Verdict
At RM352,900, the Audi Q5 costs RM23,012 more than the RM329,888 Mercedes-Benz GLC. The GLC is the stronger practical buy for a Malaysian family: it brings all-wheel drive, a 2,888 mm wheelbase, a 620-litre boot and four-year unlimited-mileage warranty, against 2,817 mm, 520 litres and two years for the Audi. The Q5 counters with 340 Nm to the Mercedes’ 320 Nm, adaptive cruise control, Digital Matrix LED headlamps and a 14.5-inch screen. Pick it for its richer driver-assistance and lighting kit, not cargo space or warranty cover.
Pick the Audi Q5 if adaptive cruise control, Digital Matrix LED headlamps, OLED tail lights and 340 Nm matter more than boot space and warranty length.
Pick the Mercedes-Benz GLC if you want all-wheel drive, a 620-litre boot, heated front seats and four years of unlimited-mileage warranty for less money.
Key differences
- Price: Audi Q5 RM352,900; Mercedes-Benz GLC RM329,888.
- Driveline: Audi Q5 front-wheel drive; Mercedes-Benz GLC all-wheel drive.
- Torque: Audi Q5 340 Nm; Mercedes-Benz GLC 320 Nm.
- Boot space: Audi Q5 520 litres; Mercedes-Benz GLC 620 litres.
- Wheelbase: Audi Q5 2,817 mm; Mercedes-Benz GLC 2,888 mm.
- Manufacturer warranty: Audi Q5 two years/unlimited mileage; Mercedes-Benz GLC four years/unlimited mileage.
Q5
- 340 Nm, 20 Nm more than the GLC.
- Adaptive cruise control and Digital Matrix LED headlamps.
- 14.5-inch screen, 10-speaker audio and rear single-zone climate control.
- Front-wheel drive versus the GLC's all-wheel drive.
- 520-litre boot is 100 litres smaller than the GLC's.
- Two-year warranty is half the GLC's four-year cover.
GLC
- All-wheel drive and mild-hybrid assist with a 23 hp motor.
- 620-litre boot and 2,888 mm wheelbase.
- Heated front seats, rear window shades and auto parking.
- 320 Nm trails the Q5's 340 Nm.
- Passive cruise control versus the Q5's adaptive system.
- LED reflector headlamps and full LED tail lights trail the Q5's Digital Matrix LEDs and OLED tail lights.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM352,900 | RM329,888✓ |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | Compact Executive | Compact Executive |
| Assembly | CBU | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM434✓ | RM440 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, direct fuel injection, turbocharged 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 | 196 hp | 201 hp✓ |
| Torque | 340 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 | Front 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 | 1,669 mm | 1,640 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,817 mm | 2,888 mm |
| Fuel Tank | 68 litres | 62 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 520 litres | 620 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 235/55R19 | 255/45R20 |
| Rear Tyre | 235/55R19 | 285/40R20 |
| Spare Tyre | Tyre Repair Kit | N/A, Tyre Repair Kit |
| Factory Tyres | Michelin e-Primacy | Continental EcoContact 6 Q |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Mexico (CBU) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 19" 10 Spoke Aero Design Alloys | 20" Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 19" 10 Spoke Aero Design Alloys | 20" Alloys |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | Comfort 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 | Digital Matrix LED Headlights | 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 Driver's Memory Function | 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, 10-speaker Audi 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 & GLC for sale
Q5 vs GLC FAQ
Is the Audi Q5 or Mercedes-Benz GLC better?
The Mercedes-Benz GLC is the better all-round purchase: it costs less, has all-wheel drive, 100 litres more boot space and a four-year warranty. Choose the Audi Q5 for adaptive cruise control, stronger 340 Nm torque and its more advanced lighting.
What is the price difference?
The Audi Q5 costs RM23,012 more than the Mercedes-Benz GLC.
Which has the longer warranty?
The Mercedes-Benz GLC has a four-year, unlimited-mileage manufacturer warranty. The Audi Q5 has two years with unlimited mileage.