VS
At a Glance
Power
180kW@4000
215 kW
Torque
580Nm@1750
550 Nm
Fuel
6
5.5 l/100km
Towing
2400
2500 Kg
0-100 km/h
7
6.4 s
Engine
2967
1993 cc
Choosing between the AUDI Q5 and the Mercedes-Benz GLC is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The AUDI Q5 delivers 180kW@4000 while the Mercedes-Benz GLC produces 215 kW. On fuel, the Q5 returns 6 while the GLC uses 5.5 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R657 000 for the Q5 and R1 504 130 for the GLC. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
180kW@4000
215 kW
Torque
580Nm@1750
550 Nm
0-100 kph
7
6.4 s
Top Speed
225
249 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2967
1993 cc
Engine Layout
LONGITUDINAL V 6
inline
Cylinders
6
4
Fuel Type
DIESEL
diesel
Forced Induction Device
—
turbocharger
Transmission
AUTOMATIC
automatic
Number of Gears
7
9
Drive Wheels
ALL
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
✗
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6
5.5 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
7
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
6
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
75
62 l
CO2 Emissions
169
147 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4629
4764 mm
Width
-1898
1890-2075 mm
Height
1655
1605 mm
Wheelbase
2807
2888 mm
Ground Clearance
200
—
Kerb Weight
1860
1970 DIN / 2045 EU Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
—
545 - 1490 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2400
2500 Kg
Load Capacity
1560
525 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
Optional
Adaptive Cruise Control
✗
Optional
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
Optional
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
—
Optional
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
Optional
Optional
Heated Seats
Optional
✓ Standard
Electric Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
Optional
Tow Bar
—
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
12
2
Warranty Distance
—
unlimited Km
Service Plan
M
—
Service Intervals
15000
service interval indicator
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Mercedes-Benz GLC
3 / 4 categories
Performance
GLC
Fuel Economy
GLC
Value
Q5
Practicality
GLC
Pros & Cons
AUDI Q5
Lower starting price (R657 000)
Higher fuel consumption (6)
Mercedes-Benz GLC
Better fuel economy (5.5 l/100km)
Higher towing capacity (2500 Kg)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (6.4 ss)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Q5 or GLC?
The Q5 uses 6 and the GLC uses 5.5 l/100km on the combined cycle. The GLC is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Q5 or GLC?
The Q5 produces 180kW@4000 and 580Nm@1750 of torque while the GLC delivers 215 kW and 550 Nm of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Q5 and GLC?
The Q5 starts from R657 000 and the GLC from R1 504 130. The Q5 is cheaper by R847 130 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Q5 or GLC?
The Q5 has a braked towing capacity of 2400 and the GLC can tow 2500 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Q5 or the GLC?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.