2025 Audi Q5 vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

$45,400 · Crossover

$49,250 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The primary divergence between the 2025 Audi Q5 and the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class lies in performance and initial investment, featuring a $3,850 MSRP gap ($45,400 vs. $49,250). The GLC-Class achieves a significant power advantage, delivering 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque compared to the Q5's 201 hp and 236 lb-ft. Despite the superior output, the GLC-Class maintains a marginal fuel economy lead, achieving 27 MPG combined against the Q5's 26 MPG combined. Conversely, the Q5 offers 4.0 cubic feet more cargo volume at 25.9 cu ft, although it is 1.4 inches shorter in length. The Audi also employs a 7-speed automated manual, while the Mercedes uses a 9-speed shiftable automatic, contributing to different driving dynamics in this luxury crossover segment comparison.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

The GLC-Class offers slightly better fuel economy at 27 MPG combined and features a more conventional 9-speed automatic transmission suited for stop-and-go driving.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Audi Q5

The Audi Q5 provides substantially more utility with 25.9 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the GLC-Class's 21.9 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

The Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class holds a decisive performance edge with 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, surpassing the Q5's 201 hp and 236 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2025 Audi Q5

The Audi Q5 secures the value victory by offering strong utility and sufficient power at a starting MSRP that is $3,850 lower than the competitor.

Choose the Audi Q5 if...

Budget constraints prioritize a lower entry price, starting at $45,400.
Maximum usable storage space is necessary, with 25.9 cu ft available.
The driver prefers an All-Wheel Drive system standard over the GLC's standard Rear Wheel Drive configuration.

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

Superior straight-line performance is a priority, due to the 255 hp output.
A slightly higher combined fuel economy rating of 27 MPG is desired.
A vehicle with 295 lb-ft of torque for better acceleration is required.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi Q5	Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class
Length	184.3"	185.7"
Width	74.5"	74.4"
Height	65.5"	64.6"
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	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	201 hp	255 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	236 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)	23/29 MPG	24/32 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	26 MPG	27 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	425.5/536.5 mi.	417.6/556.8 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	—	✓
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	5
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Subwoofer Count	—	1
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Satellite Radio	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	6 months

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Front Head Room	39.6 in.	41.3 in.
Front Leg Room	40.9 in.	40.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.7 in.	57.3 in.
Seat Material: Leather	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Driver Seat Memory Settings	—	3
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	—	3

Rearseats

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Rear Head Room	39.3 in.	39.7 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.0 in.	37.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	56.5 in.	56.6 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 Material	Alloy	Alloy
Wheel Size	18 x 8.0 in	18 x 8.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/60R18	235/60R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted

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 and 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class.

What is the actual price difference between the 2025 Audi Q5 and the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class?

The 2025 Audi Q5 has a base MSRP of $45,400, whereas the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class starts at $49,250. This represents a clear initial investment difference of $3,850 favoring the Audi.

Which crossover offers better cargo capacity for families?

The Audi Q5 is the superior choice for cargo, offering 25.9 cubic feet of storage volume. The Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class provides 21.9 cubic feet, resulting in 4.0 cubic feet less space behind the rear seats.

How significant is the horsepower advantage for the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class?

The GLC-Class generates 255 horsepower, which is 54 horsepower more than the 201 hp produced by the base engine in the Audi Q5. This translates directly to stronger acceleration metrics.

Do both vehicles require premium fuel?

Both models specify premium fuel; however, the Audi Q5 lists it as 'recommended,' while the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class mandates it, suggesting stricter fuel requirements for optimal performance.

Are the transmission systems comparable between the two German rivals?

No, they differ significantly; the Q5 uses a 7-speed automated manual, while the GLC-Class utilizes a 9-speed shiftable automatic, which might influence shift feel and responsiveness at highway speeds.

Which vehicle is dimensionally larger on the exterior?

While the GLC-Class is slightly longer at 185.7 inches versus the Q5's 184.3 inches, the Audi Q5 is noticeably wider and taller, affecting overall presence and interior headroom.