2025 Audi Q5 SUV vs. Mercedes-Benz GLC SUV
Performance Comparison
| Item | Audi Q5 | Mercedes-Benz GLC |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo 4-cyl (48V MHEV), 268 hp / 295 lb-ft | 2.0L turbo 4-cyl (48V MHEV), 255 hp / 295 lb-ft |
| 0-60 mph (est./tested) | ~5.5-5.8 sec | ~5.7-6.2 sec |
| Top speed | ~130 mph | ~130 mph |
| Transmission | 7-speed dual-clutch (S tronic) | 9-speed automatic (9G-TRONIC) |
| Drivetrain | Quattro AWD (standard) | RWD standard; 4MATIC AWD available |
| EPA Fuel Economy | 25 mpg combined (22 city / 30 hwy) | 26 mpg combined (23 city / 31 hwy) |
Exterior Comparison
Footprint & Space
| Dimension | Audi Q5 | Mercedes-Benz GLC |
| Length | 185.7 in | 185.7 in |
| Width | 74.8 in | 74.4 in |
| Height | ~65.7-65.8 in | 64.6 in |
| Wheelbase | ~110.9-111.0 in | 113.1-113.7 in |
| Cargo | ~25.8-25.9 cu ft | 21.9 cu ft |
| Max Cargo | ~54-56.9 cu ft | 56.3 cu ft |
Design Highlights
| Highlight | Audi Q5 | Mercedes-Benz GLC |
|---|---|---|
| Headlights | Next-gen LED lighting; available advanced/matrix-style setups | Optional DIGITAL LIGHT headlights (w/ Projection in packages) |
| Wheels | 18" std.; 19-20" available | 18" std.; 19" no-charge upgrade; up to 20" available |
| Packages | S line visuals; adaptive air suspension available | AMG Line, Night Package; Pinnacle/Driver Assist add AR-nav, 360° camera, Burmester, HUD |
Interior Comparison
Size & Seating
| Item | Audi Q5 (2025) | Mercedes-Benz GLC (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Seating capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Rear seat | 40/20/40 split; recline adjustment | 40/20/40 split |
| Legroom (front/rear) | ~40.9 / 38.0 in (reported) | ~40.7 / 37.4 in |
| Panoramic roof | Available | Available |
Infotainment & Displays
| Feature | Audi Q5 | Mercedes-Benz GLC |
|---|---|---|
| Driver display | 11.9" Audi Virtual Cockpit | 12.3" digital instrument display |
| Center screen | 14.5" MMI touchscreen | 11.9" MBUX touchscreen (portrait) |
| Smartphone | Wireless Apple CarPlay / Android Auto | Wireless Apple CarPlay / Android Auto |
| Extras | Available passenger display; Audi drive select | MBUX with AR-navigation, available Burmester audio, ambient lighting, head-up display (pkgs) |
"Top" Luxury Features People Ask About
| Category | Audi Q5 | Mercedes-Benz GLC |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | Heated/ventilated fronts; upscale leather choices | Heated/ventilated fronts; Nappa leather available; multi-color ambient lighting |
| Ride | Available adaptive air suspension (easier loading stance) | Smooth ride tuning; self-leveling / adaptive features via options |
| Driver-assist | Full suite via packages (ACC, lane guidance, etc.) | Driver Assistance pkg (Distronic ACC, lane-change assist, etc.) |
| Audio | Premium audio available | Burmester premium audio available |
Interior Material Options
| Area | Audi Q5 (examples) | Mercedes-Benz GLC (examples) |
|---|---|---|
| Upholstery (leather colors) | Rock Gray; Atlas Beige; Black; Okapi Brown (leather seating surfaces) | MB-Tex: Black, Sienna Brown/Black, Macchiato Beige; Leather & Nappa: Black, Macchiato Beige, Sienna Brown; AMG accents/colors available |
| Trim (decor) | Varies by package (aluminum/wood inlays) | Brown Ash, Fineline Anthracite, Natural Grain Walnut, Natural Grain Black w/ Aluminum lines, Metal Weave, Silver Diamond pattern |
Exterior Color Options
| Exterior Colors (examples) | Audi Q5 | Mercedes-Benz GLC |
|---|---|---|
| Core palette | Arkona White, Chronos Gray Metallic, Daytona Gray Pearl, District Green Metallic, Florett Silver Metallic, Mythos Black Metallic, Navarra Blue Metallic | Polar White, Black, Obsidian Black Metallic, Alpine Grey, Verde Silver Metallic, plus others incl. MANUFAKTUR finishes |
| Notes | Metallic/pearl options vary by trim | New for 2025: Verde Silver Metallic & Alpine Grey join palette |
Quick Takeaways
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Cargo vs. cabin tradeoff: Q5 gives you more space behind the second row; GLC opens up slightly more max cargo with seats down.
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Tech feel: Q5's 14.5" + 11.9" dual-screen setup is huge; GLC's 11.9" + 12.3" combo adds MBUX with AR-nav and Burmester in packages.
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Drivetrain: Q5 = AWD standard; GLC = RWD standard with 4MATIC available.
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Ride/comfort: Q5 offers adaptive air suspension (luxury feel + load-in convenience). GLC emphasizes refined ride and quiet cabin, with Driver Assistance and AMG Line style add-ons.
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MPG edge: GLC posts a slight EPA mpg advantage over Q5.