2021 Audi Q5 vs. 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC | Hoffman Estates, IL

If you’re considering a new Audi Q5, but want more information in terms of how it compares to other luxury class SUVs, this review of the 2021 Audi Q5 and the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC should provide you with key insights to help you in your decision making. The Audi Q5 has a starting MSRP of $43,300, while the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 begins at $45,200 MSRP.

Audi Hoffman Estates in Hoffman Estates, IL, offers a selection of new Q5 vehicles in our current inventory. If you find a trim that interests you, we’d be more than happy to prepare it for you to test drive. Give us a call at (888) 698-1441, send us a text, or start a quick chat and let us know what time is convenient for you.

If you’re ready to move forward on the Q5, view our finance and lease offers for a great opportunity.

2021 Audi Q5 vs. Mercedes-Benz GLC Comparison - Audi Hoffman Estates

2021 Audi Q5 vs. 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC Exterior Design

Recently redesigned and infused with stylish confidence, the 2021 Audi Q5 SUV features smooth lines, a distinctive front grille, stylish 18-inch five-arm-star design wheels or available 19-inch five-double arm design wheels, aluminum roof rails, a tailgate roof spoiler, and full LED headlights with daytime running lights.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 SUV exterior is bold yet classic with an athletic stance, featuring LED lighting, chrome skid plate inserts, 18-, 19-, or 20-inch wheels, a distinctive front grille, front and rear anti-roll bars, and dual stainless steel exhaust with chrome tailpipe finisher.

2021 Audi Q5 vs. 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC Interior Design & Technology

The in-cabin design on the 2021 Audi Q5 is elegant, marked by sumptuous leather seating, distinctive brown walnut inlays, the impressive Audi virtual cockpit plus, head-up display with traffic sign recognition, power tailgate, and an LED interior lighting package. Among the entertainment and connectivity tech you’ll find are a Bang & Olufsen® sound system with 3D sound, MMI® infotainment system with 10.1-inch center screen, Audi smartphone interface, and Bluetooth®.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 adds a modern touch to its upscale interior, with aluminum and natural grain wood details, fade-to-off interior lighting, head-up display, power liftgate, and Black MB-Tex seats. GLC tech features include an intelligent voice assistant and MBUX artificial intelligence tech interface, 10.25-inch touchscreen, and Burmester® surround sound.

2021 Audi Q5 vs. 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC Engine Specs & Fuel Economy

Both SUVs deliver comparable performance when it comes to horsepower and torque; however, if towing ability is important to you, the Q5 delivers more capability. If you’d like more performance from the 2021 Q5, equip it with the available e Plug-in hybrid engine with a 14.1 kWh battery.

New for 2021 on the Q5 is a 12-volt mild hybrid system mated to the standard engine for enhanced performance. Both engines feature seven-speed S tronic® automatic transmission and quattro® all-wheel drive with ultra® technology

Engine Options & Performance Specs 2021 Audi Q5

2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 12-volt mild hybrid system (MHEV)

  • 261 HP
  • 273 lb.-ft. of torque
  • 23 city/28 hwy MPG
  • 4,400 lbs. max. towing capacity

2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine + electric motor (PHEV)

  • 362 HP
  • 369 lb.-ft. of torque
  • 50 MPGe
  • 400 mile driving range
  • 2,000 lbs. max. towing capacity

Engine Options & Performance Specs 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC

2.0L I4 turbo engine

  • 9G-TRONIC nine-speed automatic transmission
  • 4MATIC® all-wheel drive
  • 255 HP
  • 273 lb.-ft. of torque
  • 21 city/28 hwy MPG
  • 3,500 lbs. max. towing

2021 Audi Q5 vs. 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC Size & Cargo

The 2021 Audi Q5 features 54 cubic feet of maximum cargo space ― 25.8 cubic feet when rear seats are upright. In comparison, the 2021 GLC 300 offers a maximum cargo capacity of 56.5 cubic feet and 19.4 cubic feet when the rear seats are up.

In terms of storing items inside the cabin, the Q5 comes standard with a storage package that includes storage nets in the front seatbacks, a lockable glove box, plus a luggage storage network with net and straps in the luggage compartment.

The GLC 300 features a lockable storage compartment, full floor console with covered storage, cargo net and roll-up cargo cover, seatback storage pockets, and mini overhead console with storage.

2021 Audi Q5 vs. 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC Safety Options & Features

Find a wide range of advanced safety features and driver assist technologies on both the 2021 Q5 and 2021 GLC 300. Among them:


  • Remote keyless entry with push-button start
  • Cruise control system
  • Audi pre sense® city
  • Audi drive select
  • High beam assist
  • Parking system plus
  • Rear view camera
  • Audi side assist
  • Audi active lane assist
  • Audi connect® CARE assistance and security services
  • Child LATCH system


  • Surround view parking camera system
  • Adaptive cruise control
  • Adaptive headlights with automatic high beams
  • Lane departure warning
  • Lane keep assist
  • PARKTRONIC with active parking assist

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