Audi SQ5 Sportback vs Mercedes-Benz GLE

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP's published record does not give the Mercedes-Benz GLE 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 SQ5 Sportback features a 14.5-inch touchscreen paired with a 11.9-inch digital dash, while the Mercedes-Benz GLE gets a 12.3-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Audi SQ5 Sportback stands out with Apple CarPlay and Bang & Olufsen audio — features our data doesn't list for the Mercedes-Benz GLE. The Mercedes-Benz GLE counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display, wireless charging, panoramic roof, ventilated seats, Burmester audio 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 GLE offers nappa leather. Climate control is 3-zone in the Audi SQ5 Sportback and 2-zone in the Mercedes-Benz GLE.

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 GLE responds with a Petrol making 320kW and 560Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 5.3 seconds.

The Mercedes-Benz GLE has the clear power advantage at 320kW vs 270kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Audi SQ5 Sportback is 0.8s 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, 207mm shorter than the Mercedes-Benz GLE at 4,924mm (2,995mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz GLE generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 515L in the Audi SQ5 Sportback and 630L in the Mercedes-Benz GLE, giving the Mercedes-Benz GLE a 115L advantage. The Mercedes-Benz GLE seats 7 vs 5.

For towing, the Mercedes-Benz GLE 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 SQ5 Sportback's turning circle is 0.3 m tighter, 11.8 m against 12.1 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 GLE about $2,879 a year (10.1 L/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh. That is $713 a year less for the Audi SQ5 Sportback.

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

Where each one leads

The Audi SQ5 Sportback: the lower starting price ($109,900 against $199,900) and lower fuel or energy costs on our assumptions ($2,166 a year against $2,879).

The Mercedes-Benz GLE: more power (320kW against 270kW), the bigger boot with the seats up (630L against 515L) and the higher braked towing limit (3,500kg against 2,000kg).

The Verdict

Audi SQ5 Sportback scores higher, 73 vs 65

The Audi SQ5 Sportback scores 73 to the Mercedes-Benz GLE's 65 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 3 of the 6 spec rows that separate them, at the lower price. The biggest gaps: practicality (Mercedes-Benz GLE ahead by 28 points), safety (Audi SQ5 Sportback ahead by 25 points), fuel economy (Audi SQ5 Sportback ahead by 22 points). At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Audi SQ5 Sportback costs about $713 less (7.6 L/100km against 10.1 L/100km, at $1.90 a litre). Boot space with the seats up: 515L in the Audi SQ5 Sportback, 630L in the Mercedes-Benz GLE.

Common questions