The premium mid-size SUV segment represents one of the most competitive battlegrounds in the car market, with German manufacturers leading the charge. Two of the most accomplished contenders are the Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, both of which offer sophisticated engineering, luxurious interiors, and the kind of prestige that draws buyers to this class. The Q5, now in its third generation, has long been a sales success thanks to its combination of upmarket image, smart styling, and outright practicality. Meanwhile, the Mercedes GLC, also in its third generation, promises significant improvements beneath its subtly updated exterior, particularly in terms of interior space and electrification options.
Both SUVs target the same discerning buyers who prioritise quality, refinement, and brand prestige. The Q5 offers a choice between standard and Sportback bodystyles, with power coming from 2.0-litre petrol and diesel engines producing 201bhp, both featuring 48-volt mild hybrid technology and all-wheel drive as standard. The GLC counters with a more extensive electrification strategy, offering not only mild hybrid variants but also plug-in hybrid models with an impressive 80-mile electric range.
Audi Q5 vs Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class
Practicality
The Audi Q5 has built its reputation on being exceptionally practical, and this latest generation benefits from a longer wheelbase that creates even more interior space. Rear passengers, even taller ones, will find themselves comfortable in the outer seats, with backrests that recline in three different positions. The middle seat is inevitably narrower with a large transmission tunnel robbing foot space, but the Q5 still represents a significant step up from a regular family car. A particularly clever feature in S line models and above is the ability to slide the rear seats forwards and backwards in a 60:40 split, allowing you to trade legroom for additional boot space as needed.
Boot capacity in the Q5 measures 520 litres (515 litres for the Sportback variant), featuring a flat load lip and some additional storage beneath the boot floor. The rear seats fold in a 40:20:40 split and lie nearly flat, expanding capacity to 1,415 litres in the standard Q5 or 1,473 litres in the Sportback. Interior storage is generous throughout, with a large glovebox, substantial cubby under the centre armrest, two cupholders, large door bins, and a wireless charging pad for phones. The driving position offers excellent comfort with extensive seat and steering wheel adjustment, plus excellent visibility in all directions from the standard Q5.
The Mercedes GLC matches the Q5's family-friendly credentials whilst adding a touch more space and luxury. The interior creates a seriously classy ambience with high-quality materials and contrasting finishes that arguably surpass even the high standards set by its other German rivals from BMW and Audi. The driver's seat provides excellent support with electric adjustment and four-way lumbar support as standard across all models, ensuring drivers of any size can get comfortable. The fairly high-set SUV driving position and decent visibility will please most buyers, whilst rear passengers benefit from masses of headroom and legroom that easily accommodates two tall adults.
However, the GLC's boot space story is more complex. Mild hybrid models offer excellent capacity of 600-620 litres depending on specification, which exceeds the Q5's offering. Unfortunately, the plug-in hybrid variants tell a different story, with their large batteries and air suspension reducing boot space to just 400 litres - noticeably less than the Q5's equivalent. The PHEV models also suffer from a high boot floor and lack of underfloor storage for charging cables. For families prioritising maximum boot space, the mild hybrid GLC has a slight edge over the Q5, but the plug-in variants fall short of both the Q5 and other rivals in this crucial area.
Driving Impressions
The Audi Q5's driving experience centres around refinement and competence rather than outright excitement. The 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine produces 201bhp and pairs with Audi's 48-volt mild hybrid system, featuring a 1.7kWh battery that allows brief engine-off running and improved stop-start functionality. Performance is entirely appropriate for the class, with the diesel managing 0-62mph in 7.4 seconds, though it's the in-gear pull that impresses most in daily driving. The 2.0-litre petrol engine, also producing 201bhp, is marginally quicker at 7.2 seconds, whilst the range-topping SQ5 delivers a substantial 362bhp for a 4.5-second sprint time.
The Q5's ride and handling strikes a polished balance, particularly with the optional air suspension fitted to test vehicles. On 20-inch wheels with air suspension, the ride quality is both cosseting and well-controlled, making it an excellent motorway cruiser with impressive noise suppression from tyres, wind, and engine. The steering feels nicely weighted with no shortage of grip, though BMW rivals feel more responsive through corners. The seven-speed S tronic automatic gearbox shifts smoothly when left to its own devices or can be controlled via steering wheel paddles, whilst the driver assistance systems are well-tuned enough that you rarely need to deactivate them.
The Mercedes GLC 300e plug-in hybrid offers a more sophisticated powertrain experience, combining a 201bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine with a 134bhp electric motor for 308bhp total output. The diesel plug-in hybrid GLC 300de produces even more power at 328bhp, giving both variants 0-62mph times well under 7.0 seconds. Non plug-in options include the GLC 220d and 300d with 194bhp or 266bhp respectively, plus the GLC 300 petrol with 255bhp. Every GLC comes with 4Matic four-wheel drive and a nine-speed automatic gearbox as standard.
The GLC 300e excels in electric mode, offering brilliant refinement and a pleasant, easily modulated stream of power. The class-leading 80-mile electric range means you can reach motorway speeds without waking the petrol engine, and various drive modes intelligently shuffle between power sources or allow manual selection. However, the substantial 2.3-2.4 tonne kerb weight of the plug-in hybrids shows in hefty body lean during direction changes, and throttle response can be inconsistent when switching between electric and hybrid power. The brake response also lacks smoothness. Ride comfort is acceptable but somewhat lumpy at low speeds, though the plug-in models benefit from standard self-levelling rear air suspension.
Technology and Equipment
The Audi Q5 presents a slick, high-tech interior, though interior materials and build quality sometimes does not quite reach the impeccable standards you'd expect from the price point. The central infotainment touchscreen houses most of the car's main controls, including heating functions, along with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Whilst the graphics quality is undoubtedly impressive, the menus can be confusing to navigate, and simple actions like adjusting air-conditioning fan speed require taking your eyes off the road. The 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster sits behind the same curved glass panel as the infotainment screen, creating a snazzy appearance but contributing to a tech setup that's arguably too distracting.
Standard equipment levels are more generous than might be expected, with the entry-level Sport trim including heated sports seats, three-zone climate control, 19-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, a 10-speaker sound system, ambient lighting, and parking sensors with reversing camera. The popular S line trim adds electric seat and steering wheel adjustment, sportier styling, sport suspension, 20-inch wheels, and sliding rear seats. Top-spec Edition 1 brings digital key functionality, a passenger display screen, 21-inch wheels, and Matrix LED headlights. An optional 10.9-inch passenger display is available but offers limited functionality.
The Mercedes GLC also takes a comprehensive approach to standard equipment, with the AMG Line model including 19-inch alloys, LED lights, ambient lighting, heated seats, wireless charging, and a powered tailgate. The AMG Line Premium adds memory seats, matrix digital LED lights, 20-inch wheels, keyless entry, 360-degree parking camera, blind spot warning, and traffic sign recognition. The range-topping AMG Line Premium Plus includes a panoramic glass roof, four-zone climate control, Burmester sound system, and head-up display.
However, the GLC's equipment strategy has some frustrating limitations. Whilst all models get basic cruise control, lane-departure warning, and good crash safety, adaptive cruise control and semi-autonomous driving features are only available with the expensive Driving Assistance Package Plus, and only on the top-spec AMG Line Premium Plus trim. The 11.9-inch MBUX infotainment system requires familiarisation but offers excellent graphics, screen response, and voice control, along with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Overall, the GLC offers superior standard equipment and interior quality, but the Q5 provides a more straightforward approach to technology integration, making the Mercedes the winner for equipment generosity whilst the Audi edges ahead for user-friendly operation.
Running Costs
Neither the Audi Q5 nor Mercedes GLC could be described as affordable, with both carrying premium price tags that reflect their upmarket positioning. This pricing inevitably means buyers face the luxury car tax rate, adding hundreds of pounds annually to the standard VED rate between years two and six. However, the Q5 should hold its value well, which helps keep monthly finance costs more manageable. Insurance groups range from 37-45 for the standard Q5 (38-47 for the Sportback), reflecting the vehicle's high value.
Fuel economy figures for the Q5 are respectable given its size and performance capabilities. The petrol variants achieve 37-40mpg in official WLTP tests, though expect slightly less in real-world driving, whilst the diesel manages 44-47mpg in the same tests. Real-world testing of the diesel returned 43mpg, which aligns closely with official figures. The e-hybrid plug-in hybrid version could prove very economical for drivers who can charge at home on competitive tariffs and cover most journeys within the 60-mile electric range.
The Mercedes GLC commands an even higher premium, with a still-larger price gap for the plug-in hybrid variants. However, the GLC does justify some of this premium through superior standard equipment levels - features like a head-up display that require top-spec Q5 trim are included on mid-level GLC models. The extensive electric range of the PHEV models also helps justify their higher prices, particularly for company car users who benefit from the GLC PHEVs falling into a lower Benefit-in-Kind tax band.
Fuel economy across the GLC range is competitive, with both diesel engines managing up to 51mpg in WLTP tests, though expect around 40-45mpg in typical real-world use. The petrol GLC 300 4Matic returns 37mpg, whilst the PHEVs offer theoretical economy figures that are best ignored unless you can maximise electric-only running. Electric driving costs approximately 13-15p per mile on a standard domestic tariff, or as little as 3p per mile with cheap off-peak electricity, compared to 17-25p per mile for conventional engines. Insurance groups span 40-49 across the GLC range, similar to rivals. Overall, the Q5 offers better value for money, whilst the GLC's higher prices are partially offset by superior equipment levels and more advanced electrification options.
Verdict
Both the Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class are accomplished models, each with distinct strengths that will appeal to different buyers. The Q5 continues its tradition of being a predictably excellent all-rounder, offering good practicality, smart styling, and polished driving dynamics. Its 520-litre boot capacity, sliding rear seats, and refined ride quality make it an excellent family SUV, whilst the choice of efficient 2.0-litre engines with mild hybrid technology provides adequate performance with reasonable running costs. The Q5's technology setup, whilst sometimes distracting, offers solid functionality, and the overall package feels well-integrated and mature.
The Mercedes GLC takes a more ambitious approach, particularly with its electrification strategy. The plug-in hybrid variants offer an impressive 80-mile electric range that leads the class, making them exceptionally attractive for company car users due to more favourable tax treatment. The interior quality and standard equipment levels also surpass the Q5, creating a more luxurious environment. However, the GLC's higher purchase prices, reduced boot space in PHEV variants, and some frustrating equipment restrictions (like adaptive cruise control only being available on top-spec models) may deter some buyers. For those prioritising cutting-edge electrification and maximum luxury, the GLC has the edge, but the Q5 offers better overall value and a more cohesive package for most buyers seeking a premium family SUV.
