If you're looking for a premium mid-size family SUV, the Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLC are likely at the top of your list. Both of these German contenders offer a desirable blend of upmarket image, smart styling, and practicality, making them popular choices for buyers wanting a step up from mainstream models.
The Audi Q5 has long been a predictable, polished performer, offering a comfortable and spacious cabin. The Mercedes-Benz GLC, meanwhile, brings a seriously classy interior and some of the most capable plug-in hybrid options in the class. So, which of these premium SUVs deserves a spot on your driveway?
Audi Q5 vs Mercedes-Benz GLC
Practicality
Audi Q5 practicality score: 4/5
Mercedes-Benz GLC practicality score: 4/5
Both the Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLC are spacious and accommodating family SUVs. The Q5 benefits from a long wheelbase, providing good legroom for rear passengers, and features clever touches like reclining rear backrests. Its boot capacity sits at 520 litres, with a flat load lip that makes loading heavy items straightforward.
The GLC matches the Audi for perceived quality, offering a tactile and comfortable environment in the front. It's equally roomy in the back, though the centre seat is a bit narrow. Mild-hybrid GLC models boast a generous 620-litre boot, giving it an edge over the Q5, but keep in mind that opting for the plug-in hybrid reduces this to 470 litres due to the battery placement.
Driving Impressions
Audi Q5 driving score: 4/5
Mercedes-Benz GLC driving score: 4/5
On the road, both SUVs prioritise comfort and refinement over outright sportiness. The Audi Q5 delivers a polished driving experience, with nicely weighted steering and a well-controlled ride, particularly if you find a model fitted with the optional air suspension. It’s a quiet and capable motorway cruiser, with smooth power delivery from its mild-hybrid engines.
The Mercedes-Benz GLC is also a relaxing car to drive, especially in its plug-in hybrid forms where electric-only running is smooth and silent. It feels a little heavier in the corners than the Q5, but the steering is accurate and it handles predictably. Both cars offer plenty of performance for daily driving, though neither will thrill you on a twisty back road.
Technology and Equipment
Audi Q5 technology and equipment score: 3/5
Mercedes-Benz GLC technology and equipment score: 4/5
The Audi Q5 features a slick, modern interior dominated by digital displays. The central touchscreen handles most functions, and while the graphics are sharp, the menus can be a bit complicated to navigate on the move. Standard equipment is good, with heated sports seats, three-zone climate control, and a reversing camera included from the entry-level trim.
The Mercedes-Benz GLC pulls slightly ahead in this category. Its 11.9-inch touchscreen uses the MBUX interface, which is responsive and features excellent voice control. Standard kit is generous across the range, with even base models getting a digital instrument cluster, wireless phone charging, and an electric tailgate. The overall integration of tech in the GLC feels just a bit more intuitive than in the Audi.
Running Costs
Audi Q5 running costs score: 3/5
Mercedes-Benz GLC running costs score: 3/5
Neither of these premium SUVs is cheap to buy or run, but there are ways to keep costs manageable. Both offer a range of mild-hybrid petrol and diesel engines that return reasonable fuel economy for cars of this size. The Audi Q5 diesel, for example, should see around 40-45mpg in real-world driving, which is closely matched by the equivalent GLC.
If you're a company car driver or do mostly short journeys, the plug-in hybrid models are the ones to look at. The Mercedes-Benz GLC stands out here, offering a WLTP-tested electric range of up to 78 miles, which is significantly more than the Q5's 60-mile range. However, you'll need to balance this against the GLC's generally higher purchase price and the fact that both cars will attract premium rates for road tax.
CarGurus Buyer Insights
|
Audi Q5 |
Mercedes-Benz GLC |
| CarGurus expert rating |
4 out of 5 |
3 out of 5 |
| CarGurus user rating |
4.3 out of 5 |
5.0 out of 5 |
| Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus* |
32.9% |
35.3% |
| Overall CarGurus rating |
4.3 out of 5 |
4.4 out of 5 |
The Verdict
Audi Q5 Overall CarGurus rating: 4.3/5
Mercedes-Benz GLC Overall CarGurus rating: 4.4/5
Choosing between the Audi Q5 and the Mercedes-Benz GLC is a tough decision, as both offer a thoroughly premium family SUV experience. They are practical, comfortable, and carry the badge appeal that buyers in this segment are looking for.
However, based on our CarGurus Buyer Insights, the Mercedes-Benz GLC takes the win. It boasts a perfect user rating and a slightly higher Overall CarGurus rating. Its class-leading plug-in hybrid range, superior boot space in mild-hybrid form, and slightly more intuitive technology give it the edge over the Audi.
That’s not to say the Audi Q5 is a bad choice. It remains a highly polished and capable SUV with a spacious interior and a comfortable ride. But as an all-round package, the Mercedes-Benz GLC just manages to pull ahead in this closely fought premium battle.
Audi Q5 Pros and Cons
| Pros |
Cons |
| Sharp styling |
Expensive to buy |
| Practical interior with lots of space |
Complex infotainment system |
| Polished driving experience |
Average warranty coverage |
Mercedes-Benz GLC Pros and Cons
| Pros |
Cons |
| High-quality interior |
Expensive, even by the standards of the class |
| Well equipped as standard |
Adaptive cruise control costs extra |
| PHEV has huge electric-only range |
PHEV versions have a small boot |
*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from June 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.
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