Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs Audi Q5

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class retained its iconic boxy design, a nod to its origins dating back to 1979. Despite subtle styling updates like a new grille and bumpers, the G-Class maintained its traditional features, including a flat hood, prominent corner lights, and robust doors that clacked loudly when locked or unlocked. Functional changes included a repositioned rearview camera and new A-pillar trim for the base G 550 models. The interior was luxurious, with large round vents, ambient lighting, and metallic trim, while AMG models featured sportier steering wheels.

The 2026 Audi Q5 showcased a clean and classically handsome exterior, with a wider grille and tall side intakes. The District Green paint with the S Line Black Package was striking, although the grille's honeycomb design appeared less appealing up close. The rear bumper's honeycomb texture looked better, and the exterior lighting was sharp. The interior combined tasteful elements like sculpted seats and a four-spoke steering wheel with less impressive features, such as shiny black plastic and disjointed screens. The Q5's proportions were compromised, with a lower roof and unusual glass-to-body panel ratio.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class offered gasoline G 550 and AMG G 63 models, with a new all-electric G 580 variant. The G 550 featured a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six engine with 443 horsepower, while the AMG G 63 retained its 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, producing 577 horsepower. Both models included a mild-hybrid system and nine-speed automatic transmissions. The G 550 accelerated from zero to 96 km/h in 5.3 seconds, while the G 63 did so in 4.2 seconds. The AMG G 63 featured a new AMG Active Ride Control suspension system, enhancing both off-road and on-road dynamics.

The 2026 Audi Q5 came with a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four engine, producing 268 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Audi's quattro all-wheel drive and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission were standard. The Q5 offered rock-solid stability, a quiet cabin, and a comfortable ride. The Technik trim featured optional air springs, although they didn't significantly improve ride quality. The Q5's fuel economy was competitive, with ratings of 11.0 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 8.1 on the highway.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class was more compact than other luxury SUVs, with a tall-yet-short passenger compartment providing ample headroom but limited legroom. The G-Class offered 640 litres of cargo space with the rear seats in place and a towing capacity of 3,500 kilograms. Its design allowed for good forward visibility and easier parking compared to larger rivals.

The 2026 Audi Q5 provided average headroom and legroom for its class, with 780 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats and 1,612 litres when folded. The Q5's towing capacity was 1,996 kilograms. Standard features included heated power front seats, leather upholstery, and a panoramic sunroof. The Progressiv trim added ambient lighting and a Bang & Olufsen sound system, while the Technik trim included a surround-view camera system.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class featured the MBUX infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It had two 12.3-inch screens, an off-road menu, and a "Transparent Hood" feature. Augmented reality navigation and voice recognition were notable MBUX features. A Burmester 3D surround sound system and rear-seat entertainment system were expected to be standard.

The 2026 Audi Q5 came with a 14.5-inch touchscreen and an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster. Technik trims included a third 10.9-inch touchscreen for the passenger area. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were supported, and the available Bang & Olufsen stereo had 755 watts and 19 speakers. The Q5's technology accurately depicted road and traffic conditions, and the lighting signatures for the headlights and taillights were impressive.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA at the time of publication. Expected standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The G-Class also featured Mercedes' Pre-Safe system and new features like route-based speed adaptation and automated lane centring.

The 2026 Audi Q5 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA for the 2025 model and the IIHS's Top Safety Pick+ award. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Q5 also had forward cross-traffic alert and braking, as well as evasive steering assist.