Audi Q5 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.
Audi Q5
From $80,900
SUV
4-cylinder inline petrol with turbocharging and MHEV plus technology
150kW
5.7 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
520L
Mercedes-Benz GLC
From $89,900
SUV
Petrol
150kW
8.1 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
600L
Price Breakdown
The Audi Q5 starts from $80,900 before on-road costs, while the Mercedes-Benz GLC opens at $89,900. That makes the Audi Q5 the more affordable entry point by $9,000.
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 $88,990 and $98,890 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Audi Q5 by roughly $3,420 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLC hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 85% for the Audi Q5 and 92% for the Mercedes-Benz GLC.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Audi Q5 packs more ADAS features with 9 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 6 in the Mercedes-Benz GLC.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Audi Q5 and 9 in the Mercedes-Benz GLC. The Audi Q5 adds a 360-degree camera that the Mercedes-Benz GLC misses.
Feature Showdown
The Audi Q5 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. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Audi Q5 stands out with Bang & Olufsen audio that you will not find on the Mercedes-Benz GLC. The Mercedes-Benz GLC counters with head-up display, wireless charging and panoramic roof. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
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 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 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.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.8m to 11.9m
Based on 11.8m 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
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,625/year for the Audi Q5 and $2,309/year for the Mercedes-Benz GLC. That is a $684 annual difference in favour of the Audi Q5.
Estimated annual total: $1,625 (Audi Q5) vs $2,309 (Mercedes-Benz GLC). The Audi Q5 saves you roughly $684 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Audi Q5) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz GLC). Both match on warranty length. Capped-price servicing: 5yr (Audi Q5)—.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Audi Q5 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 and Mercedes-Benz GLC trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Audi Q5 will save you roughly $684 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 and Mercedes-Benz GLC?
The Audi Q5 is the cheapest at $80,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mercedes-Benz GLC by $9,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Audi Q5 uses the least fuel at 5.7L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Audi Q5 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.
Which can tow the most?
The Audi Q5 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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