2025 Audi Q3 vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC
Comparison Overview
Choosing between the 2025 Audi Q3 and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC often boils down to balancing budget against premium features. If saving upfront is key, the Q3 starts at a sharp $39,800 compared to the GLC's $49,550, a significant difference of $9,750. However, the GLC fights back with better efficiency, achieving 27 MPG combined versus the Q3's 23 MPG combined, which saves on fuel costs over time. While the Q3 offers a slightly better cargo space at 23.7 cubic feet against the GLC's 21.9 cubic feet, the GLC delivers more accessible power, boasting 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque to the Audi's 228 hp and 251 lb-ft. Furthermore, the Audi runs on regular unleaded, whereas the Mercedes demands premium fuel, impacting running costs further. This comparison highlights a classic trade-off between accessible entry price and superior efficiency/power metrics.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 27 MPG, easily beating the Q3's 23 MPG.
2025 Audi Q3
The 2025 Audi Q3 edges out the GLC for families by offering slightly more cargo space at 23.7 cubic feet versus 21.9 cubic feet.
2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC
Enthusiasts will favor the 2026 GLC for its 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, significantly more than the Q3's 228 hp and 251 lb-ft.
2025 Audi Q3
The Audi Q3 provides better immediate value, costing $9,750 less at the starting MSRP and running on regular unleaded fuel.
Choose the Audi Q3 if...
- You need to save nearly $10,000 immediately, as the Q3 starts at $39,800.
- You prioritize maximum cargo area, as the Q3 offers 23.7 cu ft versus the GLC's 21.9 cu ft.
- You want to save money by using regular unleaded gasoline instead of premium fuel.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLC if...
- You are willing to pay the premium price for better performance, featuring 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.
- Fuel efficiency is paramount, given the GLC achieves 27 MPG combined against the Q3's 23 MPG.
- You prefer the slightly larger vehicle dimensions, as the GLC is 185.7 inches long compared to the Q3's 176.6 inches.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Audi Q3 | Mercedes-Benz GLC |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 176.6" | 185.7" |
| Width | 72.8" | 74.4" |
| Height | 62.9" | 64.6" |
| Wheelbase | 105.5" | 113.1" |
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 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC.
How much more expensive is the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC than the 2025 Audi Q3?
The Mercedes-Benz GLC carries a significantly higher entry price, starting at $49,550, which is $9,750 more than the Audi Q3's base MSRP of $39,800.
Does the fuel requirement difference affect long-term costs?
Yes, the Audi Q3 uses regular unleaded, while the GLC requires premium fuel, meaning the GLC will incur higher, recurring fuel expenses despite its better 27 MPG combined rating.
Which crossover is actually larger for hauling gear?
Surprisingly, the smaller Q3 provides marginally more storage space, offering 23.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the larger GLC's 21.9 cubic feet.
Is the power difference between the two cars noticeable?
Absolutely; the GLC has 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, giving it a solid 27 hp and 44 lb-ft advantage over the Q3's output.
How does the drivetrain configuration differ between these two crossovers?
The 2025 Audi Q3 comes standard with all-wheel drive and an 8-speed automatic transmission, while the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC is rear-wheel drive standard, paired with a 9-speed automatic.
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