2025 Audi SQ5 vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE
Comparison Overview
Deciding between German performance in a compact footprint versus superior space and efficiency in a mid-size package is a classic luxury crossover conundrum. The 2025 Audi SQ5, starting at $58,400, offers a thrilling 349 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, making it significantly punchier than the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE’s 255 hp. However, the GLE justifies its $62,250 MSRP with practicality; it’s notably larger, boasting 33.3 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the SQ5’s 25.9 cubic feet. Fuel economy also leans toward the Benz, achieving 23 combined MPG versus the Audi’s 21 combined MPG, even though the GLE requires premium fuel like the SQ5. This comparison boils down to raw acceleration versus overall utility, factoring in a $3,850 initial cost difference.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE offers superior fuel efficiency at 23 combined MPG, making daily drives more affordable.
2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE
The GLE provides significantly more usable space with 33.3 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the SQ5's 25.9 cubic feet.
2025 Audi SQ5
The 2025 Audi SQ5 delivers a substantial performance advantage with 349 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque.
2025 Audi SQ5
The Audi SQ5 undercuts the GLE by $3,850 while still offering nearly 100 more horsepower.
Choose the Audi SQ5 if...
- You prioritize outright performance, as the SQ5 boasts 349 hp.
- You prefer a tighter, more maneuverable vehicle, as the SQ5 is over 10 inches shorter in length.
- You want to save money upfront, given the SQ5's $58,400 MSRP against the GLE’s $62,250 price.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLE if...
- Hauling gear is a priority, evidenced by the GLE’s superior 33.3 cubic feet of cargo space.
- You want better highway cruising economy, as the GLE achieves 28 MPG highway versus the SQ5's 24 MPG highway.
- You prefer a larger footprint for a more commanding presence (GLE is 76.7 inches wide vs. SQ5's 74.5 inches).
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Audi SQ5 | Mercedes-Benz GLE |
|---|---|---|
| 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 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE.
Which vehicle is faster off the line between the 2025 Audi SQ5 and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE?
The Audi SQ5 is substantially faster, producing 349 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque compared to the GLE's 255 hp. This 94 hp difference means the SQ5 will offer much quicker acceleration in everyday driving.
Is the fuel economy difference significant enough to choose the GLE over the SQ5?
Yes, if efficiency matters to you. The GLE manages 23 combined MPG (21 city/28 highway), slightly edging out the SQ5’s 21 combined MPG (19 city/24 highway), although both require premium fuel.
How much more cargo room does the larger Mercedes GLE offer?
The 2026 GLE offers considerably more space, with 33.3 cubic feet of cargo capacity. This is a major advantage over the 2025 Audi SQ5, which provides only 25.9 cubic feet.
What is the MSRP gap between these two premium crossovers?
There is a $3,850 price difference favoring the Audi SQ5 at $58,400 compared to the Mercedes-Benz GLE’s starting price of $62,250.
Do both vehicles use the same transmission type?
Both use shiftable automatics, but the GLE utilizes a 9-speed unit for smoother operation, while the SQ5 uses an 8-speed transmission.
Does the standard drivetrain setup favor one model for foul weather driving?
The Audi SQ5 comes standard with all-wheel drive, offering inherent better grip potential than the standard rear-wheel drive configuration on the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE.
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