2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2023 Audi Q5

The 2023 Audi Q5 presented a blend of elegance and sportiness with its exterior design, featuring subtle curves and angular accents. It was available in two body styles: the standard SUV and the Q5 Sportback, which boasted a sleeker silhouette due to its sloping rear roofline. Despite the typical reservations about coupelike styling, the Q5 Sportback stood out with a spoiler-like element above the taillights, providing a more defined transition from hatch to tail section. Inside, the Q5 offered a refined yet simple layout, though its age was beginning to show. Standard features included leather seating and heated front seats, with options for a heated steering wheel and rear seats. The 10-inch touchscreen was a nod to traditional design amidst a trend of larger screens, and while materials were of good quality, the Q5 no longer felt as special compared to newer competitors. The build quality was robust, with no squeaks or creaks, making it a solid choice among luxury SUVs.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE, although subtly updated, maintained its sophisticated appearance. The front grille featured clever Mercedes star logos, and changes to the headlights and taillights were noticeable only upon close inspection. The GLE 450e test model, finished in Twilight Blue metallic and equipped with 21-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels, was particularly striking. Inside, the GLE exuded luxury with Macchiato beige and black leather upholstery, complemented by natural grain brown walnut trim. Mercedes offered a wide array of interior colour choices and trims, ensuring a high-quality and robust cabin. The GLE's interior was one of the most luxurious in its segment, providing a comfortable and elegant environment for its occupants.

The 2023 Audi Q5 offered three engine options. The base 40 TFSI quattro featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 201 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. The midrange 45 TFSI quattro increased output to 261 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, and was the sole engine for the Q5 Sportback. The 55 TFSI e plug-in hybrid delivered 362 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, with an electric-only range of 37 kilometres. All Q5 models came with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and standard Quattro all-wheel drive. The Q5 Sportback with the 45 TFSI engine experienced a delay in power delivery, likely due to the transmission, making initial acceleration feel sluggish. However, once underway, power was adequate, and the handling was sporty, with precise steering. The Q5 balanced compliance and cornering well, with a quiet engine and minimal road noise, providing a calm cabin experience.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of powertrains, including turbocharged four- and six-cylinder engines, with the AMG GLE 53 featuring a 3.0-litre turbo inline-six. The GLE 450e, with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder and electric motor, produced 381 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. It accelerated from zero to 100 km/h in approximately 5.5 seconds. The GLE 450e's fuel economy was estimated at 4.1 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres, with a 77-kilometre electric range. The transition between gas and electric power was seamless, and the suspension absorbed road imperfections well. The GLE's steering was sophisticated, making it maneuverable despite its size. The GLE 450e's performance was nearly flawless, with a quiet cabin and smooth ride, offering an edge over many competitors.

The 2023 Audi Q5's interior design remained largely unchanged since 2018, with a well-placed infotainment touchscreen and traditional controls for climate and secondary functions. Visibility was good, aided by a narrow front roof pillar. The Q5 provided ample space for front and rear passengers, with the Sportback model only slightly reducing headroom. Storage options were available, though some were oddly sized. The Q5 offered 730 litres of cargo space, with the Sportback providing 700 litres. While competitors like the BMW X3 and Genesis GV70 offered more cargo space, the Q5's practicality was commendable.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE provided generous space for five passengers, with ample headroom and legroom. The cabin felt light and airy, with excellent outward visibility. The GLE offered 630 litres of cargo space behind the second row, comparable to the BMW X5 but less than the Cadillac XT6 and Volvo XC90. The optional third-row seat was limited to certain trims and suitable only for children. The GLE 450e featured numerous comfort touches, including power-adjustable heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and a panoramic sunroof. Additional features included a Burmester audio system, ventilated front seats, and a range of luxury options, enhancing the GLE's appeal.

The 2023 Audi Q5 came standard with a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen, offering sharp graphics and quick responses. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though Apple CarPlay took time to activate. The system included Bluetooth, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a Bang & Olufsen audio system on higher trims. Audi's native infotainment system featured large on-screen buttons, while Apple CarPlay's app buttons were smaller. The Q5 could be monitored remotely via a smartphone app, with Audi Connect Care service available for a limited time. Mid-range trims included a customizable digital instrument panel, enhancing the Q5's technological offerings.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, with two 12.3-inch screens serving as the digital instrument panel and main touchscreen. The system was user-friendly, though feature-rich, requiring a learning curve. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with Bluetooth and an improved "Hey Mercedes" voice command system. The optional head-up display and augmented reality navigation were praised for their clarity. However, the touch-sensitive steering wheel controls could inadvertently adjust the music volume. Overall, the GLE's technology offerings were comprehensive and advanced.

The 2023 Audi Q5 received five stars from the NHTSA for overall, frontal, and side protection, and four stars in rollover tests. The IIHS awarded the Q5 its highest score of "Good" in all crashworthiness tests and named it a Top Safety Pick+. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and parking sensors. Higher trims added lane-keep assist, a surround-view camera system, and traffic jam assist. The top Technik trim featured matrix-design LED headlights, a head-up display, and a semi-automated park assist system.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a comprehensive lineup of active safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, pedestrian detection, and hands-free park assist. Optional features included active blind-spot assist, active lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and evasive steering assist. The GLE's safety systems were unobtrusive and effective, providing peace of mind. The GLE received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS based on the 2022 model year, though crash tests for the 2024 model were not yet completed.