2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2021 Audi Q5

The 2021 Audi Q5 was a sharp-looking crossover SUV that embodied the Audi design language while maintaining its unique character. It featured an expressive front with LED headlights and a prominent Singleframe grille, emphasizing width with horizontal elements. The body showcased crisp character lines, and the rear was marked by bold, large taillights. The Q5's overall appearance was classy and modern, with exceptional fit and finish. The plug-in hybrid version included S-Line trim pieces and enhancements, offering a more refined look with standard 19-inch wheels or optional 20-inch wheels.

Inside, the Q5 maintained a classy and modern aesthetic, packed with technology yet uncluttered. Controls were smartly grouped by function, and the design was cohesive and pleasing. High-quality materials were used throughout, with real wood and metal accents. The 10.1-inch touchscreen was positioned for optimal driver visibility. The second row was well-appointed, featuring standard leather upholstery, ensuring comfort for all passengers.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC embraced a timeless aesthetic with soft curves and rounded edges, contrasting with the aggressive styling trends of the time. Its long hood and wide grille gave it a dramatic stance, reminiscent of a raised C-Class or E-Class sedan, highlighting its car-like characteristics. The GLC's exterior was attractive, and its cabin was an automotive work of art, with flowing lines and a minimalist approach. The interior design set a high standard for compact luxury SUV cabins.

The GLC was available in both conventional SUV and crossover "coupe" body styles. The coupe's sharp look came at the cost of usable space. Standard equipment on the GLC 300 included 19-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, and a power liftgate. Inside, it featured synthetic leather upholstery, power-adjustable and heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and the MBUX infotainment system. The GLC 300 test model included the Premium Package, adding navigation, a 10.2-inch touchscreen, and a panoramic sunroof, among other features.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV enhanced the driving experience by adding 114 horsepower and 96 pound-feet of torque with a 14.1-kWh battery, resulting in a total combined output of 362 hp and 373 lb-ft of torque. This setup, paired with a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine, provided impressive acceleration, reaching 0 to 100 km/h in 5.3 seconds. The Q5 PHEV offered fuel efficiency of 4.7 litres-equivalent per 100 km combined, with a gasoline-only mode rated at 8.8 litres per 100 km. The drivetrain featured a seven-speed S Tronic automatic transmission with full-time Quattro AWD, offering various driving modes for battery management. The Q5's handling was sporty yet comfortable, with minimal body roll and powerful braking.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 came with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 255 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and 4MATIC AWD. The GLC offered Dynamic Select with Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ drive modes, providing a balance of refinement and responsiveness. The AMG GLC 43 featured a twin-turbocharged V6 with 385 horsepower, while the AMG GLC 63 S boasted a twin-turbo V8 with 503 hp, delivering sports car-like performance.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV offered smart packaging, with its battery pack located under the luggage compartment floor, preserving cargo space. It provided 710 litres of space behind the second row, expandable to 1,503 litres with the seats folded. The second row offered reasonable legroom, headroom, and shoulder room, accommodating two adults comfortably. The front seats were supportive and adjustable, with heating and optional ventilation. The interior featured practical storage solutions, including cupholders and a centre-console storage bin.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 provided 1,600 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded, reduced to 550 litres with the seats up. The GLC Coupe's cargo capacity was slightly less, at 1,400 and 500 litres, respectively. The GLC's interior offered ample storage options, including a centre console and deep door pockets. The rear seats provided adequate legroom and headroom, although the Coupe's low roofline reduced headroom. The SUV version was recommended for better space utilization.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV featured Audi's MMI 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, complemented by the Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus 12.3-inch HD instrument cluster. This setup offered three customizable views and was paired with LED ambient lighting for a personalized cabin experience. The standard Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system with 19 speakers provided excellent sound quality. Wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto were included.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC's Premium Package equipped it with the MBUX infotainment system, featuring a 10.25-inch touchscreen and a touch controller. The system was intuitive, with options for both touch and controller navigation. The steering wheel included touch-sensitive pads for customizing the digital instrument panel and navigating the infotainment screen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were integrated, although switching between the GLC's radio and smartphone apps required navigating through menus.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV had not been rated by the IIHS, but the 2020 gasoline model received top "good" ratings in most categories. The NHTSA awarded the 2021 gasoline model five stars. Safety features included six airbags, ABS with brake assist, electronic stability control, and various driver-assistance systems like Audi Pre Sense front and adaptive cruise control.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC required the Intelligent Drive Package for advanced safety features like automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring. The Premium Plus Package added parking sensors and hands-free parking assist. The parking sensors were sensitive, often triggering false positives, but could be deactivated.