2025 Audi Q5 vs. Mercedes GLC: A Comparison
The best way to decide between the 2025 Audi Q5 vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC is through a side-by-side comparison. This approach helps highlight the features of each luxury compact SUV, helping you make an informed choice.
2025 Audi Q5 vs. 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC: A Few Key Points
From the outset, differences between the 2025 Audi Q5 and 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC are evident in style, technology, refinement, and performance.
The third-generation 2025 Audi luxury SUV is even more capable, elegant and refined than ever, and reveals its character with style. It is offered in several trims, including the new-generation Audi SQ5 trim and the plug-in hybrid model (TFSI e).
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC delivers impressive performance and attractive trims, including a plug-in hybrid. Although its design is not as recent as the 2025 Audi Q5, the GLC offers a full range of models.
Price and Trims: 2025 Audi Q5 vs. 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC
The following table provides insight into the available trims and the starting prices for the 2025 Audi Q5 versus the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC.
|
2025 Audi Q5 (MSRP*) |
2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC (MSRP*) |
|---|---|
|
TFSI quattro S tronic: $62,150 Progressiv TFSI quattro: $67,350 Technik TFSI quattro: $68,850 |
GLC 300 4Matic: $59,500 |
At first glance, the comparison shows more customization options for the Audi.
In reality, note that the Mercedes-Benz GLC is also available in high-performance trims (GLC 43 and GLC 63 S E Performance) as well as in a plug-in hybrid version (350e 4Matic). Price range extends from $59,500* to $109,500*.
As for the Audi, the Q5 is available in an SQ5 trim and plug-in hybrid trims. The price range runs from $62,150* to $86,900*.
In short, whether you choose the GLC or the Q5, there is a wider selection with the former, especially when comparing the Q5 with the GLC 300.
Design and Dimensions
Why has the 2025 Audi Q5 managed to outclass its rivals, such as the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC, Lexus NX, or even the Acura RDX, over time?
The secret of its success lies in the vehicle’s evocative design. The new-generation 2025 Audi Q5 boasts fluid, elegant lines, impeccable fit and finishes, and a flawless choice of materials, as well as avant-garde lighting and a cutting-edge cabin.
Unlike the GLC, the 2025 Audi Q5 offers a reassuring style that has been continually renewed, inspiring confidence in this luxury SUV.
Which one, between 2025 Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLC, has larger overall dimensions? The table below illustrates this clearly:
| 2025 Audi Q5 | 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC | |
|---|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 2,819 mm | 2,888 mm |
| Length | 4,717 mm | 4,716 mm |
| Width | 1,900 mm | 1,920 mm |
| Height | 1,671 mm | 1,647 mm |
In terms of overall SUV dimensions, the differences between the 2025 Audi Q5 and the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC are minimal. However, when comparing the 2025 Audi Q5 Sportback to the Mercedes-Benz GLC coupe, the latter is longer yet noticeably lower, which might compromise rear passenger headroom. The head clearance appears to favour the Audi.
Performance and Powertrain
Regarding engine performance, when comparing the 2025 Audi Q5 with the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300, the figures are as follows:
| 2025 Audi Q5 | 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0 L 4-cylinder turbo + mild hybrid technology |
2.0 L 4-cylinder turbo + mild hybrid technology |
| Horsepower/Torque | 268 HP / 295 lb-ft | 255 HP / 295 lb-ft |
| 0-100 km/h | 6.2 seconds | 6.2 seconds |
In this regard, the technical specifications for the 2025 Audi Q5 are more convincing than those of the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC.
However, subsequent trims of the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC are more powerful and high-performing than the 2025 Audi Q5.
Finally, note that the towing capacity of the 2025 Audi Q5 reaches up to 4,400 lb. in comparison to 3,500 lb. for the Mercedes-Benz GLC.
Technologies and Safety
When it comes to on-board technologies and driver assistance systems, Audi spares no detail.
The new-generation 2025 Audi Q5 introduces an advanced 11.9-inch virtual cockpit that harmoniously integrates with a 14.5-inch touch screen on the centre console. Additionally, the front passenger benefits from a 10.9-inch touch screen, a new feature found on the Q5 this year.
Musicophile and audiophiles will greatly appreciate the 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system, among other high-end options.
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC offers an 11.9-inch touch screen, a Burmester 3D Surround system with 15 speakers, an augmented reality navigation system, and more.
In summary, when comparing the 2025 Audi Q5 with the 2025 Mercedes-Benz, Audi wins this round with its numerous intelligent features.
As for driver assistance systems, both luxury SUVs offer similar features.
2025 Audi Q5 vs. 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC: Which Premium SUV to Choose?
In conclusion, it must be acknowledged that between the 2025 Audi Q5 and the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC, both vehicles stand as excellent luxury compact SUVs with proven reliability.
However, this comparison does show an edge for the new-generation 2025 Audi Q5.
In recent years, this luxury vehicle has enjoyed significant success and, as noted by Hugo Gonnot in the 2025 Car Guide, the Q5 is a “safe bet” that does stand out from its competitors.
2025 Audi Q5 or 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC? It will depend on your lifestyle. If you are looking for a vehicle that offers higher levels of performance, the Mercedes-Benz GLC might be the option for you. Otherwise, the 2025 Audi Q5 proves to be a far more complete, refined, and technologically advanced vehicle.
Take the new 2025 Audi Q5 out for a test drive at your Audi Trois-Rivières dealership, near Québec and Victoriaville. Benefit from expert advice and current offers and promotions.
*Manufacturer’s suggested prices available in July 2025, subject to change.
