2025 Audi Q5 Sportback vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Coupe

$52,200 · Crossover

$59,300 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Audi Q5 Sportback slices through the segment with its standard 261 hp and superior cargo utility, aiming squarely at dynamic usability from its lower $52,200 MSRP. In contrast, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Coupe leans into torque, boasting 295 lb-ft of twist, justifying its $59,300 entry price with a slightly sleeker profile (63.5 inches high versus the Audi's 65.4 inches) and better highway cruising economy at 31 MPG. While the Audi wins on outright hauling power (273 lb-ft vs. 255 hp for the Mercedes), the Mercedes offers a marginally better combined fuel economy of 26 MPG. The most striking difference is the $7,100 cost gap, placing the performance-adjacent Audi firmly in the driver's seat for budget-conscious drivers who still demand sharp German engineering and superior 24.7 cu ft of cargo space against the Mercedes' 19.2 cu ft.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Coupe

The Mercedes GLC Coupe offers marginally better highway cruising efficiency at 31 MPG compared to the Audi's 28 MPG, making long commutes slightly cheaper.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Audi Q5 Sportback

The Audi Q5 Sportback offers significantly more usable utility with 24.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity versus the Mercedes' 19.2 cubic feet.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Audi Q5 Sportback

The Audi provides more immediate engine output with 261 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque standard, surpassing the Mercedes' 255 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Audi Q5 Sportback

The Audi Q5 Sportback undercuts the Mercedes by a substantial $7,100 while still offering competitive performance figures and greater cargo volume.

Choose the Audi Q5 Sportback if...

You prioritize maximizing cargo capacity, benefiting from 24.7 cu ft available.
You want the highest standard horsepower figure, achieving 261 hp right away.
You want to save $7,100 upfront, as the MSRP is significantly lower at $52,200.

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

You desire slightly better fuel efficiency, achieving 31 Highway MPG.
You prefer maximum low-end grunt, highlighted by the superior 295 lb-ft of torque.
You prefer a slightly lower, wider stance (63.5 inches high vs. 65.4 inches).

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi Q5 Sportback	Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Coupe
Length	184.6"	187.6"
Width	74.5"	74.4"
Height	65.4"	63.5"
Wheelbase	111.0"	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	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Front Power Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

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	255 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	273 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	7-speed automated manual	9-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	✓	✓

Fuel

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	23/28 MPG	23/31 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	25 MPG	26 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	425.5/518.0 mi.	400.2/539.4 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.5 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	✓	✓
Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	—	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Front View Camera	—	✓
Side View Camera	—	✓
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	—
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Satellite Radio	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	6 months
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Front Head Room	38.0 in.	38.9 in.
Front Leg Room	40.9 in.	40.8 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.7 in.	57.3 in.
Seat Material: Leather	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Sport	✓	—
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	—	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	—	✓
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	37.5 in.	38.3 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.0 in.	37.2 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	56.5 in.	56.5 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Rear Seat Feature	✓	—
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Diameter	19 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/55R19	235/55R19
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
Wheel Size	—	19 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 Q5 Sportback and 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Coupe.

What is the performance difference between the 2025 Audi Q5 Sportback and the GLC Coupe?

The Audi Q5 Sportback boasts a slight edge in raw power with 261 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque standard. However, the Mercedes GLC Coupe compensates with higher peak torque at 295 lb-ft, which may feel punchier in everyday driving despite having 255 hp.

Is the fuel economy significantly different between these two crossovers?

The difference is modest but present; the Mercedes GLC Coupe achieves 26 combined MPG (23/31 city/highway), edging out the Audi's 25 combined MPG (23/28 city/highway), particularly benefiting highway cruisers with an extra 3 MPG.

How much cargo space do I lose by choosing the style-focused GLC Coupe?

Choosing the GLC Coupe over the Q5 Sportback results in a substantial reduction in utility; the Mercedes offers only 19.2 cubic feet of space, while the Audi provides a more generous 24.7 cubic feet.

Why does the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Coupe cost $7,100 more?

The significant price disparity means the Mercedes carries a higher base MSRP of $59,300 compared to the Audi's $52,200. This premium likely reflects Mercedes-Benz brand positioning and potentially more standard luxury features, though the Audi provides more horsepower.

Are the transmission types similar in these two AWD models?

No, they utilize different architectures: the Audi employs a 7-speed automated manual transmission, whereas the Mercedes utilizes a modern 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission for potentially smoother gear changes.

Which vehicle is physically larger?

The Mercedes GLC Coupe is slightly longer at 187.6 inches versus the Audi’s 184.6 inches, but the Audi Q5 Sportback is visibly taller at 65.4 inches compared to the Mercedes’ 63.5 inches.