2025 Audi Q5 vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2025 Audi Q5 embraced a robust SUV aesthetic with its third-generation design. It featured a large, textured grille, prominent side air intakes, and high-mounted headlights that contributed to an imposing front end. The body sides were adorned with well-defined lines, adding a muscular touch. Despite the absence of carryover elements from the previous generation, the new styling appeared more evolutionary than revolutionary, resembling a facelift rather than a complete redesign. In Canada, the Q5 was available in base, Progressiv, and Technik trims, with the latter two offering matrix-design LED headlights and animated taillights. These allowed drivers to select from eight daytime running light patterns and program the OLED taillights for a three-dimensional look.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE, last redesigned in 2020 and facelifted in 2024, maintained a distinct identity within the Mercedes-Benz SUV lineup. It shared some visual bulk with the GLS, GLC, and GLB but sported a more rounded profile reminiscent of previous generations and its M-Class predecessor. The GLE's design featured squared-off wheel arches and a horizontal grille and headlights, giving it a wide stance. However, the side glass tapered sharply inward, creating odd proportions, especially on the GLE Coupe models. While not the most handsome in the Mercedes lineup, the GLE's styling adhered closely to the brand's orthodoxy, ensuring it was unmistakably a Benz. The interior offered a range of colours beyond the usual black, grey, and tan, with features like chunky air vents, mesh speaker grilles, and 64-colour ambient lighting, creating an upscale and special atmosphere.

The 2025 Audi Q5 came equipped with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and quattro all-wheel drive (AWD). The base model featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 268 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, while the SQ5 boasted a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 with 362 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. The standard output was competitive for a compact crossover, with slightly less horsepower than an Acura RDX but more torque. The SQ5 nearly matched the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 in output, achieving a manufacturer-estimated 0-100 km/h time of 4.8 seconds. However, both the Q5 and SQ5 experienced turbo lag and rough shifts, impacting their perceived speediness. The air suspension with adaptive damping, standard on the SQ5, provided capable handling but didn't encourage aggressive driving.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered five powertrain options, including a plug-in hybrid and two AMG variants. The GLE 350 featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a mild hybrid system, producing 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The GLE 450 4Matic had a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six with 375 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. The GLE 450e 4Matic combined a turbo-four with electric assist for 381 hp and 479 lb-ft, plus 80 kilometres of electric range. The AMG GLE 53 4Matic+ delivered 429 hp and 413 lb-ft, achieving 0-100 km/h in 5.0 seconds, while the AMG GLE 63 S 4Matic+ featured a twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 with 603 hp and 627 lb-ft, reaching 0-100 km/h in 3.9 seconds. Despite impressive powertrains, the GLE felt larger than it was, even in AMG spec, making it less nimble on backroads and challenging to manoeuvre in tight urban spaces.

The 2025 Audi Q5 retained similar exterior dimensions and interior space to the 2024 model. Headroom and legroom in both rows were nearly identical, providing adequate space compared to rivals. The Q5 featured a sliding and reclining 40/20/40 split-folding second-row bench seat, with cargo-area buttons for easy adjustment. It offered 757 litres of cargo space behind the second row and 1,710 litres with the first row folded, surpassing the Lexus NX and Mercedes-Benz GLC but falling short of the Acura RDX and BMW X3. Standard features included a power tailgate, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel, with additional amenities like heated rear seats and a panoramic sunroof in higher trims. The Q5 also boasted a towing capacity of up to 2,000 kilograms.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE was available in two-row, five-seat, and three-row, seven-seat configurations, although third-row space specs were not published. The GLE offered similar headroom to most rivals but slightly less legroom than the Acura MDX, Audi Q7, and Genesis GV80. The high seating position provided an SUV-like feel, but outward visibility was limited. Second-row passengers enjoyed slightly more space than in most competitors, with additional legroom compared to the BMW X5, Land Rover Range Rover Sport, and Lexus RX. The GLE offered 894 litres of cargo space behind the second row and 1,790 litres with all seats folded, making it competitive in its class. The centre console provided reasonable storage space, and the GLE's towing capacity reached 3,500 kilograms when properly equipped.

The 2025 Audi Q5 featured an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.5-inch central touchscreen as standard, with a 10.9-inch touchscreen for the front passenger in the top Technik trim. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a cooled wireless charging pad. Progressiv models added four USB-C ports and a 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system. The MMI infotainment system, based on Android Automotive OS, offered a user-friendly interface. A built-in voice assistant handled vehicle functions, while an available head-up display provided essential information. The Q5 also introduced Audi's Dynamic Interaction Light, a light bar at the base of the windshield for additional driver cues.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured a pair of 12.3-inch screens, one for the digital instrument cluster and the other for infotainment, creating a seamless horizontal display. The MBUX system included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and built-in navigation. Multiple access methods, including a centre console touchpad and steering wheel touchpads, were available, but the native voice recognition system simplified interactions. The AMG GLE 63 S Coupe offered additional settings, including six drive modes and adjustable damper firmness, stability control, and exhaust noise. Some GLE models featured an off-road display and a "transparent hood" function for the 360-degree camera system, enhancing off-road capabilities.

The 2025 Audi Q5 came with standard driver-assist features, including adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, parking sensors, automatic high beams, blind spot monitoring, and traffic sign recognition. An exit alert feature used interior ambient lighting to warn occupants of oncoming vehicles or cyclists. However, the Q5 received mixed ratings from the IIHS, with too many Marginal or Acceptable ratings to earn a Top Safety Pick designation.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a comprehensive suite of driver-assist features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring with exit assist, crosswind assist, parking assist, a driver attention monitor, and a 360-degree camera system. The Pre-Safe system mitigated collision effects by tightening seatbelts and closing windows. Adaptive cruise control was part of the optional Driver Assistance Package, which added advanced features like evasive steering assist and cross-traffic functionality. The GLE earned a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS, although its front-crash prevention tech received mixed ratings.