2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Coupe

$61,800 · Crossover

$59,300 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical difference between the 2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback (car1) and the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Coupe (car2) is the substantial 5 MPG lead held by the Mercedes, achieving 26 combined MPG versus the Audi's 21 combined MPG. This efficiency gap is accompanied by a significant 94 horsepower deficit in the GLC Coupe, which produces 255 hp compared to the SQ5 Sportback's potent 349 hp. The Audi also boasts 369 lb-ft of torque, substantially higher than the Mercedes' 295 lb-ft, reflecting its performance focus. Priced at $61,800, the SQ5 Sportback is $2,500 more expensive than the GLC Coupe's $59,300 MSRP. Furthermore, the Audi offers superior utility, providing 24.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity, significantly more than the GLC Coupe's 19.2 cubic feet, despite being 3 inches shorter in length.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Coupe

The GLC-Class Coupe wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 26 combined MPG versus the SQ5 Sportback's 21 combined MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback

The Audi SQ5 Sportback is better suited for families because it offers a substantially larger cargo capacity of 24.7 cu ft compared to the Mercedes' 19.2 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback

Enthusiasts will favor the SQ5 Sportback for its 349 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, overwhelming the GLC Coupe's 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Coupe

The GLC-Class Coupe offers better baseline value, costing $2,500 less ($59,300 vs $61,800) while delivering considerably better fuel efficiency.

Choose the Audi SQ5 Sportback if...

Maximum acceleration and performance are prioritized, utilizing its 349 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque.
Utility is essential, as evidenced by its 24.7 cu ft cargo capacity compared to Car 2's 19.2 cu ft.
The buyer prefers the established all-wheel-drive structure of Audi over the competitor's setup, despite the higher $61,800 MSRP.

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

Fuel costs are a major concern, benefiting from the 5 MPG combined efficiency advantage (26 MPG vs 21 MPG).
A lower initial purchase price is necessary, as the GLC Coupe starts at $59,300, undercutting the SQ5 Sportback by $2,500.
A slightly longer vehicle length (187.6 inches) that is 1 inch taller than Car 1 is desired, despite having less cargo space.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi SQ5 Sportback	Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Coupe
Length	184.6"	187.6"
Width	74.5"	74.4"
Height	65.4"	63.5"
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 Preparation System	✓	✓
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	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Front Power Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Base Engine Displacement	3.0 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	349 hp	255 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	369 lb-ft	295 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm
Number of Valves	24	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	8-speed shiftable automatic	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)	19/24 MPG	23/31 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	21 MPG	26 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	351.5/444.0 mi.	400.2/539.4 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.5 gal.	17.4 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Power 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	—	✓
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	11.9 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Stereo Power	180W	—
Speaker System	10	—
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Satellite Radio	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	6 months
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

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.	38.9 in.
Front Leg Room	40.9 in.	40.8 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.7 in.	57.3 in.
Seat Material: Leather/Sueded Microfiber	✓	—
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
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	—	✓
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Driver Seat Memory Settings	—	3
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	—	3

Rearseats

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Rear Head Room	37.5 in.	38.3 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.0 in.	37.2 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	56.5 in.	56.5 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	20 x 8.0 in	19 x 8.0 in
Tire Type	Performance	All Season
Tire Size	255/45R20	235/55R19
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 SQ5 Sportback and 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Coupe.

How much more powerful is the 2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback than the GLC-Class Coupe?

The Audi SQ5 Sportback has a 94 horsepower advantage, producing 349 hp compared to the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Coupe's 255 hp. This results in 74 more lb-ft of torque available in the Audi (369 lb-ft vs 295 lb-ft).

Which vehicle is cheaper to operate based on fuel consumption?

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Coupe is projected to be cheaper to operate based on fuel metrics. It achieves 26 combined MPG, leading the Audi SQ5 Sportback, which is rated for only 21 combined MPG.

Does the extra cost of the Audi SQ5 Sportback translate to more space?

Yes, for cargo capacity, the Audi provides 24.7 cu ft, whereas the Mercedes offers only 19.2 cu ft. However, the Audi is slightly shorter in overall length at 184.6 inches compared to the GLC Coupe's 187.6 inches.

Are the MSRPs significantly different for these two crossovers?

There is a measurable difference in the base Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price. The Audi SQ5 Sportback starts at $61,800, making it $2,500 more expensive than the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Coupe, which is listed at $59,300.

Which car utilizes an 8-speed versus a 9-speed automatic transmission?

The Audi SQ5 Sportback is equipped with an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission. In contrast, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Coupe utilizes a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission.

Do both vehicles require premium unleaded fuel?

Both vehicles mandate premium fuel, but the specification differs slightly in recommendation versus requirement. The Audi SQ5 Sportback 'recommends' premium, while the GLC-Class Coupe 'requires' it for operation.