2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2025 Audi Q5

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC maintained a familiar aesthetic, opting for subtle updates rather than a complete overhaul. Designers made minor adjustments, such as repositioning the door handles and refining the headlights to appear more aggressive. The taillights were notably different, connected by a trim piece across the back, and the rear design elements were updated for a more modern look. The GLC Coupe retained its distinctive sloping profile, resembling an inflated hatchback, with a grille that differentiated AMG models from the GLC 300. Inside, the GLC's interior was luxurious, featuring two-tone leather upholstery and a wood-and-metal dash treatment. The cabin was filled with screens, buttons, and ambient lighting, offering a gadget-heavy experience typical of Mercedes.

In contrast, the 2025 Audi Q5 embraced a more rugged SUV appearance with a large, textured grille and high-mounted headlights. The exterior design was evolutionary, with well-defined lines adding a muscular touch. The Q5 offered various trim levels, with LED Headlights Plus and programmable OLED taillights available on higher trims. The Q5 Sportback variant provided a sleeker profile at the cost of cargo space and rear-seat headroom. The SQ5 performance model featured matte chrome trim, larger air intakes, and quad exhaust tips. Inside, the Q5's interior was detailed, with a mix of high-quality materials and a somewhat discordant design. The dashboard and door panels accommodated the opposing curves of the touchscreen and bulging doors, while the SQ5 offered sportier seats with Alcantara trim.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC 43 was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine from AMG, producing an impressive 416 horsepower, surpassing the previous generation's twin-turbocharged V6. The engine was supported by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, enhancing performance. The base GLC 300 offered 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, which was respectable for its class. The GLC 300 was rear-wheel-drive, with an optional 4Matic all-wheel-drive system, while the AMG GLC 43 came standard with 4Matic AWD. Both powertrains used a nine-speed automatic transmission, with the GLC 43 featuring the AMG Speedshift MCT 9-speed for faster shifts. The performance suspension provided improved handling, though it resulted in a firmer ride.

The 2025 Audi Q5 featured a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive. The base model's 2.0-liter turbo-four delivered 268 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, while the SQ5's 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 produced 362 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. The Q5's performance was competitive, with a manufacturer-estimated zero to 60 mph time of 5.8 seconds for the standard model and 4.6 seconds for the SQ5. However, the dual-clutch transmission exhibited turbo lag and rough shifts, affecting acceleration. The Q5's suspension offered capable handling, with air suspension available on higher trims. The SQ5's sportier tuning provided improved body control, but the steering lacked the engagement needed for spirited driving.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC's cabin was driver-focused, with controls angled toward the driver. The front seats offered standard heat and memory functions, with optional ventilation and heated rear seats. The GLC SUV provided 21.9 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 59.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The GLC Coupe offered 17.6 cubic feet of cargo volume, increasing to 52.6 cubic feet with the seats down. The power-folding rear seats added convenience, though the Coupe's cargo space was limited.

The 2025 Audi Q5 maintained similar dimensions to its predecessor, with adequate headroom and legroom. The second-row bench seat was sliding and reclining, with cargo-area buttons for easy adjustment. The Q5 offered 27.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 56.9 cubic feet with the seats folded, surpassing some rivals. A power tailgate and heated front seats were standard, with higher trims adding a heated steering wheel, panoramic sunroof, and ventilated front seats. The Q5's towing capacity of 4,400 pounds exceeded that of the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4Matic.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC featured an 11.9-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen running the MBUX infotainment system, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Exclusive trim added navigation, a Burmester 3D surround sound system, and an off-road dash display. The Pinnacle trim included a head-up display and augmented reality navigation. An Advanced USB package was available, increasing the number of USB-C ports.

The 2025 Audi Q5 came with an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.5-inch central touchscreen, with a 10.9-inch passenger screen on the Prestige trim. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a cooled wireless charging pad. The Premium Plus trim added USB-C ports and a Bang & Olufsen audio system. The MMI infotainment system, based on Android Automotive OS, was user-friendly, with a built-in voice assistant for vehicle functions. The Q5 also offered a head-up display and Dynamic Interaction Light for additional driver cues.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, with an "Acceptable" rating for the standard front crash-prevention system. Standard safety features included active brake assist, attention assist, blind-spot and exit warning assist, adaptive braking technology, and active parking assist. The optional Driver Assistance Package added advanced driver-assistance systems like adaptive cruise control and active lane-keeping assist.

The 2025 Audi Q5 included standard driver-assist features such as adaptive cruise control, active front assist, lane departure warning, parking sensors, automatic high beams, blind spot monitoring, and traffic sign recognition. The Premium Plus trim added a 360-degree camera system and adaptive cruise assist. Safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time of writing, but Audi aimed to match the previous generation's five-star NHTSA rating.