2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe

$61,800 · Crossover

$59,650 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the 2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe often boils down to power versus efficiency in a sleek package. If acceleration matters most, the Audi SQ5 Sportback hits the pavement with 349 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, significantly outpacing the GLC Coupe's 255 hp. However, that performance comes at a cost, as the Audi only manages a combined 21 MPG, compared to the Mercedes' excellent 26 MPG combined rating. While both crossover coupes are comparably sized—the Mercedes is slightly longer at 187.6 inches versus the Audi's 184.6 inches—the Audi offers a more practical 24.7 cubic feet of cargo space versus the Mercedes' 19.2 cu ft. With an MSRP of $61,800, the Audi is slightly pricier than the GLC Coupe starting at $59,650, setting up a clear trade-off between robust performance and daily running economy.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 26 MPG combined versus the Audi's 21 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback

The 2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback is better for families because it offers significantly more usable storage at 24.7 cu ft compared to the GLC Coupe's 19.2 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback

Enthusiasts will prefer the Audi SQ5 Sportback for its substantial power advantage, delivering 349 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe

The Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe provides better overall value with a lower MSRP of $59,650 and 5 more miles per gallon in combined driving.

Choose the Audi SQ5 Sportback if...

You prioritize raw performance, as the SQ5 Sportback boasts 349 hp.
You need maximum hauling capability, provided by its 24.7 cu ft of cargo capacity.
You prefer slightly more ride height, measuring 65.4 inches tall versus the competitor's 63.5 inches.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe if...

Saving money at the pump is critical, given its 26 MPG combined efficiency rating.
You are looking for a lower starting price point at $59,650 compared to the Audi's $61,800.
You prefer an 8-speed automatic with a 9-speed transmission in the Mercedes for potentially smoother, lower-RPM highway cruising.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi SQ5 Sportback	Mercedes-Benz GLC 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.	57.3 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 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe.

How big is the performance gap between the two crossovers?

The performance difference is substantial; the 2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback produces 349 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, which is exactly 94 horsepower more than the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe's 255 hp.

Which crossover is more practical for hauling gear?

The Audi SQ5 Sportback is significantly more practical, offering 24.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats compared to the GLC Coupe's 19.2 cubic feet.

What is the long-term fuel cost difference?

You can expect the Mercedes GLC Coupe to be cheaper to run, offering a 5 MPG combined efficiency advantage, achieving 26 MPG versus the Audi's 21 MPG combined rating.

Are the starting prices very different?

There is a slight price difference; the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe starts at $59,650, making it $2,150 less expensive than the 2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback at $61,800.

Do both cars require premium fuel?

Yes, both vehicles specify premium unleaded fuel, though the Audi recommends it while the Mercedes requires it for operation.

Is one vehicle substantially larger than the other?

They are very similar in footprint; the Mercedes is slightly longer (187.6 inches vs 184.6 inches) but the Audi is slightly taller (65.4 inches vs 63.5 inches).