2025 Audi SQ5 vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

$58,400 · Crossover

$61,850 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical variance between the 2025 Audi SQ5 (car1) and the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class (car2) is the substantial 94 horsepower gap, with the SQ5 producing 349 hp to the GLE-Class’s 255 hp, backed by a 74 lb-ft torque advantage (369 vs. 295). Despite its performance edge, the SQ5 is priced $3,450 lower at an MSRP of $58,400 compared to the GLE’s $61,850. Fuel economy slightly favors the GLE-Class, achieving a combined 23 MPG versus the SQ5's 21 MPG. The GLE-Class also offers significantly more utility, boasting a 33.3 cu ft cargo capacity, overshadowing the SQ5's 25.9 cu ft. Furthermore, the GLE-Class is dimensionally larger in every metric, being 10 inches longer (194.3 vs. 184.3 inches) and taller by 5.2 inches.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

The Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class offers superior fuel efficiency at 23 combined MPG compared to the Audi SQ5's 21 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

The GLE-Class provides significantly more practical space with 33.3 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the SQ5's 25.9 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Audi SQ5

The Audi SQ5 delivers superior dynamic performance metrics, featuring 349 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, substantially outpacing the GLE-Class.

💰 Best Value

2025 Audi SQ5

The Audi SQ5 is the better value proposition, offering 94 more horsepower for a lower MSRP of $58,400 against the GLE-Class's $61,850.

Choose the Audi SQ5 if...

Your priority is maximizing engine output, evidenced by 349 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque.
You prefer a lower initial outlay, as the SQ5's MSRP is $3,450 less than the GLE-Class.
You value standard all-wheel drive over the GLE-Class's rear-wheel-drive configuration.

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

Maximum interior utility is crucial, benefiting from the 33.3 cu ft cargo volume.
Better highway fuel efficiency is desired, as the GLE-Class achieves 28 MPG highway versus the SQ5's 24 MPG.
A larger overall vehicle footprint, including 10 extra inches in length, is preferred for road presence.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi SQ5	Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class
Length	184.3"	194.3"
Width	74.5"	76.7"
Height	65.5"	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	—
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
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
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Moonroof Type	—	1st Row Power Glass

Frontseats

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

How does the standard drivetrain configuration differ between these two crossovers?

The 2025 Audi SQ5 comes standard with all-wheel drive paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Conversely, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class utilizes a rear-wheel-drive configuration with a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission as standard equipment.

Which vehicle requires more expensive fuel?

Both vehicles recommend or require premium unleaded fuel, but the requirement is stricter for the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class. The Audi SQ5 lists premium unleaded as 'recommended,' whereas the GLE-Class specifies it as 'required' for its engine operation.

What is the measurable difference in interior storage capacity?

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class offers significantly more dedicated storage space at 33.3 cubic feet. The 2025 Audi SQ5 lags behind with 25.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity, representing a difference of 7.4 cubic feet.

Is the Audi SQ5 considerably smaller than the GLE-Class?

Yes, the GLE-Class is physically larger across key dimensions. It is 10 inches longer (194.3 inches vs. 184.3 inches) and noticeably taller, standing 70.7 inches high compared to the SQ5’s 65.5 inches.

How close is the fuel economy for daily commuting?

The difference in combined fuel economy is minor, with the GLE-Class achieving 23 MPG and the SQ5 reaching 21 MPG. However, the GLE-Class pulls ahead in highway driving with 28 MPG versus the SQ5's 24 MPG.

Considering performance specifications, which vehicle is faster off the line?

Based purely on stated output, the Audi SQ5 is positioned as the performance variant, delivering 349 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. The GLE-Class manages with 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque.