Audi Q5 vs Mercedes-Benz GLC: SUVs compared
Updated Report an error By Oleksandr Hnatiuk
Audi · 2024–present
Q5 GU
- Power
- 150 kW204 PS
- Kerb mass
- 2,092 kg
Mercedes-Benz · 2022–present
GLC X254
- Power
- 147 kW200 PS
- Kerb mass
- 1,925 kg
At a glance
Who suits what, worked out from the catalog figures of the versions above.
Categories won: Q5 GU 0 GLC X254 2
- Performance GLC X254 Power per tonne: 76 kW/t vs 72 kW/t
- Running costs GLC X254 Fuel per year: €150 vs €1,560 (estimated)
- Off-road Too close to call Drive and body: All-wheel drive · SUV vs All-wheel drive · SUV
Verdict Opinion
The Q5 is the stronger performer version for version. Its diesel and petrol four-cylinders out-power the equivalent GLC models, and the SQ5 adds a V6 for buyers who want one.
The GLC is the better-documented and broader car for electrified driving. It offers more plug-in variants, including the 300 de for high-mileage drivers, a 600-litre boot in its conventional versions, and a five-star Euro NCAP result with top scores for adult and child protection.
— Oleksandr Hnatiuk
These two meet head-on in the premium mid-size SUV class, with a coupé-styled sister on each side. The second-generation GLC (X254) was unveiled in June 2022 with an electrified engine range. Audi answered more than two years later: the third-generation Q5 was presented on 2 September 2024 on the Premium Platform Combustion, with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system on every version.
In short: the Mercedes-Benz GLC offers the wider choice of plug-in hybrids, including a rare diesel plug-in, and a five-star Euro NCAP record. The Audi Q5 has the more powerful petrol and diesel engines at the same level and a V6 in the SQ5. Our catalogue covers the Audi Q5 and the Mercedes-Benz GLC in detail.
Audi Q5 vs Mercedes-Benz GLC: key differences
Engine for engine
The best-selling versions are close. The Q5 2.0 TDI quattro has 150 kW (204 PS); the GLC 220 d 4MATIC 147 kW (200 PS). Among petrol cars the gap is bigger: Audi's 2.0 TFSI has 200 kW (272 PS), while Mercedes offers the GLC 200 4MATIC with 150 kW (204 PS) and the GLC 300 4MATIC with 190 kW (258 PS). Every Q5 engine is paired with Audi's 48-volt MHEV plus system, whose motor contributes up to 18 kW and 230 Nm.
Plug-in hybrids: four against two
Mercedes lists four plug-ins for the GLC: the 300 e with 230 kW (313 PS), the 400 e with 284 kW (386 PS) and the 300 de with 245 kW (333 PS), which is a diesel plug-in hybrid. At the top sits the AMG GLC 63 S E Performance, pairing a 2.0-litre four-cylinder with an electric drive. The Q5 e-hybrid was revealed in June 2025. It is offered with roughly 220 or 270 kW, uses a 25.9 kWh battery with 20.7 kWh usable and is rated for around 100 km of WLTP electric range.
Performance flagships
The SQ5 keeps a 3.0 V6 TFSI with 270 kW (367 PS). Mercedes chose a different recipe for its fastest GLC: the AMG GLC 63 S E Performance relies on a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder with plug-in hybrid assistance.
SUV or coupé
Both have a coupé-styled sister. The Q5 Sportback was revealed on 26 November 2024 and went on sale in April 2025. The GLC Coupé of the second generation is 4,769 mm long. For China, both brands build a long-wheelbase version: the Q5L is 4,842 mm long on a 2,945 mm wheelbase, the GLC L 4,826 mm on 2,977 mm.
Boot
Our catalogue lists 600 litres for the GLC 200 and 220 d. Comparable figures for the new Q5 are not yet in the catalogue; check the dealer's data for the exact version.
Euro NCAP
The X254 GLC received five stars in 2022, with 92% for adult occupants, 92% for children, 74% for vulnerable road users and 84% for safety assist.
Race Stats side by side
Each figure is a 0–100 score from the catalog numbers, the same as on the 1CARS Race cards. PI is the overall performance index (100–999) and its class D–S.
| Stat | Q5 GU | GLC X254 |
|---|---|---|
| PI | C · 477 | C · 489 |
| Power | 40 | 42 |
| Grip | 41 | 43 |
| Handling | 46 | 46 |
| Top speed | 42 | 42 |
| Launch | 42 | 44 |
Grip and handling are estimates from drive type, weight, height and body (hover a figure to see where it comes from). 1CARS Race
Who wins a race?
Quarter-mile (402 m) drag from a standing start, dry road, no reaction time — the 1CARS Race physics on the catalog figures of these versions.
- 1 GLC X254GLC X254 · 220 d 4MATIC · diesel · 147 kW (200 PS) 15.54 sat 138 km/h
- 2 Q5 GUQ5 GU · 2.0 TDI quattro · diesel · 150 kW (204 PS) 15.79 sat 136 km/h · +0.25 s
Size and weight
| Q5 GU | GLC X254 | |
|---|---|---|
| Kerb weight | 2,092 kg4,612 lb | 1,925 kg4,244 lb −167 kg −368 lb −8.0% |
| Fits a standard garage? | No data | Tight |
Difference vs Q5 GU (±). Garage check: a standard single garage takes a car up to about 5.0 m (16 ft 5 in) long and 1.9 m (6 ft 3 in) wide (width as listed in the catalog; some makers include the mirrors). Leave about 0.6 m (2 ft) to open the doors.
Full specifications
| Audi Q5 | Mercedes-Benz GLC | |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Version | Q5 GU · 2.0 TDI quattro · diesel · 150 kW (204 PS) | GLC X254 · 220 d 4MATIC · diesel · 147 kW (200 PS) |
| Production years | 2024–present | 2022–present |
| Body | SUV | SUV |
| Class | No data | SUV / crossover |
| Country | Germany | Germany |
| Performance | ||
| Power Why it matters: More power means stronger acceleration and easier overtaking, especially with a full load. | 150 kW (204 PS) 201 hp | 147 kW (200 PS) 197 hp |
| Power, all versions | 150–270 kW (204–367 PS) 201–362 hp | 120–375 kW (163–510 PS) 161–503 hp |
| Power per tonne | 72 kW/t 87 hp/ton calculated | 76 kW/t 93 hp/ton calculated Better |
| Engine and transmission | ||
| Fuel | Diesel | Diesel |
| Engine | No data | 1,993 cc · 4 cyl 2.0 l |
| Drive | All-wheel drive | All-wheel drive |
| Dimensions and weight | ||
| Length | No data | 4,716 mm 185.7 in |
| Width | No data | 1,890 mm 74.4 in |
| Height | No data | 1,640 mm 64.6 in |
| Wheelbase | No data | 2,888 mm 113.7 in |
| Kerb weight Why it matters: A lighter car is usually more agile and uses less energy. | 2,092 kg 4,612 lb | 1,925 kg 4,244 lb Better |
| Boot Why it matters: A bigger boot fits more luggage, shopping or a pram. | No data | 600 l 21.2 cu ft |
| Economy and running costs | ||
| Fuel consumption Why it matters: Lower consumption cuts running costs and CO₂ emissions on every trip. | 6.3 l/100 km 37.3 mpg US | 0.6 l/100 km 392.0 mpg US Better |
| CO₂ | 164 g/km | 155 g/km Better |
| Fuel cost per year | €1,560/year estimated | €150/year estimated Better |
| Safety | ||
| Euro NCAP | ★★★★★ (2025) | ★★★★★ (2022) |
These cars do not differ in the data we have.
Equal rows hidden (4): Body, Country, Fuel, Drive.
Better marks the stronger figure — only for measurable specs (power, torque, 0–100 km/h, consumption, boot, weight).
Estimated at 15,000 km a year with fuel at €1.65/l diesel.
In plain words
Audi Q5 has more power: 150 kW (204 PS) against 147 kW (200 PS) for Mercedes-Benz GLC. Mercedes-Benz GLC is lighter by 167 kg (1,925 kg vs 2,092 kg). At 15,000 km a year, fuel would cost about €1,560 (Audi Q5), €150 (Mercedes-Benz GLC) (estimated). Audi Q5 is the older design (from 2008); Mercedes-Benz GLC arrived in 2015. On the catalog figures, the Mercedes-Benz GLC is the pick for performance and running costs.
Which one to choose
Choose the Audi Q5 if you want the most power from a four-cylinder petrol or diesel, a V6 in the SQ5, or the Sportback body.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLC if you need a plug-in hybrid in one of several outputs, a diesel plug-in for long distances, a large boot, or the reassurance of a recent five-star Euro NCAP rating.
Mercedes' SUV also meets BMW in BMW X3 vs Mercedes-Benz GLC, and the Q5's Swedish rival is covered in Audi Q5 vs Volvo XC60.
Frequently asked questions
Which diesel is stronger, the Q5 TDI or the GLC 220 d?
The Q5 2.0 TDI quattro, with 150 kW (204 PS) against 147 kW (200 PS) for the GLC 220 d 4MATIC.
Is there a diesel plug-in hybrid?
Yes, in the GLC: the 300 de 4MATIC combines a diesel engine with an electric motor for 245 kW (333 PS). The Q5 e-hybrid uses a petrol engine.
Which petrol version is more powerful?
The Q5 2.0 TFSI with 200 kW (272 PS). The GLC 300 4MATIC has 190 kW (258 PS) and the GLC 200 4MATIC 150 kW (204 PS).
How big is the GLC boot?
Our catalogue lists 600 litres for the GLC 200 4MATIC and GLC 220 d 4MATIC.