2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe

$61,800 · Crossover

$77,250 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant divergence between the 2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe is the MSRP, presenting a substantial $15,450 price gap, with the Audi starting at $61,800 versus the Mercedes at $77,250. Performance metrics are closely matched; the GLE Coupe offers a slight edge with 375 hp compared to the SQ5 Sportback's 349 hp, although torque is identical at 369 lb-ft for both AWD models. Fuel economy is a parity point, both achieving a combined 21 MPG. However, the larger Mercedes, which is 9.9 inches longer at 194.5 inches, significantly outperforms the Audi in utility, boasting 31.6 cu ft of cargo space against the SQ5 Sportback's 24.7 cu ft. The GLE Coupe also utilizes a 9-speed automatic transmission versus the Audi's 8-speed unit, potentially influencing on-road responsiveness.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback

The Audi SQ5 Sportback wins for commuters due to its lower entry price point of $61,800 and marginally smaller exterior dimensions (184.6 inches long) aiding urban navigation.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe

The Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe is superior for families by offering substantially more cargo capacity at 31.6 cu ft compared to the Audi's 24.7 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe

The GLE Coupe appeals more to enthusiasts with its superior 375 hp output, despite sharing 369 lb-ft of torque with the Audi.

💰 Best Value

2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback

The Audi SQ5 Sportback provides superior value by offering comparable combined MPG (21) and performance metrics for $15,450 less than the Mercedes.

Choose the Audi SQ5 Sportback if...

Budget constraint necessitates the lower MSRP of $61,800.
Parking ease is critical, benefiting from the shorter 184.6-inch length.
Premium unleaded fuel is 'recommended' rather than 'required' as specified for Car 2.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe if...

Maximum utility is needed, supported by the segment-leading 31.6 cu ft of cargo space.
Maximum achievable horsepower (375 hp) is a primary performance requirement.
The benefit of a 9-speed transmission over the Audi's 8-speed unit is preferred.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi SQ5 Sportback	Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe
Length	184.6"	194.5"
Width	74.5"	79.3"
Height	65.4"	68.1"
Wheelbase	111.0"	115.6"

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	3.0 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	inline 6
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	349 hp	375 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	369 lb-ft	369 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm
Number of Valves	24	24
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	19/25 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	21 MPG	21 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	351.5/444.0 mi.	427.5/562.5 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 Extended
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	—
Wheel Size	20 x 8.0 in	20 x 9.0 in
Tire Type	Performance	All Season
Tire Size	255/45R20	275/50R20
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy

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 Coupe.

What is the primary financial difference between the 2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback and the 2026 GLE Coupe?

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe has a significantly higher MSRP of $77,250, resulting in a $15,450 premium over the 2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback's $61,800 starting price.

How do the performance outputs (HP and Torque) compare between the two crossovers?

The GLE Coupe leads marginally in power, producing 375 hp compared to the SQ5 Sportback's 349 hp; however, both vehicles produce an identical 369 lb-ft of torque.

Is there a noticeable difference in space and practicality given the exterior size variance?

Yes, the GLE Coupe is noticeably larger at 194.5 inches in length versus the Audi's 184.6 inches, translating directly to 31.6 cu ft of cargo capacity for the Mercedes versus 24.7 cu ft for the Audi.

Do these luxury crossovers offer similar fuel economy ratings?

Both vehicles are rated identically for fuel efficiency, achieving a combined 21 MPG, with both delivering 19 MPG in city driving conditions.

Which vehicle features a more advanced transmission configuration?

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe is equipped with a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission, while the 2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback utilizes an 8-speed unit.

Does the fuel requirement differ between the two AWD Crossovers?

The Audi SQ5 Sportback recommends premium unleaded fuel, whereas the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe explicitly requires premium unleaded fuel for operation.