2024 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 Q5 SUV and the Q5 Sportback, which boasted a sloping rear roofline for a sleeker look. 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 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE, while subtle in its aesthetic updates, made a significant impact with sharper headlights and taillights, black fender flares, and chrome grille inserts. The optional AMG Line package added a sporty touch with a distinct grille and larger wheel options. Inside, the GLE maintained a classic Mercedes-Benz feel, though not as futuristic as the brand's electric models. The cabin featured leather and soft-touch surfaces, with the option for open-pore walnut trim. However, the combination with Bahia Brown seating gave a dated appearance. The GLE coupe, available only in the AMG guise, offered a sportier look but at the cost of interior space.

The 2023 Audi Q5 offered three engine choices. The base 40 TFSI was a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 201 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque. The midrange 45 TFSI, exclusive to the Q5 Sportback, delivered 261 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. The top-tier 55 TFSI was a plug-in hybrid with 362 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, offering an estimated 23 miles of electric-only range. All models featured 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 due to the transmission, affecting initial acceleration. However, once moving, the power was adequate, and the handling was sporty, with precise steering and a balance between compliance and cornering.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered several engine options, including the entry-level GLE 350 with 255 horsepower, the mid-line GLE 450 with a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder, and the top-tier GLE 580 with a 4.0-liter V8. The new 450e plug-in hybrid, however, was the highlight, combining a 2.0-liter turbo inline four-cylinder engine with an electric motor for 381 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. Despite being slower to 60 mph than the GLE 450 due to its battery weight, the 450e offered an impressive 48-mile electric range, with a real-world reading of 55 miles. The transition from electric to gas was seamless, though the Sport mode did little to enhance driving dynamics. The 450e featured an 11-kW onboard charger and could accept a 60-kW DC fast charge, making it convenient for road trips.

The 2023 Audi Q5's interior design had remained largely unchanged since 2018 but continued to be functional and user-friendly. The infotainment touchscreen was strategically placed atop the dash, and traditional dials and buttons were used for climate controls. Visibility was good, aided by a narrow front roof pillar and better-than-average rear views. The front seats offered ample space, and the rear seats accommodated taller passengers comfortably. Storage options were available, though some were oddly sized. The Q5 provided 25.8 cubic feet of cargo space, slightly reduced in the Sportback model.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE excelled in interior luxuries, with standard heated front seats and options for ventilation and massage functions. Heated and cooled cup holders, customizable ambient lighting, a panoramic sunroof, and soft-close doors added to the comfort. The GLE could tow 7,700 pounds and featured Trailer Maneuvering Assist technology. Cargo space was generous, with 31.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 74.9 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 2023 Audi Q5 came with a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen, offering sharp graphics and quick responses, though it took time to boot up and activate Apple CarPlay. Both CarPlay and Android Auto were available wirelessly. Higher trims included a Bang & Olufsen audio system. The Audi Connect Care service allowed remote monitoring and feature control via a smartphone app, with a limited-time subscription.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and the MBUX infotainment system, though not as large as other Mercedes models. The menu was easy to navigate, with a touchpad on the center console and voice control options. The augmented reality navigation system was a standout feature, providing helpful overlays on the screen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, though connectivity issues were noted. Multiple USB-C ports offered ample charging options.

The 2023 Audi Q5 received top safety ratings, with five stars from the NHTSA for overall, frontal, and side protection, and four stars for rollover tests. The IIHS awarded it a Top Safety Pick+ with "Good" ratings in all crashworthiness tests. 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 advanced driver assistance features.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of advanced driver aids, with blind-spot monitoring as standard. The optional Driver Assistance Package Plus included active blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and lane-change assist. The GLE earned a five-star side crash rating and four stars for rollover from the NHTSA. The IIHS gave it "Good" ratings in crashworthiness and other safety categories.