2025 Audi SQ5 vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe

$58,400 · Crossover

$59,650 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between the spirited 2025 Audi SQ5 and the sleek 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe often comes down to balancing outright performance against running costs and design flair. If you prioritize acceleration, the Audi SQ5 delivers significantly, boasting 349 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, handily beating the Mercedes’ 255 hp. However, this power comes at a price, with the Audi returning only 21 combined MPG versus the GLC Coupe's more frugal 26 combined MPG. Furthermore, the Audi starts at a slightly lower MSRP of $58,400 compared to the Mercedes at $59,650. While the Audi offers more usable space with 25.9 cu ft of cargo volume against the GLC Coupe’s 19.2 cu ft, buyers must weigh the 94 horsepower difference against the 5 MPG advantage the Benz holds for daily driving duties.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe wins for commuters due to its superior fuel efficiency, achieving 26 combined MPG compared to the Audi's 21.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Audi SQ5

The 2025 Audi SQ5 is the better choice for families because it offers substantially more cargo space at 25.9 cu ft versus the GLC Coupe's 19.2 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Audi SQ5

Enthusiasts will prefer the 2025 Audi SQ5 for its significantly higher power output of 349 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2025 Audi SQ5

The Audi SQ5 offers better objective value by having a lower starting MSRP of $58,400 and providing considerably more horsepower.

Choose the Audi SQ5 if...

You prioritize raw acceleration, given the SQ5 offers 349 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque.
You need maximum utility, as the SQ5 provides 25.9 cu ft of cargo capacity.
You prefer a marginally lower starting price point at $58,400 before options.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe if...

Saving money at the pump is crucial, thanks to its 26 combined MPG rating.
You prefer the sleek aesthetic of a coupe-styled crossover, despite sacrificing cargo room.
You prefer the smoother operation of a 9-speed automatic transmission over the Audi's 8-speed.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi SQ5	Mercedes-Benz GLC 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.	57.3 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 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe.

How significant is the performance difference between the two crossovers?

The difference is substantial; the 2025 Audi SQ5 generates 349 hp, which is 94 horsepower more than the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe's 255 hp output. This means the Audi will feel much quicker in acceleration tests.

Which vehicle is cheaper to run based on fuel economy?

The Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe is notably cheaper to run daily, achieving 26 combined MPG compared to the Audi SQ5's 21 combined MPG. This 5 MPG advantage translates to fewer trips to the premium fuel pump.

Does the style difference significantly impact cargo hauling?

Yes, the traditional crossover shape of the Audi SQ5 allows it to carry much more gear, offering 25.9 cu ft of cargo space. The sloping roofline of the GLC Coupe severely restricts capacity to only 19.2 cu ft.

Are the starting prices very different?

The starting MSRPs are close, with the Audi SQ5 listed at $58,400 and the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe at $59,650. This $1,250 difference slightly favors the Audi in initial purchase cost.

Do both vehicles require premium fuel?

Both premium unleaded models; however, the 2025 Audi SQ5 recommends it, while the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe requires it for its powertrain operation.