2026 Audi Q5 vs. 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC: which one to choose based on your needs?
2026 Audi Q5 vs. 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC, which one fits your needs best? The former has a starting price of $62,150*, while the latter shows an MSRP of $66,307*.
Summary
2026 Audi Q5 vs. 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC: pricing and trims
If you want to learn more about the 2026 Audi Q5 vs. 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC, let us start with pricing and trims:
| Audi Q5 | Mercedes-Benz GLC |
|---|---|
|
TFSI quattro S tronic: $62,150 Progressiv: $67,350 Technik: $68,850 |
300 4Matic: $66,307 350e 4Matic: $72,757 AMG 43 4Matic: $87,957 AMG 63 S E Performance: $120,828 |
2025 prices for the Audi Q5 and 2026 prices for the Mercedes-Benz GLC.
At first glance, between the Audi Q5 vs. Mercedes-Benz GLC, there are notable differences in starting MSRP.
Audi Q5 vs. Mercedes-Benz GLC: engine, fuel consumption and horsepower
Since there are several trims of the Mercedes-Benz vehicle, we will focus this comparison of the Audi Q5 vs. Mercedes-Benz GLC on the base powertrains listed in their spec sheets.
The following table shows that between the Audi Q5 vs. Mercedes-Benz GLC, there are differences in horsepower, consumption, and engine setup:
| Specs | Audi Q5 | Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4Matic |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0 L turbo four-cylinder | 2.0 L turbo four-cylinder + mild hybrid |
| Horsepower / torque | 268 horsepower / 295 lb-ft | 255 horsepower / 295 lb-ft |
| Combined fuel economy | 9.9 L/100 km | 8.9 L/100 km |
Audi Q5 vs. Mercedes-Benz GLC: towing and cargo
Let us push the comparison a bit further between the Audi Q5 vs. Mercedes-Benz GLC, this time for towing capacity, payload, and cargo space.
Check out the differences in the table below:
| Audi Q5 | Mercedes-Benz 300 4Matic | |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum towing capacity | 4,400 lb. | 3,500 lb. |
| Maximum payload | 970 lb. | 959 lb. |
| Cargo space | 782 to 1,611 litres | 620 to 1,680 litres |
You can see that between the Audi Q5 vs. Mercedes-Benz GLC, the differences are clearly in favour of the Q5.
Audi Q5 vs. Mercede-Benz GLC: weight, dimensions and design
Do you like comparisons? Let us look at what sets the Audi Q5 vs. Mercedes-Benz GLC apart in terms of weight, size, and dimensions.
The next table focuses on these elements:
| Audi Q5 | Mercedes-Benz GLC | |
|---|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 2,817 mm | 2,888 mm |
| Length | 4,717 mm | 4,716 mm |
| Width | 1,900 mm | 1,890 mm |
| Height | 1,669 mm | 1,640 mm |
| SUV weight | 4,244 lb. to 4,519 lb. | 4,210 lb. to 5,093 lb. |
The main difference shows up in the maximum weight of these luxury compact SUVs. The Audi Q5 is lighter than its rival.
Audi Q5 vs. Mercedes-Benz GLC: technology and safety
In a comparison of the Audi Q5 or Mercedes-Benz GLC, it is worth pausing on safety tech, infotainment, onboard connectivity, and safety systems.
While the Audi Q5 features a 14.5-inch infotainment touchscreen, the Mercedes-Benz GLC comes with a 11.9-inch screen.
If the GLC offers a 15-speaker Burmester 3D sound system, the Q5 gives you a 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen 3D system.
The Audi Q5 adds a 10.9-inch passenger-side screen, which you will not find on the Mercedes-Benz.
For connected technologies, both vehicles offer wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus a wireless charger.
Finally, advanced safety systems are numerous in both vehicles:
- Head-Up Display
- Exit warning
- Traffic sign recognition
- Parking assist
- Etc.
In short, between the Audi Q5 vs. Mercedes-Benz GLC, our opinion leans toward the Audi Q5, especially in terms of price-to-equipment ratio.
2026 Audi Q5 or 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC: which one to buy? So far, the answer shows that Audi’s luxury SUV gives you more for your money.
Audi Q5 vs. Mercedes-Benz GLC: reliability and warranty
A final comparison between the Audi Q5 vs. Mercedes-Benz GLC concerns warranty and reliability.
In both cases, the basic warranty is 4 years or 80,000 km, whichever comes first. However, Audi Canada offers longer coverage than Mercedes-Benz against perforation due to corrosion, 12 years.
Which is better in 2026 between the Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLC? These are two reliable luxury SUVs, yet between the Audi Q5 vs. Mercedes-Benz GLC, the price-quality ratio favours the Q5.
Conclusion: Audi Q5 or Mercedes-Benz GLC?
To conclude, which one should you choose, the Audi Q5 or Mercedes-Benz GLC? Based on this comparison and the Q5’s more dynamic design, there is no doubt the Audi Q5 wins the race.
Come test-drive the Q5 luxury compact SUV at your Audi Trois-Rivières dealership. A passionate team is waiting for you.
*Manufacturer prices available in April 2026, subject to change.
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.
