2021 Audi Q5 vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE was a vehicle that, while functional, did not quite capture the aesthetic appeal that many expected from the brand. Its exterior design seemed to promise something bold with its aggressive front, but it lost momentum past the A-pillar, making it hard to distinguish from its predecessors. Despite efforts to enhance its appearance with features like flat taillights and a contoured rear, the GLE struggled to match the visual allure of competitors like the BMW X5 or the Audi RS Q8. However, the interior of the GLE was a different story. It was a testament to luxury, with high-quality materials and a striking red and black colour scheme that outshone many rivals. The interior design was both opulent and functional, with features like twin arching grab handles and expansive digital displays, although some controls felt less robust.

In contrast, the 2021 Audi Q5 presented a sharp and modern exterior that effectively carried the Audi design language. Its expressive front, with LED headlights and a prominent Singleframe grille, gave it a distinctive character. The body featured crisp lines and a protective greenhouse, while the rear boasted bold taillights, contributing to its classy appearance. The Q5's interior mirrored its exterior's sophistication, offering a clean and modern design packed with technology. The layout was intuitive, with smartly grouped controls and high-quality materials that provided an authentic feel. The 10.1-inch touchscreen was strategically placed for optimal visibility, and the second row offered comfortable seating with standard leather upholstery.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE excelled in performance with its advanced air suspension and turbocharged engines. The GLE offered five suspension configurations, with the base GLE 350 featuring a coil-sprung setup for reliability and comfort. The GLE 450 introduced AIRMATIC self-leveling air springs, while the AMG Ride Control+ added sport-tuned features for enhanced handling. The E-Active Body Control was a standout, allowing the GLE to lean into turns like a motorcyclist. The AMG GLE 53 Coupe featured an electric supercharger for instant throttle response, although it wasn't as exhilarating as expected. The GLE's hybrid system, EQ Boost, provided additional horsepower and torque, improving the driving experience without significantly enhancing fuel efficiency. The GLE's towing capacity was impressive at 3,500 kilograms, and its ride quality and steering were exceptional, making it feel agile despite its size.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV built on the standard Q5's enjoyable driving experience by adding a 14.1-kWh battery, boosting its total output to 362 hp and 373 lb-ft of torque. This setup allowed the Q5 PHEV to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.3 seconds and achieve impressive fuel efficiency of 4.7 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres combined. The Q5 PHEV's drivetrain included a seven-speed S Tronic automatic transmission and full-time Quattro AWD, with modes for electric-only driving, battery power reservation, and hybrid operation. The Q5's handling was commendable, with a slightly sporty suspension setting that balanced comfort and road feel. The steering was responsive, and the braking was powerful and predictable, making the Q5 a well-rounded performer.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a spacious interior, with most models accommodating five passengers, while an optional third row increased capacity to seven. The second-row seats featured power controls for added comfort, and the cargo capacity was generous, with 630 litres behind the second row and 2,055 litres with all rows folded. The Coupe variant, however, was less accommodating, with a sloping roofline that reduced rear passenger space and cargo capacity. The GLE's usability was enhanced by the MBUX infotainment system, which simplified controls and improved the overall user experience.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV provided a well-packaged interior, with the battery pack cleverly placed under the luggage compartment floor to preserve cargo space. It offered 710 litres of space behind the second row and 1,503 litres with the seats folded. The second row provided ample legroom, headroom, and shoulder room, comfortably seating two adults. The front seats were supportive and adjustable, with heating and optional ventilation. The Q5's interior was thoughtfully designed, with convenient storage options and a clean layout that enhanced functionality.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured a 12-inch touchscreen with Interior Assistant, allowing for gesture-based controls. The system was intuitive, with search bars and larger type for easy navigation. The AMG models included a Track Pace app for performance tracking, while the Seat Kinetics feature adjusted seating for comfort. The GLE offered a range of luxury features, including a head-up display, ambient lighting with 64 colours, and a natural voice assistant. The semi-automated functionality provided advanced driving assistance, making the GLE a technologically advanced vehicle.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV boasted Audi's latest MMI 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, complemented by the Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus 12.3-inch HD instrument cluster. The system was user-friendly and customizable, with three display views. The Q5's interior lighting was adjustable, enhancing the cabin's ambiance. The standard Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system delivered excellent sound quality, and the inclusion of wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto ensured seamless smartphone integration.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE received top safety ratings, with the IIHS awarding it a Top Safety Pick+ and the NHTSA giving it a five-star overall rating. The GLE offered a comprehensive suite of safety and driver assistance features, including blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and more. The Pre-Safe Sound and Pre-Safe Impulse Side features provided additional protection in the event of a crash.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV had not been rated by the IIHS, but the 2020 gasoline model received top ratings in most categories. The NHTSA awarded the 2021 Q5 gasoline model five stars. The Q5 PHEV included six airbags, an anti-lock braking system, electronic stability control, and a range of available driver-assistance features such as Audi Pre Sense front, adaptive cruise control, and traffic-sign recognition.