Verdict
The Mercedes-Benz GLC costs RM329,888, undercutting the Audi Q5 Sportback at RM421,990 by RM92,102, and that is decisive for many Malaysian buyers. Yet the Audi brings 268 hp and 400 Nm against 201 hp and 320 Nm, plus adaptive cruise control, a head-up display and a 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen system. The GLC counters with a 620-litre boot versus 515 litres, a 2,888-mm wheelbase and a four-year unlimited-mileage warranty. Pick on budget and carrying room, not outright performance.
Pick the Audi Q5 Sportback if you want 268 hp, 400 Nm, adaptive cruise control and the larger 14.5-inch infotainment screen.
Pick the Mercedes-Benz GLC if saving RM92,102, carrying more luggage and getting a four-year warranty matter more than stronger outputs.
Key differences
- Price: Audi Q5 Sportback RM421,990; Mercedes-Benz GLC RM329,888.
- Power and torque: Audi Q5 Sportback 268 hp and 400 Nm; Mercedes-Benz GLC 201 hp and 320 Nm.
- Wheelbase: Audi Q5 Sportback 2,528 mm; Mercedes-Benz GLC 2,888 mm.
- Boot space: Audi Q5 Sportback 515 litres; Mercedes-Benz GLC 620 litres.
- Warranty: Audi Q5 Sportback two years unlimited mileage; Mercedes-Benz GLC four years unlimited mileage.
- Infotainment and audio: Audi Q5 Sportback 14.5-inch screen with 16 speakers; Mercedes-Benz GLC 11.9-inch screen with eight speakers.
Q5 Sportback
- 268 hp and 400 Nm, against 201 hp and 320 Nm.
- Adaptive cruise control and a head-up display.
- 14.5-inch Android Automotive screen with 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio.
- RM92,102 more expensive.
- 515-litre boot is 105 litres smaller.
- Two-year warranty is half the GLC's four-year cover.
GLC
- RM92,102 lower purchase price.
- 620-litre boot and 2,888-mm wheelbase.
- Four-year unlimited-mileage warranty and auto parking.
- 201 hp and 320 Nm trail the Audi's 268 hp and 400 Nm.
- Passive cruise control rather than adaptive cruise control.
- No head-up display; eight speakers versus the Audi's 16-speaker system.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM421,990 | RM329,888✓ |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | Compact Executive | Compact Executive |
| Assembly | CBU | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM434✓ | RM440 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 24-valve DOHC, direct fuel injection, supercharged with variable valve timing | 16-valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Direct Fuel Injection and Variable Valve Timing, Mild Hybrid Assist |
| Capacity | 1,984 cc | 1,999 cc |
| Horsepower | 268 hp✓ | 201 hp |
| Torque | 400 Nm✓ | 320 Nm |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol Hybrid/REV |
| Bore | — | 83 mm |
| Compression Ratio | — | 10 |
| Number of Motors | — | 1 |
| Motor Horsepower | — | 23 hp |
| Motor Torque | — | 205 Nm |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 7-speed S-tronic | 9G-Tronic |
| Gears | 7 | 9 |
| Driveline | All Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | — | 7.8 seconds |
| Top Speed | — | 221 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,717 mm | 4,716 mm |
| Width | 1,900 mm | 1,890 mm |
| Height | 1,641 mm | 1,640 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,528 mm | 2,888 mm |
| Fuel Tank | 68 litres | 62 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 515 litres | 620 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 255/45R20 | 255/45R20 |
| Rear Tyre | 255/45R20 | 285/40R20 |
| Spare Tyre | Tyre Repair Kit | N/A, Tyre Repair Kit |
| Factory Tyres | Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV | Continental EcoContact 6 Q |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Mexico (CBU) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 20" Audi Sport 5 Twin-spoke Alloys | 20" Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 20" Audi Sport 5 Twin-spoke Alloys | 20" Alloys |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | S Sport Suspension | — |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain, Front Centre Airbag | Driver and Passenger, Driver's Knee, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | — |
| Child Safety Lock | Electric for rear doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available on Two Outer Rear Seats | Available on outer two rear seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Matrix LED Projectors | LED Reflectors |
| Taillamps | Full OLED Tail lights | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Power Adjustable Front Seats with Memory Function, Ventilated | Power Adjustable Front Seats with Memory & Heating |
| Rear Seats | 40:20:40 Split-folding | 40:20:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control System | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control System | Rear AC Vents |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB-C Front, 2 USB-C Rear | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB-C Front, 2 USB-C Rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lights | Map Lights and Ambient Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Sun Shade | — | Rear Window Shades |
| Audio | 14.5" Touchscreen with Android Automotive OS, 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen Sound System | 11.9" Touchscreen Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) with Voice Control, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and 8 Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation with Digital Key | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Steering Adjustment | — | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Powered with Contactless Operation | Powered Boot |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, with Surround View Camera | Yes, with 360-degree Camera |
| Auto Parking | — | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Head-up Display | ✓ | — |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 2 years | 4 years✓ |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used Q5 Sportback & GLC for sale
Q5 Sportback vs GLC FAQ
Is the Audi Q5 Sportback or Mercedes-Benz GLC better?
The GLC is the better practical and financial choice, with a 620-litre boot, longer 2,888-mm wheelbase and four-year warranty. Choose the Q5 Sportback for its 268 hp, 400 Nm, adaptive cruise and stronger infotainment specification.
What is the price difference?
The Audi Q5 Sportback costs RM92,102 more than the Mercedes-Benz GLC.
Which has more boot space?
The Mercedes-Benz GLC has the larger boot at 620 litres, compared with 515 litres in the Audi Q5 Sportback. That is a 105-litre advantage for the Mercedes.