Mercedes-Benz GLC SUV vs Audi Q5
Luxury meets functionality with the Mercedes-Benz GLC and the Audi Q5 premium compact SUVs. Both SUVs are ideal if you’re looking for a vehicle equipped with the latest technology features, upscale materials, and powerful performance. Which of these sophisticated SUVs is the right one for you? In this Mercedes-Benz GLC vs. Audi Q5 showdown, we’ll delve into the key features of each one so you can see which one best fits your luxurious lifestyle.
Interior and Comfort
As you would expect from luxury automakers, the Mercedes-Benz GLC and Audi Q5 come with upscale, premium materials for an opulent and comfortable ride.
Mercedes-Benz GLC
This compact SUV has two rows of seats that can fit up to five people comfortably with the following dimensions:
- Front legroom of 40.7 inches
- Front headroom of 41.3 inches
- Front shoulder room of 57.3 inches
- Rear legroom of 37.4 inches
- Rear headroom of 39.7 inches
- Rear shoulder room of 56.6 inches
All trims come standard with full-leather heated front seats with memory settings, a leather-wrapped heated steering wheel, and a panoramic sunroof for extra light and fresh air. The compact Mercedes-Benz GLC SUV has a surprisingly large amount of cargo space, ranging from 21.9 to 56.3 cubic feet of storage space with a versatile 40/20/40-split rear folding seating configuration ideal for carrying long or bulky items such as golf clubs.
Audi Q5
The Audi Q5 also has two rows of seats that can fit up to five people. You’ll find the front and rear seat dimensions are similar to the Mercedes-Benz GLC:
- Front legroom of 40.9 inches
- Front headroom of 39.6 inches
- Front shoulder room of 57.7 inches
- Rear legroom of 38.0 inches
- Rear headroom of 39.3 inches
- Rear shoulder room of 56.5 inches
This luxury small SUV comes with leather seats, front bucket seats, and multilevel heated front seats for added warmth.
Technology Features
Both automakers equip their luxury vehicles with cutting-edge technology features that help catapult the GLC and Q5 into the future of driving and in-car entertainment.
Mercedes-Benz GLC
You’ll find the third-generation Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) multimedia system with an 11.9-inch touch-screen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Key features include:
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
- Biometric authentication
- Voice control with natural language understanding
- “Hey, Mercedes” keyword activation
- Wireless charging
- USB-C charging ports
- In-car Wi-Fi
Optional features that come with MBUX include:
- MB navigation
- Route-based speed adaptation
- Head-up display
- Advanced USB package
- Burmester 3D surround sound system
Audi Q5
Audi also equips the 2025 Q5 with the latest technology features with its multimedia interface with a 14.5-inch touch-screen with an optional 10.9-inch display for the front seat passenger to use. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard across the lineup, and you can access all your favorite apps from the touch-screen display. A 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium sound system is optional on the Audi Q5.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Along with cutting-edge technology features, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC and Audi Q5 come equipped with innovative safety and driver-assistance features to help keep you safe on the road.
Mercedes-Benz GLC
With the GLC, you get the Mercedes-Benz Driver Assistance Package that includes:
- Active and evasive steering assist
- Emergency stop assist
- Lane-keep assist
- Blind-spot assist
- Active brake assist with cross-traffic function
- Active distance assist DISTRONIC cruise control system
- PRESAFE Plus and PRESAFE Sound for imminent collisions
Audi Q5
Audi gives the Q5 driver-assistance technology with key features, including:
- Adaptive cruise control with stop and go function
- Hold assist
- Active lane assist
- Audi Pre-Sense 360
- Exit warning
- Collision-avoidance assist
- Cross-traffic assist
- Park assist
Power and Performance
You have engine options with the GLC and Audi Q5, depending on how much horsepower and torque you need.
Mercedes-Benz GLC
All three Mercedes-Benz GLC trims start with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder mild hybrid drive engine that produces:
- 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque in the GLC 300 and GLC 300 4MATIC®.
- 313 combined horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque in the GLC 350e 4MATIC®.
A 9G-Tronic nine-speed automatic transmission completes the powertrain. The GLC 300 comes with rear-wheel drive, and the 4MATIC® models have Mercedes-Benz’s exclusive all-wheel-drive (AWD) system.
Audi Q5
You have three powertrains to choose from for the 2025 Audi Q5, depending on the model. All trims start with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and include one of the following:
- The Q5 40 TFSI with 201 horsepower and 236 lb-of torque
- The Q5 45 TFSI with 261 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque
- The Q5 55 TFSI e PHEV with 362 horsepower and 369 lb-of torque
All trims come standard with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and Audi’s signature quattro AWD system for added traction.
Pricing and Value
With so many high-quality features and powerful performance, the Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLC both provide exceptional value. Let’s explore the pricing for these premium compact SUVs.
Mercedes-Benz GLC
- The MSRP for the GLC 300 is $49,250.
- The MSRP for the GLC 300 4MATIC® is $51,250.
- The MSRP for the GLC 300 4MATIC®e is $59,900.
Audi Q5
- The MSRP for the Premium is $45,400.
- The MSRP for thePremium Plus is $51,100.
- The MSRP for the Prestige is $54,700.
Test-Drive the Mercedes-Benz GLC Today
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC is an upscale midsize SUV designed for discerning drivers. Contact our team at Mercedes-Benz of Birmingham, Alabama, to learn more about the features of this luxury SUV. After you take the GLC for a test-drive, we can help you choose the ideal trim for your lifestyle and driving needs. We also offer flexible financing options to help you get behind the wheel of your new Mercedes-Benz GLC as soon as possible.