2025 Audi Q5 vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS

The 2025 Audi Q5 presented a robust SUV aesthetic, with its large, textured grille and high-mounted headlights creating an assertive front-end appearance. The body featured well-defined lines that added a muscular touch, although the overall design felt more like an evolution rather than a complete redesign from its predecessor. In Canada, the Q5 was available in base, Progressiv, and Technik trims, with the latter two offering advanced lighting options. The Q5 also came in a Sportback variant, which sacrificed some cargo space for a sleeker profile. The SQ5 performance model stood out with its enhanced power, sport suspension, and distinctive design elements, including matte chrome trim and larger wheels.

Inside, the Q5's design was a mix of intricate details and high-quality materials, though the layout was somewhat discordant. The dashboard and door panels featured opposing curves, accommodating a main touchscreen and bulging doors with haptic controls. Despite the design quirks, the materials used were top-notch, with standard leather seating and available Alcantara trim in the SQ5. However, the interior had some drawbacks, such as a piano-black plastic area prone to dirt and insufficient seat bolstering in the SQ5 for spirited driving.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered a lineup that included the GLS 450, GLS 580, AMG GLS 63, and Maybach GLS 600, with prices in Canada ranging from $125,395 to $247,795. Built in Alabama, the GLS was subject to tariffs and a federal luxury tax. The GLS 450 test vehicle featured AMG styling, premium leather upholstery, and a black headliner. The interior, similar to the smaller GLE, boasted high-quality materials, though body creaks were noted on cold mornings. Standard leather upholstery was complemented by available Nappa leather and various trim options. The GLS's dual 12.3-inch displays were well-integrated, and the MBUX infotainment system was user-friendly, with a digital assistant capable of handling various functions.

The 2025 Audi Q5 featured a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and quattro all-wheel drive. The base model's 2.0-litre turbo-four engine produced 268 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, while the SQ5's 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 delivered 362 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. Despite these figures, the Q5 and SQ5 didn't feel as quick as expected due to turbo lag and a transmission that struggled with quick shifts. The air suspension, standard on the SQ5, provided capable handling but didn't encourage aggressive driving. The Q5 offered various driving modes, including Off-Road and Off-Road Plus, but was more suited to dirt roads than technical trails.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 was powered by a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid assist, producing 375 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and 4Matic all-wheel drive, it accelerated from 0-100 km/h in 6.1 seconds. The GLS offered multiple driving modes, including Comfort, Eco, Sport, Off-Road, and Individual, with a standard Airmatic adaptive suspension enhancing ride quality. The GLS's powertrain occasionally exhibited delays in responsiveness, but the turbo-six engine sounded impressive under hard acceleration. The GLS's tailored feel and manageable dimensions made it easier to handle in urban settings compared to larger rivals.

The 2025 Audi Q5 maintained similar dimensions to the 2024 model, offering adequate headroom and legroom. The sliding and reclining second-row bench seat was standard, with cargo space increased to 757 litres behind the second row and 1,710 litres behind the first row. The Q5 offered more cargo space than some rivals but less than others. Standard features included a power tailgate, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel, with additional options available on higher trims. The Q5's towing capacity was 2,000 kilograms, surpassing some competitors.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered standard seven-passenger seating, with a six-passenger configuration available. The GLS provided exceptional comfort, with standard features including a four-zone climate control system, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. Optional upgrades included massaging seats, a rapid heating system, and an executive-style rear seat package. The six-passenger configuration featured power-operated captain's chairs, while the third-row seat offered good thigh support despite limited legroom. Cargo space was 355 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,400 litres with the second row folded down. The GLS's cargo capacity was less than some full-size luxury SUVs, but it remained practical for everyday use.

The 2025 Audi Q5 featured an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.5-inch central touchscreen, with an optional 10.9-inch screen for the front passenger. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a cooled wireless charging pad. The MMI infotainment system, based on Android Automotive OS, was user-friendly, with a built-in voice assistant for various functions. The Q5 also offered a head-up display and Audi's Dynamic Interaction Light for additional driver cues.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS featured dual 12.3-inch displays with the MBUX infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a navigation system with augmented reality, and a standard Burmester surround-sound system. Additional options included a head-up display, rear infotainment screens, and a digital assistant for voice commands. The MBUX system was easy to use, with configurable digital driver displays and a responsive touchscreen.

The 2025 Audi Q5 came with standard driver assist features, including adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind spot monitoring. An exit alert feature used ambient lighting to warn occupants of oncoming vehicles or cyclists. The Q5's safety ratings from the IIHS were not favourable, with too many Marginal or Acceptable ratings for a Top Safety Pick designation.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS boasted nearly 40 safety and driver assistance systems, including Pre-Safe and Crosswind Assist technologies. A surround-view camera system and parking sensors aided parking, while a hands-on driver assistance system required active driver participation. The GLS's safety features were comprehensive, though the highway driver assistance technology had limitations on certain roads.