Audi Q5 vs Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP's published record does not give the Mercedes-Benz G-Class 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 Q5 features a 10.1-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Mercedes-Benz G-Class gets a 12.3-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Audi Q5 stands out with power tailgate and Bang & Olufsen audio — features our data doesn't list for the Mercedes-Benz G-Class. The Mercedes-Benz G-Class counters with head-up display, wireless charging and Burmester audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Audi Q5 gets leather upholstery while the Mercedes-Benz G-Class offers nappa leather.

Drivetrain

The Audi Q5 uses a 4-cylinder inline petrol with turbocharging and MHEV plus technology 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 G-Class responds with a Diesel making 270kW and 750Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 5.8 seconds.

The Mercedes-Benz G-Class has the clear power advantage at 270kW vs 150kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Mercedes-Benz G-Class is 2.8s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The Audi Q5 measures 4,717mm long on a 2,820mm wheelbase, 108mm shorter than the Mercedes-Benz G-Class at 4,825mm (2,890mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz G-Class generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 520L in the Audi Q5 and 480L in the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, giving the Audi Q5 a 40L advantage.

For towing, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 2,000kg. That 1,500kg 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 Q5's turning circle is 1.2 m tighter, 11.8 m against 13.0 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 Q5 costs about $1,625 a year (5.7 L/100km) and fuel for the Mercedes-Benz G-Class about $2,480 a year (8.7 L/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh. That is $855 a year less for the Audi Q5.

Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (Audi Q5) and 5 years / Unlimited (Mercedes-Benz G-Class). Capped-price servicing: 5 years (Audi Q5), no data (Mercedes-Benz G-Class).

Where each one leads

The Audi Q5: the lower starting price ($80,900 against $214,900), the bigger boot with the seats up (520L against 480L) and lower fuel or energy costs on our assumptions ($1,625 a year against $2,480).

The Mercedes-Benz G-Class: more power (270kW against 150kW) and the higher braked towing limit (3,500kg against 2,000kg).

The Verdict

Audi Q5 scores higher, 76 vs 65

The Audi Q5 scores 76 to the Mercedes-Benz G-Class's 65 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 3 of the 6 spec rows that separate them, at the lower price. The biggest gaps: value (Audi Q5 ahead by 29 points), fuel economy (Audi Q5 ahead by 28 points), performance (Mercedes-Benz G-Class ahead by 28 points). At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Audi Q5 costs about $855 less (5.7 L/100km against 8.7 L/100km, at $1.90 a litre). Boot space with the seats up: 520L in the Audi Q5, 480L in the Mercedes-Benz G-Class.

Common questions