2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

$61,800 · Crossover

$61,850 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between performance-focused agility and sheer practicality often stumps buyers cross-shopping luxury compact crossovers like the 2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback and the larger 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class. The core dilemma pits the Audi's thrilling output against the Mercedes' superior size. The SQ5 Sportback brings 349 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, making it significantly punchier than the GLE-Class's 255 hp, although the Audi sacrifices a bit on fuel economy, netting only 21 combined MPG versus the GLE's 23 combined MPG. Despite the Mercedes being nearly 10 inches longer (194.3 inches vs 184.6 inches), the Audi still offers adequate cargo space at 24.7 cu ft, though it pales next to the GLE’s expansive 33.3 cu ft. With very similar starting MSRPs around $61,800, the choice hinges on whether you prioritize raw power or substantial passenger and cargo capacity.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

The GLE-Class achieves better fuel economy at 23 combined MPG and offers a smoother ride due to its RWD platform and 9-speed automatic.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

The Mercedes offers substantially more utility with 33.3 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Audi's 24.7 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback

The Audi SQ5 Sportback dominates in performance with 349 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, compared to the GLE's 255 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback

The Audi offers significantly more performance for nearly the identical MSRP, making its 349 hp output better value proposition than the GLE's lower power output.

Choose the Audi SQ5 Sportback if...

You prioritize spirited driving dynamics, evidenced by the SQ5 Sportback's 349 hp output.
You prefer a slightly more compact footprint (184.6 inches in length) for easier urban maneuvering.
You value performance over maximum hauling capacity, given its 369 lb-ft of torque.

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

Family hauling is key, as the GLE-Class provides a segment-leading 33.3 cu ft of cargo capacity.
You seek slightly better efficiency, noted by the GLE achieving 28 highway MPG.
You prefer the added spaciousness afforded by the GLE's larger dimensions (70.7 inches high and 194.3 inches long).

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi SQ5 Sportback	Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class
Length	184.6"	194.3"
Width	74.5"	76.7"
Height	65.4"	70.7"
Wheelbase	111.0"	117.9"

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	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)	19/24 MPG	21/28 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	21 MPG	23 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	351.5/444.0 mi.	472.5/630.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.5 gal.	22.5 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	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
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/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
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 Material	Alloy	Alloy
Wheel Size	20 x 8.0 in	19 x 8.0 in
Tire Type	Performance	All Season
Tire Size	255/45R20	255/50R19
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 GLE-Class.

How significant is the power difference between the 2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback and the GLE-Class?

The difference is quite noticeable; the Audi SQ5 Sportback boasts 349 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. In contrast, the standard 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class produces only 255 horsepower.

Which vehicle is better for long road trips in terms of passenger comfort and cargo?

The Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class wins here due to its larger size, standing 70.7 inches tall and offering a maximum cargo capacity of 33.3 cubic feet, significantly more than the Audi's 24.7 cu ft.

Does the difference in MSRP translate to significant feature disparities between these two models?

No, their starting MSRPs are nearly identical, hovering just above $61,800 for both. This makes the power upgrade in the Audi a compelling aspect of its value proposition relative to the GLE's size advantage.

Is one model more fuel-efficient than the other for daily driving?

Yes, the GLE-Class is slightly more efficient, achieving 23 combined MPG (21 City/28 Highway), compared to the performance-tuned SQ5 Sportback’s 21 combined MPG (19 City/24 Highway).

What is the main mechanical difference regarding the drivetrains?

The Audi SQ5 Sportback comes standard with all-wheel drive, providing better traction in varied conditions, whereas the base GLE-Class is rear-wheel drive, paired with a 9-speed automatic compared to Audi's 8-speed unit.

Are there size differences that affect parking ease?

Yes, the Audi SQ5 Sportback is notably shorter in length at 184.6 inches, making it nearly 10 inches shorter than the 194.3-inch GLE-Class, which generally translates to easier maneuvering in tight parking spots.