Mercedes-Benz GLC vs Audi Q5: two premium SUVs

The compact luxury sport utility segment is filled with competitive models that are fighting hard to convince consumers. At the top of the hierarchy are the Mercedes-Benz GLC and Audi Q5, two models that are sure to be on your list if you're looking for a model in this segment.

Both the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC and the 2020 Audi Q5 have several arguments to convince consumers. Both models are class-leading in terms of refinement, but the GLC still has the edge in some ways. On paper, these two SUVs are comparable in terms of power, efficiency and equipment. Where there are differences in favour of the Mercedes-Benz GLC is in the level of refinement, technologies and number of versions available to the buyer. Let's take a closer look.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC is a little more refined than the 2020 Q5

You buy a luxury compact SUV for the sake of luxury, at least that's the case for many buyers. But at this level, the GLC has the advantage. All the experts will tell you; the Mercedes-Benz GLC 2020 is more elegant inside with its fine woodwork, the quality of the materials in general and exclusive technologies like the MBUX system. The latter is integrated into a large 10.25-inch screen that adds a lot of character to the interior of the GLC. Simply put, when you sit in the GLC, you feel more like you're in a luxury vehicle than in the Q5.

You'll also notice a little more headroom. The Q5 is a little older than the GLC, having been updated in 2018. The GLC was revised last year with significant improvements. It looks good in terms of style, but also in terms of the technology it offers.

In terms of versions, the Mercedes-Benz GLC is offered with a choice of four engines, including a plug-in hybrid model, the GLC 350e. The latter allows it to travel about 20 kilometres in 100% electric mode and thus improve fuel economy.

There are no hybrid versions in the Q5 family. Next, the GLC offers two AMG models, the GLC 43 and the GLC 63 S. In the case of the GLC 43, we get a ferocious 362-hp engine that reaches 100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds, which is significantly faster than Audi's 354-hp SQ5, which reaches the same speed in 5.4 seconds. But it's not just acceleration that differentiates the two models; it's the feeling behind the wheel. The GLC 43 is sportier, sharper and has a soundtrack that will send chills down the spine of any performance enthusiast. The SQ5 is much less sporty overall despite its performance. The engine doesn't sound like much, and you can sometimes forget that you're driving the fastest version of the Q5. Some will find that it simply lacks a bit of personality.

That said, the king of the GLC lineup is the high-performance GLC 63 S, a true 503-horsepower monster that reaches 100 km/h in less than 4.0 seconds with the sound and performance of a pure sports car. It's very difficult, if not impossible, to find an SUV with a better price/performance ratio currently available on the market.

As an entry-level model, the GLC 300 features a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers 241 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. The Q5 has the same torque and a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine as well, but with slightly more power. Nevertheless, the Q5 is heavier, so performance is relatively the same between each model.

Finally, the GLC is available in a four-door coupe version, which is not available in the Q5. Simply put, you have quite a bit more choice in the GLC lineup. You also have more option packages, which makes it easier to configure a GLC to suit your image.

In short, it's hard to choose between each model, but in the end, the Mercedes-Benz GLC lineup offers a lot more choice, which generally gives the GLC the edge.