We’ve done some competing brand comparisons, such as the Audi Q7 vs BMW X7, but we haven’t written about Audi versus Mercedes Benz, until now. In this article, we will be comparing a few similarities and many differences between the Audi Q5 vs Mercedes GLC. We’ll be covering topics like size, performance, reliability, price, and more. The Audi Q5 is classified as a compact luxury crossover SUV and the Mercedes GLC is also a compact luxury crossover SUV.
Audi Q5 vs Mercedes GLC – The Basics
The Audi Q5 was first introduced in 2008 and is still in production today. The Audi Q5 is positioned between the Q4 e-Tron and the Q7. Since its inception, there have been two different generations: 8R and FY. The 8R Q5 was built on the Volkswagen Group’s MLB platform and the FY Q5 was built on the MLB Evo platform. The Q5 offers two body types: an SUV and a Sportback. The Q5 was the #1 vehicle sold by Audi in the US in 2021, so clearly Audi is doing something right.
The Mercedes GLC was first introduced in 2015 and is still in production today. Mercedes Benz has a naming convention for all of their SUVs, which is “GL”. Therefore the GLC is positioned between the GLB and GLE. There has only been one generation for the GLC and it goes by X235. The GLC is built on the Mercedes-Benz MRA platform. Like the Q5, the GLC also offers two different body styles: an SUV and a coupe version. It went through a much-needed facelift in 2019 that modernized the exterior, new engines, and a new cockpit.
Audi Q5 Generations
- 8R Q5 (B8) (2008 – 2017)
- FY Q5 (B9) (2018 – Present)
Mercedes GLC Generations
- X235 GLC (2016-Present)
Audi Q5 vs Mercedes GLC Price
In this portion, we will be going over brand new 2022, as of this writing, model prices and used prices for the Q5 and GLC.
New Audi Q5 Price
In this section, we will be going over the new Q5 2022 model year prices. There are three engine options featured: a 40 TFSI, a 45 TFSI, and a 55 TFSI hybrid. All engine options can be found in all the trims. A Premium 40 TFSI Q5 starts at $43,300, a Premium Plus 40 TFSI Q5 starts at $48,300, and a Prestige 40 TFSI Q5 starts at $54,000. A Premium 45 TFSI Q5 starts at $45,800, a Premium Plus 45 TFSI Q5 starts at $50,800, and a Prestige 45 TFSI Q5 starts at $56,500. And lastly, a Premium 55 TFSI hybrid Q5 starts at $55,400, a Premium Plus 55 TFSI hybrid Q5 starts at $59,500, and a Prestige 55 TFSI hybrid Q5 starts at $64,800. If you are wanting to up the performance aspect, an SQ5 starts at $55,800.
If you are curious about the trim differences with Audi’s, here is an article we wrote about the different Audi trims.
New Mercedes GLC Price
In this section, we will be going over the new Mercedes GLC 2022, as of this writing, model year prices. There is only one engine offered in the base GLC and it is a 2.0L turbo. The base GLC, also known as the GLC 300, starts at $43,850 and is an RWD. There is an upgrade option to the Mercedes Benz AWD system, 4MATIC, for $2,000 more. The GLC 300 coupe comes standard with 4MATIC and starts at $52,500. Lastly, Mercedes also offers an AMG version, which is their performance trim. So, lastly, the AMG GLC 43 starts at $59,900.
Used Audi Q5 & Mercedes GLC Prices
When it comes to used Audi Q5s vs GLCs, pricing is pretty much consistent with new prices. Since they are competing vehicles, price points are very similar. Since the Q5 has been around a little longer, we will make sure to compare similar model years for both vehicles. Therefore, a used Q5s price ranges from $12,995 – $59,991* with an average price overall of $36,495, depending on model year and mileage. A used GLCs price ranges from $20,900 – $60,935* with an average price overall of $40,920, depending on model year and mileage. The used side may be a little skewed because there are many more Q5s than GLCs, but this goes to show that with limited quantities, premiums go up. To reiterate, since there are fewer GLC’s, they are pricier on the used side.
*At the time of writing this article, we believe we are in a market where used vehicles are inflated, so consider that when seeing the used prices above.
General Audi Q5 & Mercedes GLC Topics
Mercedes GLC vs Audi Q5 Size
Below are some basic details about the size and weight differences seen between the 2022 Audi Q5 and the 2022 Mercedes GLC.
Audi Q5 vs Mercedes GLC
Given that these two vehicles have the same classification, compact luxury crossover, they will be very comparable when it comes to size. As can be seen in the table above, a majority of the external measurements are very similar. Something that stuck out to us though is cargo space. The Audi Q5 has 6 more inches of cargo space with the second row of seats up, but the GLC has 2″ more with the back row folded down.
Audi Q5 vs Mercedes GLC Performance
For consistencies sake, we will be using the 2022 Audi Q5 and 2022 Mercedes GLC factory performance specs.
Engines, Drivetrain, & Fuel Economy
Audi Q5 Performance
The Q5 has three available engine options: a 40 TFSI, a 45 TFSI, and a 55 TFSI hybrid. All three engines are 2.0 TFSIs, except the 55 TFSI is a 2.0 TFSI with an electric motor. The 40 TFSI quattro® engine puts out 201hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. The 45 TFSI quattro® engine puts out 261hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. Lastly, the 55 TFSI plug-in hybrid quattro® engine puts out 362hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. The 40 TFSI gets 23mpg in the city and 29mpg on the highway for a combined 25mpg on an 18.5gal fuel tank. The 45 TFSI gets 23mpg in the city and 28mpg on the highway for a combined 25mpg on an 18.5gal fuel tank. Lastly, The 55 TFSI gets 23mpg combined on gas with a 14.3gal fuel tank and a total electric range of 390 miles.
All 3 engines come with Audi’s AWD system, Quattro®, standard and a 7-speed S Tronic automatic transmission. For those wanting more performance, the SQ5 has a bigger 3.0L TFSI V6 engine that puts out 349hp and 369 lb-ft of torque.
Mercedes GLC Performance
The GLC only has one engine option for all trims: a 2.0L Inline-4 turbo engine. It puts out 255hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. It gets 22mpg in the city and 27mpg on the highway for a combined mpg of 24 with a 17.4gal fuel tank. The 2.0L engine features a 9-speed automatic transmission. For those wanting more performance, the AMG GLC 43 has a bigger 3.0L V6 biturbo engine that puts out 385hp and 384 lb-ft of torque.
So, when it comes to performance, a standard GLC 300 outperforms a 40 TFSI. Also, the Mercedes sports version, AMG, beats out the SQ5 in power as well.
Audi Q5 & Mercedes GLC Reliability and Common Problems
Audi Q5
Is the Audi Q5 reliable? The Audi Q5s reliability is average. We feel the Q5 gets a bad reputation from the excessive oil consumption problems seen in the Gen2 EA888 engines. According to RepairPal, it was rated 3 out of 5, which puts the Q5 11th out of 14 for all luxury midsize SUVs. Model years that are viewed as least reliable are 2010-2014. The average annual maintenance cost for an Audi Q5 is $928, which is slightly higher than the average $805 seen in other luxury midsize SUVs.
Common problems compiled for both Q5 generations are excessive oil consumption, start-stop system malfunction, DRL failure, timing chain tensioner failure, and leaking fuel pump flanges. If maintained properly, Q5s can easily hit 150,000 miles. However, if you can get your hands on a TDI Q5, they can last up to 300,000 miles. If you’re interested in reading a more in-depth guide on the Q5’s reliability and common problems, check out the article below.
The 5 Most Common Audi Q5 Engine Problems
Mercedes GLC
Is the Mercedes GLC reliable? Unfortunately, there isn’t very much data on the GLC’s reliability. However, after scrolling through forums, we have found that the Mercedes GLC is pretty reliable. According to Consumer Reports, they expect the 2022 Mercedes GLC to be more reliable than the average car. Common problems we’ve compiled for CLGs are “crabbing”, uneven tire wear, rear brake squeal, defective clock spring airbag, faulty gas pedal, and some electrical gremlins. GLCs can last well over 200,000 miles if maintained properly.
Mercedes GLC vs Audi Q5 – Which is Better?
So, which one is better: the Audi Q5 vs Mercedes CLG? We may be a little biased in our opinion, but we will present facts for others to build their opinion. We personally like the Audi Q5 mainly because of more customization and more interior tech options. However, the Mercedes GLC has a compelling argument as to why it could be better. It gets more standard power, is slightly cheaper, and is more reliable. The Audi Q5 can tow 4,400 lbs, while the GLC can only tow 3,500 lbs. The GLC’s cabin space is slightly more spacious, which in turn would be more comfortable for backseat passengers. Both have 5-star safety ratings.
Something we always advise is to get first-hand experience with the vehicles in question. Therefore, schedule a test drive at your local Audi and MB dealerships. There is no better research than seeing them both in person. We understand that consumers have different vehicle needs and lifestyles. So we wanted to present relevant information for consumers to build their own opinions.
Audi Q5 vs Mercedes GLC Conclusion
To wrap this article up, we hope the information provided above assists anyone in their purchasing decisions. We know that purchasing any vehicle, especially more expensive luxury vehicles, can be a daunting task. In short, the Audi Q5 has more standard cargo space, gets better standard gas mileage, has more customization, has a more modern exterior, and offers more tech on the interior. The CLG gets more standard power, is more reliable, and tends to be cheaper. If you are a consumer reading this that has first-hand experience with either vehicle, let us know your experience in the comments below. This will help with our research and assist future readers in their decisions.
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