-ft versus the Audi's 273 lb-ft, suggesting the Benz might feel stronger pulling at lower speeds.

How much taller is the Mercedes-Benz GLC compared to the Audi A4 allroad?

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC is noticeably taller, standing at 64.6 inches, offering a higher ride height than the 2025 Audi A4 allroad, which measures 58.8 inches in height.

Which car has a lower starting price?

The 2025 Audi A4 allroad presents a lower barrier to entry with an MSRP of $47,600, which is $1,950 less than the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC's starting price of $49,550.