2025 Audi Q5 Sportback vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe

$52,200 · Crossover

$77,250 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The comparison between the 2025 Audi Q5 Sportback and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe is defined by a substantial $25,050 MSRP disparity, positioning them for different market segments. The most significant numerical difference is this price gap, with the Mercedes starting at $77,250 compared to the Audi's $52,200. Performance metrics also show a clear separation: the GLE Coupe boasts 375 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, significantly outpacing the Q5 Sportback's 261 hp and 273 lb-ft. Fuel efficiency favors the smaller Audi, achieving 25 MPG combined versus the GLE Coupe's 21 MPG combined, a 4 MPG advantage for the Audi. Furthermore, the larger GLE Coupe offers superior utility, providing 31.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Q5 Sportback's 24.7 cu ft, illustrating a direct trade-off between initial cost and sheer capability/size.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Audi Q5 Sportback

The 2025 Audi Q5 Sportback wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 25 MPG, saving operational costs over the GLE Coupe's 21 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe is better suited for families as it offers substantially more cargo space at 31.6 cu ft versus 24.7 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe

Enthusiasts will prefer the 2026 GLE Coupe, which delivers a commanding 375 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, a significant boost over the Q5 Sportback's 261 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Audi Q5 Sportback

The 2025 Audi Q5 Sportback represents better value by offering adequate performance and efficiency for $25,050 less than the GLE Coupe.

Choose the Audi Q5 Sportback if...

Your priority is maximizing fuel economy, as the Q5 Sportback achieves 25 MPG combined versus 21 MPG.
You require a lower initial purchase price, with an MSRP of $52,200.
You prefer the slightly more maneuverable dimensions, measuring 184.6 inches in length.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe if...

Maximum performance is essential, characterized by 375 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque.
You need the segment-leading utility of 31.6 cu ft of cargo space.
You prefer the slightly smoother operation of a 9-speed automatic transmission over the 7-speed automated manual in car1.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi Q5 Sportback	Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe
Length	184.6"	194.5"
Width	74.5"	79.3"
Height	65.4"	68.1"
Wheelbase	111.0"	115.6"

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	3.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 6
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	mild hybrid
Horsepower	261 hp	375 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	273 lb-ft	369 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm
Number of Valves	16	24
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	19/25 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	25 MPG	21 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	425.5/518.0 mi.	427.5/562.5 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 Extended
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	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	19 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/55R19	275/50R20
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Size	—	20 x 9.0 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 Coupe.

What is the direct performance advantage of the GLE Coupe over the Q5 Sportback?

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe offers a major performance uplift, producing 375 horsepower, which is 114 hp more than the 2025 Audi Q5 Sportback's 261 hp. This is also reflected in torque figures, where the GLE Coupe provides 369 lb-ft compared to the Audi's 273 lb-ft.

How much more space does the larger GLE Coupe offer in terms of cargo capacity?

The Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe provides 31.6 cu ft of cargo room, which is notably larger than the 24.7 cu ft available in the Audi Q5 Sportback. This 6.9 cu ft difference is substantial for hauling gear.

Is the higher cost of the GLE Coupe justified by its fuel efficiency ratings?

No, the higher MSRP of $77,250 for the GLE Coupe is accompanied by lower fuel efficiency. The Audi Q5 Sportback achieves 25 MPG combined versus the Mercedes' 21 MPG combined.

Are both vehicles equipped with All-Wheel Drive and what fuel type do they require?

Both the 2025 Audi Q5 Sportback and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe feature All-Wheel Drive as standard. However, the Audi recommends premium unleaded while the Mercedes actually requires it for operation.

How do the physical dimensions of the two crossovers differ?

The GLE Coupe is significantly larger, measuring 194.5 inches in length compared to the Audi's 184.6 inches. The Mercedes is also wider (79.3 inches vs 74.5 inches) and taller (68.1 inches vs 65.4 inches).

Which vehicle utilizes a transmission with more gears?

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe is equipped with a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission. The 2025 Audi Q5 Sportback uses a 7-speed automated manual transmission.