Audi SQ5 Sportback vs Mercedes-Benz GLC

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP lists the Audi SQ5 Sportback 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 SQ5 Sportback and 92% for the Mercedes-Benz GLC, under different test years.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 6 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Audi SQ5 Sportback, against 0 on the Mercedes-Benz GLC.

Both include the essentials: core safety systems. Airbag count is 9 in the Audi SQ5 Sportback 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 SQ5 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.

The Audi SQ5 Sportback stands out with Apple CarPlay, 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 ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Audi SQ5 Sportback gets leather upholstery while the Mercedes-Benz GLC offers synthetic leather. Climate control is 3-zone in the Audi SQ5 Sportback and 2-zone in the Mercedes-Benz GLC.

Drivetrain

The Audi SQ5 Sportback uses a Petrol MHEV producing 270kW and 550Nm of torque, sent through a 7-speed s tronic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.5 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 SQ5 Sportback has the clear power advantage at 270kW vs 150kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Audi SQ5 Sportback is 3.7s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The Audi SQ5 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 SQ5 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.

Neither U-turns in one sweep on a 7 m local street (both need a three-point turn); the Audi SQ5 Sportback'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 SQ5 Sportback costs about $2,166 a year (7.6 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 $28 a year less for the Mercedes-Benz GLC.

Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (Audi SQ5 Sportback) and 5 years / Unlimited (Mercedes-Benz GLC).

Where each one leads

The Audi SQ5 Sportback: more power (270kW against 150kW).

The Mercedes-Benz GLC: the lower starting price ($89,900 against $109,900), the bigger boot with the seats up (600L against 515L) and lower fuel or energy costs on our assumptions ($2,138 a year against $2,166).

The Verdict

Level: here's what splits them

The Audi SQ5 Sportback (73) and Mercedes-Benz GLC (62) are too close to call on the figures we hold. What splits them: performance (Audi SQ5 Sportback ahead by 34 points), practicality (Mercedes-Benz GLC ahead by 8 points). At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Mercedes-Benz GLC costs about $28 less (7.5 L/100km against 7.6 L/100km, at $1.90 a litre). Boot space with the seats up: 515L in the Audi SQ5 Sportback, 600L in the Mercedes-Benz GLC.

Common questions