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

$58,400 · Crossover

$59,300 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between the sporty elegance of the 2025 Audi SQ5 and the sleek style of the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Coupe boils down to prioritizing raw power versus efficiency. If you crave quick acceleration, the SQ5 dominates with 349 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, significantly outperforming the GLC Coupe's 255 hp. However, this power comes at a cost, as the Audi only manages 21 combined MPG, lagging behind the Mercedes' more frugal 26 combined MPG rating. Price points are similar, with the Audi starting at $58,400 versus the Mercedes at $59,300. Furthermore, the practical reality of daily use shows the SQ5 offers 25.9 cu ft of cargo space, dwarfing the GLC Coupe's smaller 19.2 cu ft area, making the Audi surprisingly more functional despite its performance leanings.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Coupe

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

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Audi SQ5

The Audi SQ5 is better suited for families because it offers significantly more usable storage with 25.9 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to 19.2 cu ft in the GLC Coupe.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Audi SQ5

Enthusiasts will prefer the Audi SQ5 for its substantial performance edge, boasting 349 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2025 Audi SQ5

The Audi SQ5 provides better value by delivering 94 more horsepower for only a $900 lower initial MSRP of $58,400.

Choose the Audi SQ5 if...

You need maximum cargo hauling capability, as the SQ5 offers 25.9 cu ft.
Your driving experience hinges on outright acceleration, benefiting from 349 hp.
You prefer a slightly lower starting Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) at $58,400.

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

Saving fuel is paramount, thanks to its 26 combined MPG rating.
You drive extensively in stop-and-go traffic, where the 23 city MPG helps the budget.
You appreciate the extra refinement of a 9-speed automatic transmission over the SQ5's 8-speed.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi SQ5	Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Coupe
Length	184.3"	187.6"
Width	74.5"	74.4"
Height	65.5"	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	—
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
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
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Moonroof Type	—	1st Row Power Glass Extended

Frontseats

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Front Head Room	39.6 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	39.3 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	255/45R	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 and 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Coupe.

How much more powerful is the 2025 Audi SQ5 compared to the GLC-Class Coupe?

The Audi SQ5 is significantly more potent, generating 349 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. This represents a 94 hp advantage over the Mercedes GLC Coupe, which is rated at 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.

Which crossover is more economical for long commutes?

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Coupe is the clear winner for economy, achieving 26 combined MPG. The Audi SQ5 consumes fuel faster, returning only 21 combined MPG, making the Mercedes a better choice for those prioritizing efficiency.

Does the difference in body style affect cargo space significantly?

Yes, the standard crossover shape of the Audi SQ5 grants it considerably more utility, offering 25.9 cu ft of cargo space. The more rakish, coupe-like design of the Mercedes sacrifices space, limiting it to just 19.2 cu ft.

Are both vehicles expensive to fuel?

Both vehicles require premium unleaded fuel, which generally costs more per gallon. However, the Audi explicitly recommends premium, whereas the Mercedes actually requires it, but its superior 5 MPG advantage means the long-term running costs favor the Mercedes.

Which vehicle is physically larger?

While both are similarly sized crossovers, the Audi SQ5 is slightly shorter in length at 184.3 inches compared to the Mercedes at 187.6 inches, but the Audi is slightly taller overall.

Is the $900 price difference between the two cars worth it?

From a pure performance standpoint, yes; the Audi costs $900 less and delivers 94 more horsepower. However, if efficiency and cargo room are primary concerns, the Mercedes might offer better value despite its higher sticker price of $59,300.