2025 Audi Q5 Sportback vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe

$52,200 · Crossover

$59,650 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant specification difference between the 2025 Audi Q5 Sportback (Car 1) and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe (Car 2) is the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), with the Audi starting at $52,200 versus the Mercedes at $59,650, a $7,450 disparity. Performance metrics show the Audi leading in power output with 261 hp compared to the Mercedes' 255 hp, although the GLC Coupe counters with superior torque at 295 lb-ft versus the Q5 Sportback’s 273 lb-ft. Fuel economy is tightly contested, with the GLC Coupe achieving 26 MPG combined against the Audi’s 25 MPG combined, though both share a 23 MPG city rating. Cargo volume heavily favors the Audi, offering 24.7 cu ft compared to the GLC Coupe's restrictive 19.2 cu ft. Furthermore, the Audi is taller at 65.4 inches versus the Mercedes’ 63.5 inches, reflecting distinct design priorities in the luxury crossover segment.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe achieves marginally better combined fuel economy at 26 MPG and offers more low-end pulling power with 295 lb-ft of torque.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Audi Q5 Sportback

The 2025 Audi Q5 Sportback offers substantially more usable storage with 24.7 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the GLC Coupe's 19.2 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Audi Q5 Sportback

The Audi Q5 Sportback delivers greater peak horsepower (261 hp vs. 255 hp) and utilizes a unique 7-speed automated manual transmission.

💰 Best Value

2025 Audi Q5 Sportback

The Audi Q5 Sportback has a distinct $7,450 lower starting MSRP while offering superior cargo volume and greater horsepower.

Choose the Audi Q5 Sportback if...

The initial acquisition cost is paramount, given the $7,450 MSRP advantage over the GLC Coupe.
Maximum cargo utility is required, as 24.7 cu ft significantly outperforms the competition's 19.2 cu ft.
A preference exists for higher peak horsepower (261 hp) and a taller ride height (65.4 inches).

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe if...

Maximizing highway fuel efficiency is a priority, with 31 MPG highway versus the Audi's 28 MPG highway.
Superior low-end responsiveness is desired, due to the GLC Coupe's 295 lb-ft of torque.
A specialized 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission setup is preferred over the Audi's 7-speed automated manual.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi Q5 Sportback	Mercedes-Benz GLC 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.	57.3 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 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe.

Which vehicle is more expensive, the 2025 Audi Q5 Sportback or the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe?

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe carries a significantly higher MSRP of $59,650, which is $7,450 more expensive than the 2025 Audi Q5 Sportback starting at $52,200.

How do the performance specifications compare between the two luxury crossovers?

The Audi Q5 Sportback produces more horsepower at 261 hp, but the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe compensates with higher torque output, achieving 295 lb-ft versus the Audi's 273 lb-ft.

Is there a noticeable difference in fuel economy for daily commuting?

The figures are closely matched; both cars rate at 23 MPG in city driving. However, the Mercedes GLC Coupe slightly edges out the Audi on the highway and overall, achieving 31 MPG highway and 26 MPG combined against the Audi's 28 MPG highway and 25 MPG combined.

Which model offers better practicality for hauling cargo?

The 2025 Audi Q5 Sportback is the clear winner for storage capacity, offering 24.7 cubic feet of cargo room. The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe sacrifices space for style, providing only 19.2 cubic feet.

Do both vehicles require premium fuel, and what transmissions do they use?

Both vehicles recommend or require premium unleaded fuel. The Audi Q5 Sportback uses a 7-speed automated manual transmission, whereas the GLC Coupe employs a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission.

What are the key dimensional differences between the two vehicles?

The GLC Coupe is slightly longer (187.6 inches vs 184.6 inches) but is noticeably shorter in height (63.5 inches vs 65.4 inches) than the Audi Q5 Sportback.