2025 Audi Q5 vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC

$45,400 · Crossover

$49,550 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant initial disparity between the 2025 Audi Q5 and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC is the 54 horsepower difference, with the GLC generating 255 hp compared to the Q5's 201 hp. This power gap is reflected in the $4,150 MSRP difference, positioning the GLC at $49,550 against the Q5's $45,400. However, the Audi achieves better utility in terms of size, measuring 184.3 inches long versus the GLC's 185.7 inches, while offering significantly more cargo space at 25.9 cu ft compared to the Mercedes' 21.9 cu ft. Fuel efficiency favors the GLC slightly, boasting a combined 27 MPG to the Q5's 26 MPG, though the Q5 utilizes a 7-speed transmission while the GLC employs a 9-speed automatic. The Q5 offers marginally wider dimensions at 74.5 inches compared to the GLC's 74.4 inches.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Audi Q5

The 2025 Audi Q5 wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 26 MPG versus the GLC's 27 MPG is negligible when balanced against its lower entry price of $45,400.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Audi Q5

The Audi Q5 offers substantially more usable storage with 25.9 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the GLC's 21.9 cu ft, benefiting family logistics.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC provides 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, clearly outperforming the Audi Q5's 201 hp and 236 lb-ft in raw performance metrics.

💰 Best Value

2025 Audi Q5

The Audi Q5 presents better base value, offering a $4,150 lower MSRP while providing more cargo volume and slightly better highway fuel economy (29 MPG vs. 32 MPG is negated by the price difference).

Choose the Audi Q5 if...

Your budget is prioritized, as the $45,400 MSRP is $4,150 less than the Mercedes-Benz GLC.
You require maximum cargo utility, benefiting from 25.9 cu ft of storage space.
You prefer the efficiency of a 7-speed automated manual transmission for daily driving duties.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLC if...

You prioritize maximum acceleration and torque figures, delivered by 255 hp and 295 lb-ft.
You seek the marginally higher fuel efficiency, achieving 27 combined MPG versus the Q5's 26 MPG.
A 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission is preferred over the Q5's 7-speed offering.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi Q5	Mercedes-Benz GLC
Length	184.3"	185.7"
Width	74.5"	74.4"
Height	65.5"	64.6"
Wheelbase	111.0"	113.1"

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 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC.

What is the primary powertrain difference between the 2025 Audi Q5 and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC?

The Mercedes-Benz GLC generates substantially more power, featuring 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, whereas the Audi Q5 is rated at 201 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque. Additionally, the GLC utilizes a 9-speed transmission compared to the Q5's 7-speed unit.

Which crossover provides better overall utility for cargo and passengers?

The 2025 Audi Q5 offers superior cargo capacity at 25.9 cubic feet, significantly exceeding the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC's 21.9 cubic feet. While the GLC is slightly longer at 185.7 inches, the Audi is wider, which may affect garage fitment.

How does the fuel economy compare between these two premium crossovers?

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC holds a slight edge in efficiency, achieving 27 MPG combined (24 city/32 highway). The 2025 Audi Q5 is rated at 26 MPG combined (23 city/29 highway), though both recommend premium fuel.

Is there a significant cost difference when purchasing the base models?

Yes, there is a quantifiable difference of $4,150 in the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). The 2025 Audi Q5 starts at $45,400, while the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC commands a higher entry price of $49,550.

What are the differences in drivetrain and handling characteristics mentioned in the specs?

The Audi Q5 comes standard with all-wheel drive mated to its 7-speed automated manual transmission. Conversely, the base Mercedes-Benz GLC features a rear-wheel drive configuration paired with a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission.

Are these vehicles similar in overall exterior footprint?

They are dimensionally similar; the GLC is 1.4 inches longer (185.7 inches vs. 184.3 inches) but the Q5 is negligibly wider by 0.1 inches (74.5 inches vs. 74.4 inches). The Q5 is also 0.9 inches taller.