Certified Benz & Beemer Compares 2016 Audi Q5 VS 2016 Mercedes GLC-Class Near Scottsdale, AZ

To provide maximum traction and stability on all roads, All-Wheel Drive is standard on the Q5. But it costs extra on the GLC-Class.

When descending a steep, off-road slope, the Q5’s standard Hill Descent Control allows you to creep down safely. The GLC-Class doesn’t offer Hill Descent Control.

Both the Q5 and the GLC-Class have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, daytime running lights, available crash mitigating brakes, blind spot warning systems and rearview cameras.

For its top level performance in all IIHS frontal, side, rear impact and roof-crush tests, and with its optional front crash prevention system, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the Q5 its highest rating: “Top Pick Plus” for 2016, a rating granted to only 61 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The GLC-Class has not been tested, yet.

The Q5’s corrosion warranty is 8 years and unlimited miles longer than the GLC-Class’ (12/unlimited vs. 4/50,000).

The Q5 2.0T Hybrid Prestige’s standard 2.0 turbo 4 cyl. hybrid produces 4 more horsepower (245 vs. 241) and 81 lbs.-ft. more torque (354 vs. 273) than the GLC-Class’ 2.0 turbo 4 cyl. The Q5 3.0T’s standard 3.0 supercharged V6 produces 31 more horsepower (272 vs. 241) and 22 lbs.-ft. more torque (295 vs. 273) than the GLC-Class’ 2.0 turbo 4 cyl.

The Q5’s 3.0 turbo V6 diesel produces 155 lbs.-ft. more torque (428 vs. 273) than the GLC-Class’ 2.0 turbo 4 cyl.

On the EPA test cycle the Q5 3.0 TDI gets better fuel mileage than the GLC300 4MATIC (24 city/31 hwy vs. 21 city/28 hwy). The Q5 3.0 TDI gets better fuel mileage than the GLC300 RWD (24 city/31 hwy vs. 22 city/28 hwy).

Regenerative brakes improve the Q5 Hybrid Prestige’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The GLC-Class doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

The Q5 Hybrid’s standard fuel tank has 1.6 gallons more fuel capacity than the GLC-Class (19 vs. 17.4 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups. The Q5’s standard fuel tank has 2.4 gallons more fuel capacity than the GLC-Class (19.8 vs. 17.4 gallons).

For better traction, the Q5 3.0T/TDI/Hybrid’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the GLC-Class (255/45R20 vs. 235/60R18).

The Q5 3.0T/TDI’s optional tires provide better handling because they have a lower 40 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the GLC-Class’ 60 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Q5 3.0T/TDI offers optional 21-inch wheels. The GLC-Class’ largest wheels are only 20-inches.

For better maneuverability, the Q5’s turning circle is .7 feet tighter than the GLC-Class’ (38.1 feet vs. 38.8 feet).

The Q5 has 1.6 inches more front headroom, .2 inches more front legroom, .4 inches more front shoulder room, .5 inches more rear headroom and .1 inches more rear legroom than the GLC-Class.

The Q5 has a much larger cargo area with its rear seat up than the GLC-Class with its rear seat up (29.1 vs. 19.4 cubic feet). The Q5 has a much larger cargo area with its rear seat folded than the GLC-Class with its rear seat folded (57.3 vs. 56.5 cubic feet).

Heated windshield washer nozzles are standard on the Q5 to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. Heated windshield washer nozzles cost extra on the GLC-Class.

In poor weather, headlights can lose their effectiveness as grime builds up on their lenses. This can reduce visibility without the driver realizing. The Q5 3.0T/TDI has standard headlight washers to keep headlight output high. The GLC-Class doesn’t offer headlight washers.

The Audi Q5 has won recognition from these important consumer publications: