Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 vs Audi Q5 Comparison

Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 vs Audi Q5: A Big Fight

They are two revered German brands. Mercedes-Benz and Audi. Mercedes-Benz makes "the best or nothing." Audi hammers home their "Truth in Engineering" theme. Regardless, the two brands make some of the finest sports cars, sedans, crossovers and SUVs on the road today. Two of their prime competitors are the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 for sale and the Audi Q5 Quattro.

What Are the Mercedes-Benz GLC300 and the Audi Q5?

Both vehicles are well-respected compact Luxury Crossover Utility Vehicles. Dimensionally similar, these crossovers measure up as follows: The Mercedes-Benz GLC is 185.7 inches long, from bumper to bumper, with a wheelbase of 113.1 inches. The Audi Q5 is 184.3 inches long and measures 111.0 inches between the wheels.

Power is nearly equal, with a 2.0-liter turbo inline-4 powering the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300. That engine produces 255-horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. It is mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission. The Audi Q5 features a 2.0-liter turbo inline-4 producing 201 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque, thanks to its mild-hybrid configuration. Before you question those figures, please know the Mercedes-Benz GLC 350 Plug-in Hybrid is also available and produces 313 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque.

Both Crossovers are available with all-wheel-drive. Mercedes-Benz calls its system 4MATIC, while Audi utilizes its famous Quattro all-wheel-drive system.

The Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 was introduced in its current form in 2017 and received a sizable facelift in 2023. The Audi Q5 was introduced in 2008, received a facelift in 2017, and redesigned in 2015. The 2025 Audi Q5 is part of this third-generation.

What's New between these two midsize SUVs

Sophisticated but never content to rest on their laurels, the German auto manufacturer upgraded the new Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 with a few changes to the accessory bundles that the vehicle is famous for.

From a design standpoint, the new SUV features what could be described as one of the most elegant looks seen on the autobahn, or anywhere else for that matter. Starting with new LED lighting as standard, it features the perfect look to carry it on into the future. Other new accessories and features make their way onto the platform, including new alloy wheels that begin with standard 18-inch size and increase up to 20 inches.

New AMG design accessories, including 19-inch AMG twin five-spoke wheels, sport brake upgrades, and black exterior accents, are also part of the current model. If those are not enough to thrill, there are complete Mercedes-AMG enhanced high-performance Mercedes-Benz GLC models that should leave an enthusiast pumped.

The new Audi Q5 features a full refresh with style updates both inside and out. As part of this redesign, the base version will receive the 12-volt mild-hybrid system as standard on the 2.0T models. An updated MIB3 infotainment system is now part of the new version.

A Look Inside

Peering into the new Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 finds one of the best-equipped interiors in the luxury compact segment. While the entry model is covered in leather-like MB-Tex, that looks like real leather but still manages to look good 20 years later. Step up to the next level to take advantage of real leather and wood veneer paneling.

Standard kit on the Mercedes-Benz includes keyless entry and ignition. The newly introduced Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) combines with a 11.9-inch touchscreen, as well as redundant buttons on the steering wheel, or the system's "Hey Mercedes" functionality. What's that you say? Say "Hey Mercedes," and the system wakes to perform many operations like "call home," "get me directions to the football stadium," or "Find an Italian restaurant near me." It's like having a personal assistant riding in the passenger seat with you.

The Audi Q5 includes new items like its Virtual Cockpit. Centered around a 12.3-inch display, it can be configured to show audio information, driving data and even 3D navigation.

Which Shall I Choose?

Sports or Luxury? Why not choose both? We are partial to the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300, which is an SUV that doesn't quite get that it's a luxury car. It's the perfect vehicle for around-town stop and goes and cross-country road trips. No vehicle does it with better style, grace, technology and craftsmanship.

The Mercedes-Benz GLC 300. It's the Best or Nothing. And it's available now at Mercedes-Benz of Rochester.