Audi Q5 Sportback 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.
Price Breakdown
The Audi Q5 Sportback starts from $83,592 before on-road costs, while the Mercedes-Benz GLC opens at $89,900. That makes the Audi Q5 Sportback the more affordable entry point by $6,308.
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 $91,951 and $98,890 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Audi Q5 Sportback by roughly $2,565 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The Audi Q5 Sportback features a 14.5-inch touchscreen paired with a 11.9-inch digital dash, while the Mercedes-Benz GLC gets a 11.9-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Audi Q5 Sportback stands out with Apple CarPlay and heated front seats that you will not find on the Mercedes-Benz GLC. The Mercedes-Benz GLC counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display, wireless charging, panoramic roof and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Audi Q5 Sportback gets leather upholstery while the Mercedes-Benz GLC offers synthetic leather. Climate control is 3-zone in the Audi Q5 Sportback and 2-zone in the Mercedes-Benz GLC.
Drivetrain
The Audi Q5 Sportback uses a Petrol MHEV producing 150kW and 340Nm of torque, sent through a 7-speed s tronic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.6 seconds.
The Mercedes-Benz GLC responds with a Petrol making 150kW and 300Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.2 seconds.
Power output is identical on paper, so the difference comes down to tuning, weight distribution, and suspension. In the real-world sprint, the Mercedes-Benz GLC is 0.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Audi Q5 Sportback measures 4,717mm long on a 2,820mm wheelbase, 1mm longer 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 515L in the Audi Q5 Sportback and 600L in the Mercedes-Benz GLC, giving the Mercedes-Benz GLC a 85L advantage.
For towing, the Mercedes-Benz GLC leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 2,000kg. That 0kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.9m diameter
Average
Based on 11.9m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,625/year for the Audi Q5 Sportback and $2,138/year for the Mercedes-Benz GLC. That is a $513 annual difference in favour of the Audi Q5 Sportback.
Estimated annual total: $1,625 (Audi Q5 Sportback) vs $2,138 (Mercedes-Benz GLC). The Audi Q5 Sportback saves you roughly $513 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years (Audi Q5 Sportback) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz GLC). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Audi Q5 Sportback if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, or prefer Audi's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mercedes-Benz GLC if: You need more boot space, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Audi Q5 Sportback and Mercedes-Benz GLC trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Audi Q5 Sportback will save you roughly $513 a year in fuel. 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 Q5 Sportback and Mercedes-Benz GLC?
The Audi Q5 Sportback is the cheapest at $83,592 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mercedes-Benz GLC by $6,308.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Audi Q5 Sportback uses the least fuel at 5.7L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — 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.
Which can tow the most?
The Audi Q5 Sportback has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
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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