2025 Audi SQ5 vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Audi SQ5 bursts onto the scene as the sharper, more attainable performance crossover, boasting 349 hp and a taut footprint measuring just 184.3 inches long. Its appeal is immediate: high-speed capability without the stratospheric price tag. Conversely, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe arrives with undeniable drama, delivering 375 hp from its larger frame, which stretches to 194.5 inches. While the GLE Coupe commands a staggering $18,000 premium over the $58,400 SQ5, it offers slightly more utility, hauling up to 31.6 cu ft of cargo compared to the Audi's 25.9 cu ft. Both achieve an identical 21 MPG combined, yet the Mercedes demands required premium fuel while the Audi only recommends it. The Audi focuses on agility; the Mercedes prioritizes presence and marginally more hauling capacity, making the choice a study in priorities: accessible performance versus sheer statement-making luxury.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Audi SQ5
The slightly smaller dimensions of the Audi SQ5 (74.5 inches wide) make navigating tighter city streets and parking garages less stressful than the broader GLE Coupe.
2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe
The Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe offers superior practicality for families with 31.6 cu ft of cargo space versus the Audi's 25.9 cu ft.
2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe
The GLE Coupe provides a slight edge in outright power with 375 hp compared to the SQ5's 349 hp, complemented by a more sophisticated 9-speed transmission.
2025 Audi SQ5
The Audi SQ5 offers 93% of the Mercedes' horsepower for $18,000 less, creating an undeniable value proposition.
Choose the Audi SQ5 if...
- Your budget prioritizes accessible performance, given the $58,400 MSRP versus the Mercedes' higher entry cost.
- You prefer a slightly more compact footprint, as the SQ5 is over 10 inches shorter in length.
- You want the option to use a lower octane fuel, as the Audi recommends premium versus the Mercedes' requirement.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe if...
- You require maximum hauling capacity, as the 31.6 cu ft of cargo space significantly outpaces the SQ5's 25.9 cu ft.
- You seek the highest available performance figures, benefiting from the extra 26 horsepower rating.
- You desire the slightly more refined power delivery from the 9-speed automatic transmission.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Audi SQ5 | Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 184.3" | 194.5" |
| Width | 74.5" | 79.3" |
| Height | 65.5" | 68.1" |
| Wheelbase | 111.0" | 115.6" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | โ | โ |
| Lane Departure Warning | โ | โ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | โ | โ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | โ | โ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | โ | โ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | โ | โ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | โ | โ |
| Front Head Airbags | โ | โ |
| Rear Head Airbags | โ | โ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | โ | โ |
| Electronic Stability Control | โ | โ |
| Traction Control System | โ | โ |
| LATCH System | โ | โ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | โ | โ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | โ | โ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | โ | โ |
| Brake Preparation System | โ | โ |
| Brake Assist | โ | โ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | โ | โ |
| Automatic Headlights | โ | โ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | โ | โ |
| LED Headlights | โ | โ |
| Daytime Running Lights | โ | โ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | โ | โ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests | โ | โ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | โ | โ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | โ | โ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | โ | โ |
| Engine Immobilizer | โ | โ |
| Driver Attention Alert | โ | โ |
| Brake Drying | โ | โ |
| Adaptive Headlights | โ | โ |
| Front Power Adjustable Headrests | โ | โ |
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 | โ | โ |
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 | โ | โ |
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 | โ | โ |
| Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Electric Power Steering | โ | โ |
| Rear View Camera | โ | โ |
| Front Parking Sensors | โ | โ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | โ | โ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | โ | โ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | โ | โ |
| Front Cupholders | โ | โ |
| Rear Cupholders | โ | โ |
| Front Door Pockets | โ | โ |
| Rear Door Pockets | โ | โ |
| Front Seatback Storage | โ | โ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | โ | โ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | โ | โ |
| Interior Air Filtration | โ | โ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | โ | โ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | โ | โ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | โ | โ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Front View Camera | โ | โ |
| Side View Camera | โ | โ |
| Automatic Parking Assist | โ | โ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | โ | โ |
| Cruise Control | โ | โ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | โ | โ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | โ | โ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | โ | โ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.1 in | 12.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | โ | โ |
| Stereo Power | 180W | โ |
| Speaker System | 10 | โ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | โ | โ |
| Android Auto (Wired) | โ | โ |
| USB Port | โ | โ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | โ | โ |
| Subwoofer Count | โ | 2 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | โ | โ |
| Satellite Radio | โ | โ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | โ | 6 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | โ | โ |
| Heated Mirrors | โ | โ |
| Moonroof Type | โ | 1st Row Power Glass Extended |
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 | โ | โ |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | โ | โ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 10-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | โ | โ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 10-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | โ | โ |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Front Hip Room | โ | 60.8 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | โ | โ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | โ | โ |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | โ | 3 |
| Passenger Seat Memory Settings | โ | 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 | โ | โ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | โ | โ |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | โ | โ |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | โ | โ |
| Rear Hip Room | โ | 59.8 in. |
| Folding Center Armrest | โ | โ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | โ |
| Wheel Size | 20 x 8.0 in | 20 x 9.0 in |
| Tire Type | Performance | All Season |
| Tire Size | 255/45R | 275/50R20 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Finish | โ | Painted Alloy |
Suspension
| Feature | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | โ | โ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | โ | โ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | โ | โ |
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 | โ | 6 yr./ 62000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Audi SQ5 and 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe.
How much more power does the Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe actually offer over the Audi SQ5?
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe pushes out 375 horsepower, which is 26 more ponies than the Audi SQ5's 349 hp output. Despite this power difference, both vehicles share an identical combined fuel economy rating of 21 MPG.
Is the massive price difference justified by the utility offered by the GLE Coupe?
The Mercedes commands an $18,000 higher MSRP, which translates into 5.7 cubic feet more cargo capacity (31.6 cu ft vs. 25.9 cu ft). This gain suggests a significant luxury surcharge rather than a purely utilitarian advantage.
Do these vehicles offer similar driving range given their MPG figures?
Both the Audi SQ5 and the Mercedes GLE Coupe are rated at 21 MPG combined, so their real-world range expectations should be similar, assuming comparable fuel tank sizes. However, the Audi only recommends premium fuel, while the Mercedes requires it.
Which vehicle is physically easier to maneuver in urban environments?
The 2025 Audi SQ5 is considerably more manageable, measuring 74.5 inches wide and 184.3 inches long. The GLE Coupe is substantially wider at 79.3 inches and longer at 194.5 inches, impacting tight parking situations.
Are there any driving dynamics advantages based on the transmission?
The GLE Coupe utilizes a 9-speed automatic transmission, potentially offering slightly smoother or quicker shifts during aggressive driving than the SQ5's 8-speed unit. Both utilize AWD for confident traction in varied conditions.
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