2025 Audi SQ5 vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe

$58,400 · Crossover

$77,250 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Audi SQ5 blasts onto the scene offering surgical performance in a compact package, distinguished by its athletic stance and standard Quattro AWD, beginning at an aggressive $58,400. Meanwhile, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe commands attention with its bolder, larger footprint, boasting 375 hp and superior utility with 31.6 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Audi’s 25.9 cu ft. While the Mercedes demands a significant $18,850 premium over the Audi, it brings a bit more power and a more imposing 194.5-inch length. Both vehicles target the premium performance crossover segment, delivering an identical 21 MPG combined, requiring premium fuel. The SQ5 excels in accessible sportiness, while the GLE Coupe prioritizes presence and size, despite its extra 26 hp not translating into a notable efficiency gap.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Audi SQ5

The Audi SQ5's more compact 184.3-inch length makes it easier to maneuver and park in congested city environments than the larger GLE Coupe.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe offers significantly more room for passengers and gear, boasting 31.6 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the SQ5's 25.9 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe

Although close, the GLE Coupe secures the win by offering 375 hp and a smoother-shifting 9-speed automatic transmission for spirited driving.

💰 Best Value

2025 Audi SQ5

The Audi SQ5 presents superior value by offering 349 hp and AWD capability for $18,850 less than the GLE Coupe.

Choose the Audi SQ5 if...

You prioritize a lower entry price, starting at only $58,400.
You value a more manageable exterior size, measuring 184.3 inches long.
You are looking for high-performance AWD without the absolute top-tier power figures.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe if...

You require maximum utility, evidenced by its impressive 31.6 cu ft of cargo space.
You desire the slight edge in output from 375 horsepower.
The imposing physical presence and larger dimensions (194.5 inches long) are a necessity for your garage aesthetic.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi SQ5	Mercedes-Benz GLE 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	✓	✓
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	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	✓	✓

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	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	✓	✓
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 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	✓	—
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	—
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	—	Painted Alloy

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 Coupe.

How do the fuel economy ratings compare between the 2025 Audi SQ5 and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe?

Both high-performance crossovers deliver identical fuel economy, achieving 21 MPG combined, with both achieving 19 MPG in the city and requiring premium unleaded fuel.

Is the significant price difference between the two models justified by the performance gap?

The Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe costs $18,850 more, but only delivers 26 more horsepower (375 hp vs. 349 hp), suggesting the SQ5 offers better bang for the buck regarding raw power output versus cost.

Which vehicle provides more practical space for hauling items?

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe is the clear winner for cargo hauling, offering 31.6 cubic feet, significantly outpacing the Audi SQ5's 25.9 cubic feet.

What is the difference in transmission technology used in these two crossovers?

The Audi SQ5 utilizes a conventional 8-speed automatic transmission, whereas the Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe upgrades to a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission for potentially smoother or quicker gear changes.