2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs. Audi Q5 | Northbrook, IL
Does your growing family need more room? Do you want the latest technology for your commute? Finding the right luxury SUV that has reliable capability, intelligent design, and advanced tech features can be difficult. To assist with your research, the experts at Autohaus on Edens have taken two popular SUVs and compared them side-by-side: the new 2018 Audi Q5 and the new 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC. Read on to learn which on comes out on top!
For the purposes of this comparison, we’ll take a look at the 2018 Audi Q5 Premium, starting at $41,500, and the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 SUV, starting at $40,050.
If you’ve already decided the new 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC is the right SUV to elevate your daily drive, head over to the new inventory at our Mercedes-Benz dealership in Northbrook, IL to see our available models. We also encourage you to visit our incentives page to see if you qualify for our current finance and lease offers.
2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs. Audi Q5: Performance & Capability
Even though both the 2018 Audi Q5 and 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC deliver reliable performance with 2.0L I4 engines, only the new 2018 GLC SUV offers the ECO-START® system, which automatically shuts off the engine at idle situations to save fuel and reduce emissions. The DYNAMIC SELECT® multimode drive program, also only available with the 2018 GLC, allows you to select four different drive modes to create a personalized driving experience. The Mercedes-Benz GLC can also tow up to 3,500 lbs., while towing with the Audi Q5 Premium is not recommended. Key engine and performance specs for these two luxury SUVs are as follows:
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC | SUV | 2018 Audi Q5 |
| 2.0L inline-4 turbo | Engine | 2.0L I4 |
| 241 HP | Horsepower | 252 HP |
| 273 lb.-ft. | Torque | 273 lb.-ft. |
| 9G-TRONIC automatic with shift paddles | Transmission | Seven-speed automatic |
| 28 highway MPG | Fuel Economy | 27 highway MPG |
| 3,500 lbs. | Towing Capacity* | N/A |
*When properly equipped
2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs. Audi Q5: Interior & Exterior
Five passengers can sit comfortably inside the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC interior and 2018 Audi Q5 interior. Both of these luxury SUVs offer 18-in. wheels, roof rails, and daytime running lights, but our experts agree you’ll like the features of the 2018 GLC much more. Relax in the 14-way power driver seat with memory inside the 2018 GLC. The 2018 Q5 only offers 8-way power front seats. See additional interior and exterior features of the new 2018 GLC SUV below.
Interior Features:
- 56.5 cu. ft. of cargo capacity
- 3-spoke multifunction steering wheel
- Natural Grain Brown Ash wood trim
- 14-way power driver seat with memory
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- 40/20/40-split rear seats with power folding
- Illuminated entry system
- Retractable luggage cover
Exterior Features
- 18-in. 5-spoke alloy wheels
- Anodized roof rails
- LED daytime running lights and taillamps
- Rain-sensing windshield wipers
- Power folding side mirrors
- Power liftgate
2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs. Audi Q5: Safety & Technology
While both the 2018 GLC and 2018 Audi Q5 deliver advanced safety systems and innovative technology, our experts believe you’ll prefer the 2018 GLC over the 2018 Q5, because it offers features not found with the new Q5. The ATTENTION ASSIST® system found with the new 2018 GLC SUV alerts you with both visual and audible warnings if it detects signs of drowsiness on long trips. A similar feature is unavailable on the new 2018 Q5. Additional safety and technology features of the new 2018 GLC SUV include:
Safety Features:
- COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS®
- Crosswind Assist
- Rearview camera
- PRESAFE® system
- Brake Assist (BAS®)
- Electronic Stability Program (ESP®)
- Trailer Stability Assist
- Aluminum and high-strength steel body structure
- SmartKey with KEYLESS-START®
Technology Features
- FrontBass® system
- Bluetooth® audio streaming
- 5 years of Mercedes-Benz mbrace® Connect
- Remote Start via Mercedes me Mobile App
- Dual USB audio ports
- HD Radio® receiver
Now that you’ve learned about the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC and its incredible capability and comfort, schedule a test drive at our Mercedes-Benz dealership in Northbrook, IL. If you have any questions, reach out to the Autohaus on Edens team through our contact form or by calling (847) 272-7900.
*Bluetooth® is a registered mark Bluetooth® SIG, Inc.