2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE

$61,800 · Crossover

$62,250 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical disparity between the 2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback (car1) and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE (car2) is the substantial 94 horsepower advantage held by the Audi, delivering 349 hp compared to the GLE's 255 hp. This power translates to superior acceleration potential for the SQ5. Conversely, the GLE offers superior utility, boasting 33.3 cubic feet of cargo space against the SQ5’s 24.7 cubic feet. Fuel economy also favors the Mercedes, achieving a combined 23 MPG versus the Audi's 21 MPG. Although the SQ5 has a slightly lower MSRP at $61,800 versus $62,250, its premium unleaded recommendation contrasts with the GLE's requirement for premium fuel. Furthermore, the GLE is physically larger, measuring 194.3 inches in length compared to the SQ5's 184.6 inches, indicating a more substantial road presence.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE offers better fuel efficiency, achieving 23 MPG combined versus the Audi's 21 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The GLE provides significantly more utility with 33.3 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the SQ5's 24.7 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback

The 2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback is substantially more powerful, generating 349 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback

The Audi SQ5 Sportback undercuts the Mercedes-Benz GLE by $450 in starting MSRP, providing significantly more power for a lower entry price.

Choose the Audi SQ5 Sportback if...

Performance is the highest priority, evidenced by its 349 hp output.
A lower initial investment is desired, with an MSRP of $61,800.
A sportier driving feel is preferred, supported by its greater torque advantage of 369 lb-ft.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLE if...

Maximum storage is required, benefiting from 33.3 cu ft of cargo space.
Superior highway range is important, as indicated by its 28 MPG highway rating.
A physically larger vehicle is preferred, measured by its 194.3-inch length and 70.7-inch height.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi SQ5 Sportback	Mercedes-Benz GLE
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 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE.

How does the drivetrain difference impact performance between the two crossovers?

The Audi SQ5 Sportback features All-Wheel Drive and a substantial 94 hp lead, suggesting better traction and faster acceleration. Conversely, the standard Rear-Wheel Drive setup on the Mercedes-Benz GLE might appeal to traditionalists seeking a different dynamic, despite its lower 255 hp output.

Is the difference in fuel consumption significant for daily commuting?

Yes, the 2026 GLE achieves 23 MPG combined, which is 2 MPG better than the 2025 SQ5 Sportback's 21 MPG combined. For drivers anticipating high mileage, this 2 MPG margin will translate to fewer stops at the pump over a year.

Which vehicle offers more usable space for passengers and cargo?

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE is the superior choice for space, offering 33.3 cu ft of cargo capacity, which is nearly 9 cubic feet more than the Audi's 24.7 cu ft. The GLE is also physically larger in all dimensions, including height.

Are both vehicles restricted to premium fuel?

The 2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback lists premium unleaded as recommended, whereas the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE explicitly lists premium unleaded as required for its engine.

What is the cost implication of the 9-speed versus 8-speed transmissions?

While the GLE utilizes a 9-speed automatic transmission, likely aiding its slight MPG advantage, the SQ5's 8-speed unit is paired with significantly more power. The price difference is minor, with the Audi starting at $61,800 versus the GLE's $62,250.