2025 Audi Q3 vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

$39,800 · Crossover

$49,250 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Audi Q3 captivates with its agile, compact footprint and accessible entry point at an MSRP of $39,800, making premium feel attainable. Conversely, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class charges ahead with superior grunt, boasting 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, significantly outpacing the Q3's 228 hp. While the Q3 offers efficiency with 23 MPG combined on regular fuel, the GLC counters with a higher 27 MPG combined, albeit requiring premium unleaded. The GLC also presents a more substantial package, being nearly 9 inches longer. Drivers seeking effortless urban navigation and better fuel costs will gravitate towards the Q3, while those prioritizing raw performance and a slightly larger structure will find the $49,250 GLC more thrilling, despite its higher operational costs.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Audi Q3

The Audi Q3 wins for commuters due to its lower initial cost of $39,800 and superior combined fuel economy of 23 MPG running on regular unleaded fuel.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

The Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class offers a larger overall structure, being 185.7 inches long compared to the Q3's 176.6 inches, potentially offering more occupant comfort.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

The GLC-Class provides an undeniable performance edge with 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, easily beating the Q3's output.

💰 Best Value

2025 Audi Q3

The Audi Q3 presents superior financial value, significantly undercutting the GLC-Class by $9,450 in MSRP while still delivering AWD capability.

Choose the Audi Q3 if...

Your budget prioritizes a lower purchase price, starting at only $39,800.
You prefer to use regular unleaded gasoline rather than premium fuel.
You desire a smaller, easier-to-manage vehicle with a length of 176.6 inches for city driving.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class if...

You demand higher performance, evidenced by the 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.
You prioritize better fuel efficiency, achieving 27 MPG combined.
You need the slightly larger dimensions, including 21.9 cubic feet of cargo space.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi Q3	Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class
Length	176.6"	185.7"
Width	72.8"	74.4"
Height	62.9"	64.6"
Wheelbase	105.5"	113.7"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	—
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	—
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
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 Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Self-Leveling 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	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
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	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	228 hp	255 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	251 lb-ft	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	8-speed shiftable automatic	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	regular unleaded	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	20/28 MPG	24/32 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	23 MPG	27 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	318.0/445.2 mi.	417.6/556.8 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	15.9 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	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	—	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Automatic Parking Assist	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓

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 (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Subwoofer Count	—	1
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (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	39.6 in.	41.3 in.
Front Leg Room	40.0 in.	40.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	56.7 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	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
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 Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	—	3

Rearseats

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Rear Head Room	37.6 in.	39.7 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.1 in.	37.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.1 in.	56.6 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Wheel Material	Alloy	Alloy
Wheel Diameter	18 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/55R18	235/60R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Size	—	18 x 8.0 in

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 Q3 and 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class.

What is the primary difference in performance between the 2025 Audi Q3 and the GLC-Class?

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class holds a clear advantage in power, generating 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque from its engine. In contrast, the 2025 Audi Q3 produces 228 hp and 251 lb-ft of torque, making the GLC the quicker machine.

How much more expensive is the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class compared to the Audi Q3?

The Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class commands a significantly higher starting price of $49,250. This means it costs $9,450 more than the Audi Q3, which starts at $39,800.

Does the difference in fuel MPG justify the higher cost of the GLC?

The GLC offers a better combined MPG rating of 27, compared to the Q3's 23 MPG combined; however, the Q3 uses less expensive regular unleaded, while the GLC mandates premium fuel.

Which crossover offers better utility based on provided metrics?

The Audi Q3 technically offers slightly more storage capacity with 23.7 cubic feet of cargo room. However, the GLC-Class is substantially larger overall in physical dimensions.

Are there major differences in drivetrain and transmission?

Yes, the Audi Q3 features standard all-wheel drive paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class comes standard with rear-wheel drive and utilizes a 9-speed automatic transmission.