Audi Q5 vs Mercedes-Benz GLC

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP lists the Audi Q5 at 5 stars (2025) and the Mercedes-Benz GLC at 5 stars (2022). ANCAP tested these in different years (2025 vs 2022). Its criteria get stricter about every three years, so the stars are not like for like. Adult occupant protection scored 85% for the Audi Q5 and 92% for the Mercedes-Benz GLC, under different test years.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 9 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Audi Q5, against 0 on the Mercedes-Benz GLC.

Both include the essentials: core safety systems. Airbag count is 7 in the Audi Q5 and 9 in the Mercedes-Benz GLC.

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 GLC gets a 11.9-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments.

The Audi Q5 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.

Interior trim differs: the Audi Q5 gets leather upholstery while the Mercedes-Benz GLC offers synthetic leather. Climate control is 3-zone in the Audi Q5 and 2-zone in the Mercedes-Benz GLC.

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 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.

Power output is identical on paper, so the difference comes down to tuning, weight distribution, and suspension. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), 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 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 520L in the Audi Q5 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 2,000kg. That 0kg 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 0.1 m tighter, 11.8 m against 11.9 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 GLC about $2,138 a year (7.5 L/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh. That is $513 a year less for the Audi Q5.

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

Where each one leads

The Audi Q5: the lower starting price ($80,900 against $89,900) and lower fuel or energy costs on our assumptions ($1,625 a year against $2,138).

The Mercedes-Benz GLC: the bigger boot with the seats up (600L against 520L).

The Verdict

Level: here's what splits them

The Audi Q5 (76) and Mercedes-Benz GLC (62) are too close to call on the figures we hold. What splits them: fuel economy (Audi Q5 ahead by 17 points), value (Audi Q5 ahead by 13 points), practicality (Mercedes-Benz GLC ahead by 3 points). At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Audi Q5 costs about $513 less (5.7 L/100km against 7.5 L/100km, at $1.90 a litre). Boot space with the seats up: 520L in the Audi Q5, 600L in the Mercedes-Benz GLC.

Common questions