The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC and the 2023 Audi Q5 provide drivers with a mixture of performance and style. Which blend is right for you?
Do you live near Scottsdale, AZ? If so, then keep reading. The team at Mercedes-Benz of Scottsdale has prepared a 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs. Audi Q5 comparison to help you decide which midsize SUV fits your lifestyle.
Both the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC and the 2023 Audi Q5 will no doubt turn heads. Still, you don’t just drive a luxury vehicle for its good looks; you want to be sure it has the necessary power to get you reliably from Point A to Point B. Let’s see if these SUVs deliver.
The base configurations of the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC and the Audi Q5 start out with a similar 2.0L inline-4 turbo engine, but that's where the similarities end. The motor in the Audi Q5 puts out 201 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque.
The 2023 GLC generates 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque for potent acceleration. Plus, new for this model year, the 2023 GLC’s engine adds a 48-volt mild hybrid system that features an integrated starter-generator, adding even more oomph and delivering hybrid-level fuel efficiency.
The standard trim of the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC also provides a more dynamic driving experience than the 2023 Audi Q5 thanks in part to the standard 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic transmission. It has a wider range of gear ratios than the 7-speed S tronic® dual-clutch automatic transmission of the Q5, which helps optimize fuel economy and driving comfort.
If your need for speed comes knocking, you can answer it more quickly in the 2023 GLC. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 MPH in just 6.2 seconds. Meanwhile, the Q5 lags a bit behind, with an acceleration of 6.8 seconds.
Power is important, but when it comes to luxury vehicles, it’s also what’s inside that counts. Let’s take a look inside the cabins of these two SUVs.
Performance also includes how an SUV’s interior manages your daily driving routine. How do the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC and Audi Q5 fit with your lifestyle? The 2023 GLC provides a standard 12.3-inch Digital Instrument Cluster, while the Q5’s driver information system display is a mere seven inches.
Both models provide smartphone integration through Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™.
The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC helps drivers navigate their daily activities with:
In the 2023 GLC, simply say “Hey, Mercedes” and tell the voice assistant what you need. It can access many features, such as climate control and the standard navigation system.
The Q5 also provides voice assistance and a similar set of connected features, but its MMI® touchscreen is only 10.1 inches. It will be easier to view your apps, playlists, and navigation directions in the 2023 GLC.
Since you spend most of your time behind the wheel, you’ll want to ensure that you’re comfortable. As luxury SUVs, the 2023 GLC and the Q5 help deliver. Both models come standard with heated front seats for those chilly early-morning/late-night drives or those long days when your back muscles could use some relief.
Although similar in size, passengers in the 2023 GLC may enjoy a more pleasant ride with its 38.9 inches of front headroom and 38.3 inches of rear headroom. Those dimensions in the Q5 fall short, with 38.1 Inches and 37.7 inches.
Of course, the most important aspect of any vehicle is that it can help keep you, your passengers, and other drivers safe. Mercedes-Benz and Audi take your safety seriously, which is why they’ve equipped a variety of features that help protect you on the road.
Safety is at the forefront of both SUVs. They each offer a confidence-inspiring suite of driver-assistance technologies, which include brand-specific versions of:
When an imminent collision is detected, both the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC and the Audi Q5 come with standard systems that prepare the vehicle for impact. They can automatically tighten the seatbelts, adjust the front passenger seat, and close the windows to help keep you safe.
You need an SUV that’s going to have your back like an attentive copilot. You’ll only get Driver Monitoring Alert with the 2023 GLC. It monitors driving habits and alerts you when it detects drowsy or distracted driving, so you can refocus or pull over for a short break.
Our 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs. Audi Q5 comparison shows how the 2023 GLC provides drivers with advantages in performance, convenience, and safety. How can you get a better feel for this luxury SUV?
If you live near Scottsdale, AZ, contact the team at Mercedes-Benz of Scottsdale. We’ll help you schedule a test drive and help you learn more about the 2023 GLC.
All of the tools you need to move forward with experiencing a new 2023 GLC for yourself are conveniently available right here online.
Explore our extensive new inventory, receive an estimate on your trade-in, apply for credit or contact us to schedule your in-person test drive using the quick links here.