2025 Audi Q5 Sportback vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

$52,200 · Crossover

$61,850 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Audi Q5 Sportback captivates with its sleek, coupe-like silhouette and spirited performance, packing 261 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque into a compact, nimble package starting at $52,200. Conversely, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class exudes robust luxury and substantial road presence, offering superior utility with a massive 33.3 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Audi's 24.7 cu ft, though it commands a higher $61,850 starting price. While the Q5 Sportback edges out the GLE in efficiency with a combined 25 MPG versus the Mercedes' 23 MPG, the GLE counters with a 295 lb-ft of torque advantage, translating to potentially stronger low-end pull. This comparison pits Audi’s agile handling and better fuel economy against the GLE's segment-leading size, higher torque output, and prestige pricing point, forcing buyers to balance spirited efficiency against imposing practicality.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Audi Q5 Sportback

The Audi Q5 Sportback wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 25 MPG and smaller overall footprint.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

The Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is the family victor, offering significantly more room with 33.3 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to 24.7 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Audi Q5 Sportback

The Audi Q5 Sportback is marginally favored by enthusiasts due to its slightly higher horsepower (261 hp) and faster 7-speed transmission architecture.

💰 Best Value

2025 Audi Q5 Sportback

The Audi Q5 Sportback presents better value, costing $9,650 less than the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class while delivering competitive power figures.

Choose the Audi Q5 Sportback if...

You prioritize maximizing fuel efficiency, as the Q5 Sportback achieves 25 combined MPG.
You want to save nearly $10,000 upfront, with an MSRP of $52,200 versus $61,850 for the competitor.
You prefer a slightly more compact vehicle (184.6 inches long) for easier urban maneuvering.

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

Maximum hauling capability is critical, benefiting from the GLE-Class's substantial 33.3 cu ft of cargo capacity.
You desire the immediate punch of higher torque, as the GLE-Class produces 295 lb-ft versus 273 lb-ft.
You prefer the refined shifting feel of a 9-speed automatic transmission over the 7-speed automated manual.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi Q5 Sportback	Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class
Length	184.6"	194.3"
Width	74.5"	76.7"
Height	65.4"	70.7"
Wheelbase	111.0"	117.9"

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	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)	23/28 MPG	21/28 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	25 MPG	23 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	425.5/518.0 mi.	472.5/630.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.5 gal.	22.5 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	12.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Stereo Power	180W	—
Speaker System	10	—
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Subwoofer Count	—	2
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
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Front Head Room	38.0 in.	40.5 in.
Front Leg Room	40.9 in.	40.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.7 in.	59.3 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
Front Hip Room	—	60.8 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	—	✓
Driver Seat Memory Settings	—	3
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	—	3

Rearseats

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Rear Head Room	37.5 in.	36.9 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.0 in.	40.9 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	56.5 in.	58.3 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—
Folding Rear Seat Feature	✓	—
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	✓	—
Rear Hip Room	—	59.8 in.
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	255/50R19
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 GLE-Class.

What is the primary difference in drivetrain orientation between these two crossovers?

The 2025 Audi Q5 Sportback comes standard with all-wheel drive, enhancing traction in varied conditions, whereas the standard 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class utilizes a rear-wheel drive setup.

How does the price disparity affect the overall package?

The Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class has a significant price premium of $9,650 over the Audi Q5 Sportback, asking buyers to spend substantially more for its larger stature and slightly higher torque rating.

Which vehicle is better for longer road trips regarding fuel stops?

The Audi Q5 Sportback will require fewer stops, boasting a combined 25 MPG rating compared to the GLE-Class's 23 MPG combined figure.

Is the performance significantly different between the two models?

While both require premium fuel, the Audi offers 261 horsepower compared to the Mercedes' 255 hp, but the Mercedes counters with 295 lb-ft of torque versus the Audi's 273 lb-ft.

How much larger is the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class physically?

The GLE-Class is substantially larger; it is nearly 10 inches longer (194.3 inches vs 184.6 inches) and noticeably taller, contributing to its superior 33.3 cu ft cargo capacity.

Do both vehicles use similar automatic transmissions?

No, the Audi uses a 7-speed automated manual transmission, while the Mercedes-Benz steps up to a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission for its power delivery.