2025 Audi Q5 Sportback vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE

$52,200 · Crossover

$62,250 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Stuck between choosing the sporty elegance of the 2025 Audi Q5 Sportback and the substantial presence of the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE? It often comes down to size versus price. The Audi Q5 Sportback offers a compelling entry point at $52,200, undercutting the GLE by a significant $10,050. Power delivery is slightly sharper in the Audi, boasting 261 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, whereas the GLE delivers slightly more torque (295 lb-ft) but with 255 hp. Daily running costs favor the Q5 Sportback, achieving 25 combined MPG compared to the GLE's 23 combined MPG. However, if sheer utility matters, the GLE dwarfs the Q5’s 24.7 cu ft of cargo space with a massive 33.3 cu ft. Size also separates them: the Q5 is noticeably smaller at 184.6 inches long versus the GLE's 194.3 inches.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Audi Q5 Sportback

The Audi Q5 Sportback offers better fuel economy at 25 combined MPG and is easier to maneuver due to its smaller dimensions (184.6 inches long).

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE provides substantially more utility with 33.3 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Q5's 24.7 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Audi Q5 Sportback

The Audi Q5 Sportback has a slight horsepower advantage with 261 hp and a quicker-shifting 7-speed automated manual transmission.

💰 Best Value

2025 Audi Q5 Sportback

The Audi Q5 Sportback is priced $10,050 lower than the Mercedes-Benz GLE while offering a 2 MPG efficiency edge.

Choose the Audi Q5 Sportback if...

You prioritize saving money upfront, as the MSRP is $10,050 less than the GLE.
You prefer slightly better efficiency, delivering 25 combined MPG versus the GLE's 23.
You want a slightly sportier feel from the engine, packing 261 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLE if...

You need maximum hauling capability, as the 33.3 cu ft cargo area easily beats the Q5's 24.7 cu ft.
You prefer a traditional automatic setup with a 9-speed transmission.
You desire the extra space and road presence provided by the larger frame (194.3 inches long and 70.7 inches high).

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi Q5 Sportback	Mercedes-Benz GLE
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 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE.

Is the price difference between the Q5 Sportback and the GLE significant for daily drivers?

Yes, the 2025 Audi Q5 Sportback starts at $52,200, which is exactly $10,050 cheaper than the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE at $62,250. This saving doesn't even account for the Q5's slightly better fuel economy of 25 combined MPG.

Which car is better if I frequently travel with lots of luggage or sports gear?

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE is the clear winner for cargo capacity. It offers 33.3 cu ft behind the second row, which is much more generous than the Audi Q5 Sportback’s 24.7 cu ft.

How do the transmissions compare between these two premium crossovers?

The Audi Q5 utilizes a 7-speed automated manual, often providing quicker shifts for performance driving. In contrast, the larger Mercedes-Benz GLE uses a more conventional 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission.

Does the Audi Q5 require a specific fuel type?

Yes, the 2025 Audi Q5 Sportback recommends premium unleaded fuel to achieve its quoted performance and efficiency figures. The Mercedes-Benz GLE requires premium unleaded.

Which vehicle offers better power for merging onto the highway?

While both are close, the Audi Q5 Sportback edges out the GLE in horsepower, producing 261 hp compared to the GLE’s 255 hp, despite the GLE having higher torque (295 lb-ft vs 273 lb-ft).

Is the Mercedes-Benz GLE substantially bigger than the Audi Q5 Sportback?

Absolutely; the GLE is nearly 10 inches longer overall, measuring 194.3 inches compared to the Q5’s 184.6 inches. It is also significantly taller, standing at 70.7 inches versus the Audi's 65.4 inches.