Audi Q2 vs Mercedes-Benz GLE

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP's published record does not give the Audi Q2 a rating. ANCAP's published record does not give the Mercedes-Benz GLE a rating. With no pair of ratings to compare, the active-safety features in the spec table above are the fairer comparison.

Recalls on our record

A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.

Feature Showdown

The Audi Q2 features a 8.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Mercedes-Benz GLE gets a 12.3-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Audi Q2 stands out with Apple CarPlay and Bang & Olufsen audio — features our data doesn't list for the Mercedes-Benz GLE. The Mercedes-Benz GLE counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display, wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats, ventilated seats and Burmester audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Audi Q2 gets leather upholstery while the Mercedes-Benz GLE offers nappa leather.

Drivetrain

The Audi Q2 uses a Petrol producing 110kW and 250Nm of torque, sent through a s tronic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.6 seconds.

The Mercedes-Benz GLE responds with a Petrol making 320kW and 560Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 5.3 seconds.

The Mercedes-Benz GLE has the clear power advantage at 320kW vs 110kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Mercedes-Benz GLE is 3.3s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The Audi Q2 measures 4,208mm long on a 2,601mm wheelbase, 716mm shorter than the Mercedes-Benz GLE at 4,924mm (2,995mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz GLE generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 405L in the Audi Q2 and 630L in the Mercedes-Benz GLE, giving the Mercedes-Benz GLE a 225L advantage. The Mercedes-Benz GLE seats 7 vs 5.

For towing, the Mercedes-Benz GLE leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 1,200kg. That 2,300kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Neither U-turns in one sweep on a 7 m local street (both need a three-point turn); the Audi Q2's turning circle is 1.6 m tighter, 10.5 m against 12.1 m kerb to kerb. The street estimate is indicative, worked from the published turning circles.

Cost to own

At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Audi Q2 costs about $1,568 a year (5.5 L/100km) and fuel for the Mercedes-Benz GLE about $2,879 a year (10.1 L/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh. That is $1,311 a year less for the Audi Q2.

Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (Audi Q2) and 5 years / Unlimited (Mercedes-Benz GLE).

Where each one leads

The Audi Q2: the lower starting price ($49,400 against $199,900) and lower fuel or energy costs on our assumptions ($1,568 a year against $2,879).

The Mercedes-Benz GLE: more power (320kW against 110kW), the bigger boot with the seats up (630L against 405L) and the higher braked towing limit (3,500kg against 1,200kg).

The Verdict

Audi Q2 scores higher, 71 vs 65

The Audi Q2 scores 71 to the Mercedes-Benz GLE's 65 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 2 of the 6 spec rows that separate them, at the lower price. The biggest gaps: value (Audi Q2 ahead by 44 points), performance (Mercedes-Benz GLE ahead by 44 points), fuel economy (Audi Q2 ahead by 41 points). At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Audi Q2 costs about $1,311 less (5.5 L/100km against 10.1 L/100km, at $1.90 a litre). Boot space with the seats up: 405L in the Audi Q2, 630L in the Mercedes-Benz GLE.

Common questions