If fuel cost matters most
Audi Q5 with up to 42 MPG combined.
Side-by-side verified model comparison
Mercedes-Benz GLC vs Audi Q5
Mercedes-Benz GLC and Audi Q5 answer the same shopping question from different directions. The Q5 is more efficient on verified EPA data, while the GLC reaches the higher power peak. Use the table below to decide whether your priority is fuel cost, safety, size or outright output.
At a glance
| Metric | Mercedes-Benz GLC | Audi Q5 |
|---|---|---|
| Production coverage | 2015 - present | 2008 - present |
| Verified generations | 2 | 2 |
| Peak power | 421 hp | 354 hp |
| Best EPA combined | 33 MPG | 42 MPG |
| Latest NHTSA overall | 5★ | 5★ |
| Open recalls (2022/2024) | 0 | 4 |
| Latest dimensions | 4716 × 1890 × 1640 mm | 4682 × 1893 × 1662 mm |
| Average curb weight | 1970 kg (4343 lbs) | 1827 kg (4028 lbs) |
| Fuel types | Petrol | Diesel, Petrol |
If power matters most
Mercedes-Benz GLC with a verified peak of 421 hp.
If safety is the filter
They are effectively tied on this metric; use the table and generation links for context.
Advertisement
Head-to-Head: Base Model Specifications
A detailed side-by-side comparison of the entry-level powertrain for the newest verified generation of each model. This shows exactly what you get before adding options or stepping up to premium trims.
| Specification | Mercedes-Benz GLCGLC X254 GLC 200 4MATIC | Audi Q5Q5 FY 40 TDI quattro |
|---|---|---|
| Engine & Performance | ||
| Engine Type | Petrol | Diesel |
| Cylinders / Configuration | I4 + ISG | I4 |
| Displacement | 2.0L (1999 cc) | 2.0L (1968 cc) |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | Turbocharged |
| Horsepower | 204 hp | 204 hp |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 400 Nm |
| 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) | 7.8 s | 7.6 s |
| Top Speed | 222 km/h | 222 km/h |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Automatic | Dual-clutch |
| Gears | 9 | 7 |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy & Range | ||
| City MPG (EPA) | 29.0 MPG | 37.0 MPG |
| Highway MPG (EPA) | 38.0 MPG | 46.0 MPG |
| Combined MPG (EPA) | 33.0 MPG | 42.0 MPG |
| Electric Range | — | — |
| Battery Capacity | — | — |
| CO₂ Emissions | 169 g/km | 148 g/km |
| Dimensions & Utility | ||
| Length | 4716 mm | 4682 mm |
| Width | 1890 mm | 1893 mm |
| Height | 1640 mm | 1662 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2888 mm | 2832 mm |
| Curb Weight | 1910 kg | 1825 kg |
| Doors / Seats | 4 / 5 | 4 / 5 |
What search winners do that generic comparisons don’t
The top-ranking comparison pages win because they answer an explicit buying job: which one is more efficient, which one is safer, which one is larger, which one has the broader powertrain range. Pages that only dump two brochures side by side rarely hold clicks.
This comparison uses the newest verified generation of each model as the headline lens, then routes you into the exact generation sheets for the trim-level details. That is more durable than comparing incentives or dealer inventory, and more trustworthy than hiding missing data behind a made-up score.
Questions buyers ask
Which is more fuel-efficient, the GLC or the Q5?
Audi Q5 wins on verified EPA combined economy at up to 42 MPG, versus 33 MPG for the Mercedes-Benz GLC.
Which has more horsepower, the GLC or the Q5?
Mercedes-Benz GLC reaches the higher verified peak at 421 hp, compared with 354 hp for the Audi Q5.
Which is safer: GLC or Q5?
Mercedes-Benz GLC has a latest recorded NHTSA overall rating of 5★; Audi Q5 has 5★. Cross-check the frontal, side and rollover rows rather than using one headline number alone.
Is this a trim-by-trim comparison?
This page compares the newest verified generation of each model family. For year-specific engines, dimensions and trim tables, open the linked generation pages for each side.