2025 Audi Q5 vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB

$45,400 · Crossover

$43,800 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between two premium compact crossovers, the 2025 Audi Q5 and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB, often comes down to balancing luxury feel against outright efficiency and practicality. The Audi Q5 starts higher at an MSRP of $45,400 compared to the GLB's $43,800, but counters with standard all-wheel drive (AWD) and slightly better low-speed torque at 236 lb-ft versus the GLB's 258 lb-ft from a more powerful 221 hp engine. When it comes to fuel economy, the GLB pulls ahead with 28 MPG combined versus the Q5's 26 MPG combined, likely due to its FWD setup. Furthermore, the GLB is taller at 66.7 inches, potentially offering better headroom, while the Q5 provides a marginally larger cargo area at 25.9 cubic feet. Both require premium fuel, but the GLB needs it while the Q5 only recommends it, making the daily running cost comparison intriguing.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB

The Mercedes-Benz GLB wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 28 MPG combined compared to the Q5's 26 MPG combined.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Audi Q5

The Audi Q5 is slightly better for families as it offers a larger primary cargo capacity of 25.9 cubic feet versus the GLB's 22 cubic feet.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB

Enthusiasts will favor the GLB as it boasts higher peak output with 221 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, while the Q5 offers only 201 hp and 236 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB

The Mercedes-Benz GLB offers better initial value with a lower MSRP of $43,800 and better fuel efficiency, despite both being premium vehicles.

Choose the Audi Q5 if...

You prioritize consistent traction in varied weather because the Audi Q5 comes standard with All-Wheel Drive.
You need the maximum daily storage, as the Q5 has 25.9 cubic feet of cargo room versus the GLB's 22 cubic feet.
You prefer not to pay extra for fuel, as the Audi Q5 only recommends premium unleaded, whereas the GLB requires it.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLB if...

Saving money at the pump is critical, as the GLB achieves 28 MPG combined compared to the Q5's 26 MPG combined.
You desire slightly punchier performance metrics, given the GLB produces 221 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque.
You prefer a slightly taller cabin height for headroom, as the GLB measures 66.7 inches high versus the Q5's 65.5 inches.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi Q5	Mercedes-Benz GLB
Length	184.3"	182.4"
Width	74.5"	72.2"
Height	65.5"	66.7"
Wheelbase	111.0"	111.4"

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	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Front Height 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	221 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque	236 lb-ft	258 lb-ft @ 1800 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	8-speed automated manual
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	front 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	25/33 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	26 MPG	28 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	425.5/536.5 mi.	397.5/524.7 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.5 gal.	15.9 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	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Driver Assisted Parking Assist	—	✓
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	10.25 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Stereo Power	180W	—
Speaker System	10	—
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Remote Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Front Head Room	39.6 in.	40.7 in.
Front Leg Room	40.9 in.	41.1 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.7 in.	55.9 in.
Seat Material: Leather	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-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.	39.3 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.0 in.	38.1 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	56.5 in.	54.9 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 7.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	—
Tire Size	235/60R18	235/55R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—
Run Flat Tires	—	✓

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 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB.

Which crossover handles inclement weather better, the 2025 Audi Q5 or the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB?

The Audi Q5 is inherently better equipped for poor conditions as it features standard All-Wheel Drive, whereas the Mercedes-Benz GLB comes standard with Front Wheel Drive. If you frequently encounter snow or heavy rain, the Q5 offers superior baseline grip.

Is the difference in fuel economy significant between these two premium SUVs?

Yes, the difference is notable for daily drivers: the GLB achieves 28 MPG combined, saving slightly more fuel than the Q5's 26 MPG combined rating. However, both models necessitate filling up with premium unleaded fuel.

Does the Audi Q5 or Mercedes-Benz GLB offer more space for luggage?

The 2025 Audi Q5 wins in primary storage volume, offering 25.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB provides a smaller 22 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats.

How do the horsepower and torque figures stack up for performance?

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB is the more potent vehicle on paper, delivering 221 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The 2025 Audi Q5 offers less power at 201 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque.

Is there a major price difference between the base models?

There is a slight starting price advantage for the Mercedes-Benz GLB, listed at an MSRP of $43,800 compared to the Audi Q5's $45,400. This $1,600 difference can often swing buyers prioritizing initial outlay.

Which vehicle is physically larger overall?

The Audi Q5 is slightly longer at 184.3 inches versus the GLB’s 182.4 inches, but the Mercedes-Benz GLB is marginally taller, measuring 66.7 inches in height compared to the Q5's 65.5 inches.