Audi Q4 e-tron vs Mercedes-Benz GLC
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Data checked: specs 27 Sep 2026, price 4 Oct 2026
Driver assistance, as the maker lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
$84,900RRP
- no option data for this car
$89,900RRP
- no option data for this car
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
Track the Audi Q4 e-tron & Mercedes-Benz GLC
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Price Breakdown
The Audi Q4 e-tron starts from $84,900 before on-road costs, while the Mercedes-Benz GLC opens at $89,900. That makes the Audi Q4 e-tron the more affordable entry point by $5,000.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $93,390 and $98,890 respectively.
The Audi Q4 e-tron currently qualifies for the electric-vehicle FBT exemption, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Mercedes-Benz GLC does not: only battery-electric vehicles qualify.
Safety Rundown
Both the Audi Q4 e-tron and Mercedes-Benz GLC hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 93% for the Audi Q4 e-tron and 92% for the Mercedes-Benz GLC.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 9 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Audi Q4 e-tron, against 0 on the Mercedes-Benz GLC.
Both include the essentials: core safety systems. Airbag count is 7 in the Audi Q4 e-tron and 9 in the Mercedes-Benz GLC.
Recalls on our record
Audi Q4 e-tron
None open on our record
Mercedes-Benz GLC
- REC-006695 · published 12 Aug 2026Nine model lines: door lock defect (campaign RC5219)Year range on the notice: 2018 - 2026
- REC-006414 · published 29 Aug 2025Due to a manufacturing defect, the steering coupling bolts may not meet specifications and could become loose.Year range on the notice: 2022 - 2025
- REC-006318 · published 28 Mar 2025Due to a software issue, the high-voltage starter generator may experience an intermittent overload, which could deactivate functions of the system.Year range on the notice: 2022 - 2025
- 26 more on the model page.
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Charging Times
How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC, estimated from battery size and max charge rates.
How long to charge
77kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 175kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (11kW AC, 175kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
Feature Showdown
The Audi Q4 e-tron features a 11.6-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the Mercedes-Benz GLC gets a 11.9-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments.
The Audi Q4 e-tron stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, power tailgate and Bang & Olufsen audio — features our data doesn't list for the Mercedes-Benz GLC. The Mercedes-Benz GLC counters with head-up display, panoramic roof and heated front seats. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Audi Q4 e-tron uses a Electric producing 210kW and 545Nm of torque, sent through a single-speed (two-stage planetary) to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.7 seconds.
The Mercedes-Benz GLC responds with a Petrol making 150kW and 320Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.2 seconds.
The Audi Q4 e-tron has the clear power advantage at 210kW vs 150kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Audi Q4 e-tron is 1.5s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Audi Q4 e-tron measures 4,588mm long on a 2,764mm wheelbase, 128mm shorter than the Mercedes-Benz GLC at 4,716mm (2,888mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz GLC generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 520L in the Audi Q4 e-tron and 600L in the Mercedes-Benz GLC, giving the Mercedes-Benz GLC a 80L advantage.
For towing, the Mercedes-Benz GLC leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. That 1,000kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.2m to 11.9m
Based on 11.2m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.9m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Audi Q4 e-tron) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz GLC). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Audi Q4 e-tron if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, or prefer Audi's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mercedes-Benz GLC if: You need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The CarSorted Score calls this a draw (74 vs 62). The Audi Q4 e-tron and Mercedes-Benz GLC trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. If boot space matters, the Mercedes-Benz GLC has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Audi Q4 e-tron and Mercedes-Benz GLC?
The Audi Q4 e-tron is the cheapest at $84,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mercedes-Benz GLC by $5,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mercedes-Benz GLC uses the least fuel at 7.5L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched on crash rating: Audi Q4 e-tron and Mercedes-Benz GLC all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Mercedes-Benz GLC has the largest boot at 600L with the seats up.
Which can tow the most?
The Mercedes-Benz GLC has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Audi Q4 e-tron makes the most power at 210kW. The Audi Q4 e-tron is quickest to 100km/h in 6.7s.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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