The 2022 Audi Q5 is Audi’s mid-size premium executive SUV aimed at those who want to enjoy a comfortable and luxurious car without wanting to stand out. The 2022 Mercedes GLC is the direct competitor to the Q5, but the current GLC is getting on a bit now and the new one should soon follow.
In the world of mid-size premium executive SUVs, you have a choice between the Q5, the GLC, the BMW X3, the Volvo XC60, and the Porsche Macan. The Q5 and the GLC seem to be the most popular options at the moment so it makes perfect sense to compare them.
The Q5 is a subdued-looking family SUV packed with high-quality materials and lots of technology. The Q5 is available in three different powertrain options and it is in line with all the other SUVs from Audi’s catalog. The GLC is a bit more attractive-looking thanks to a recognizable Mercedes grille.
The GLC is also available in a few different powertrain options. The Q5 is a tad bit more efficient while the GLC is a bit more fun to drive. All in all, both of these are great premium executive SUV options, but the GLC does seem to be a bit more desirable.
2022 Audi Q5 – The compact/mid-size luxury SUV
The Audi Q5 45 TFSI starts at $44,100 for the Premium package and the 2.0L 4-cylinder with 261hp. The Premium Plus 45 TFSI starts at $49,100 while the Prestige, fully optioned out 45 TFSI model starts at $54,800 and it is the best pick of the Q5 lineup.
The Q5 is also being offered as the 55 TFSI e hybrid version that utilizes the same 2.0L 4-cylinder and an electric engine for a combined output of 362hp. The 55 TFSI e starts at $52,00, and the Prestige model costs $62,350. The top-of-the-line SQ5 gets a 3.0L supercharged V6 with 350hp and a price tag of $53,900 and it tops out at $65,700 for the Sportback version.
The Audi Q5 looks and feels premium both from the inside and the outside. The interior of the Q5 seems to be a bit better built when compared to the GLC because there are higher quality materials throughout, especially on the Prestige package models.
The Q5 is not as spacious as the GLC, but it does offer a slightly larger cargo space. All Q5 models come with Audi’s Quattro AWD from the factory while you have to pay extra if you want an AWD on the GLC.
2022 Mercedes GLC – The Mercedes SUV range sweet spot
Since the GLC first came out, it has always been one of the best-selling Mercedes models. Now the GLC is nearing the end of its lifeline and a new model is soon to follow so we are likely going to see the new GLC becoming the most popular Mercedes SUV eventually.
The GLC range kicks off with the GLC300 and its 2.0L inline 4-cylinder engine with 255hp and a price tag of $43,850. It seems like the Q5 is a bit more expensive from the start, but the Q5 does get Quattro as standard, and you have to pay an additional $2,000 for the 4MATIC with the GLC.
For $59,900 you can upgrade to the GLC 43 AMG with a 3.0L BiTurbo V6 and 385hp while the range-topping GLC 63 AMG S Coupe offers a 4.0L BiTurbo V8 for $84,500. The GLC looks a bit more appealing when compared to the Q5 because Audi decided to make the Q5 a bit more understated.
The GLC offers a tad bit more space on the inside and it feels a bit more thrilling to drive. The GLC 63 gets a V8 while a V8 is absent from the Q5 range. The GLC does lack behind the Audi when it comes to cargo space and the quality of interior materials while the interior design is comparable with the Q5.
Conclusion – It’s a tie, both of these SUVs are amazing
Both the Q5 and the GLC are soon to be replaced which means that they are on a somewhat comparable level when it comes to most premium executive SUV characteristics. If you plan on towing with your SUV, the Q5 is better as it offers a considerably better maximum towing capacity.
The Q5 beats the GLC when it comes to quality, cargo space while the GLC beats the Audi when it comes to performance and interior space. It seems like the Q5 is a tad bit more efficient, but the differences are marginal.
All in all, both of these SUVs are amazing which means that you will not be disappointed with either of them. Chances are that your brand loyalty is likely going to play a huge role when it comes to deciding between these two.
FAQ Section
Is the Audi Q5 more reliable than the GLC?
Both the Q5 and the GLC offer comparable levels of reliability which means that they are more or less mediocre. It’s a classic story of German luxury cars as they are not the most reliable cars on the market, but they will last a long time if maintained correctly.
The Q5 should cost you about $12,000 for the first 10 years while the GLC costs a bit more to maintain, around $14,000.
Is the Audi Q5 more efficient than the GLC?
The Audi Q5 is rated at 23MPG in the city and 29MPG on the highway while the GLC is rated at 22MPG in the city and 28MPG on the highway which means that these two are almost identical. The range-topping AMG 63 GLC is the least efficient engine out of the bunch, but a V8 offers numerous other benefits.
All in all, these two are fairly comparable when it comes to efficiency and the way you drive them is more important than the MPG results listed.
Is the Audi Q5 more desirable than the GLC?
The Audi Q5 is one of the most desirable Audi models, both because it is an Audi and because it is an SUV. However, the GLC is more desirable as it seems like the Mercedes badge does play a huge factor. It seems like Mercedes manages to sell a lot more GLC models when compared to the Q5.
Although the GLC sells better, many customer satisfaction surveys give a slight edge to the Q5 when it comes to how long owners tend to keep the Q5 compared to the GLC.