VS
At a Glance
Power
140 kW
215 kW
Torque
400 Nm
550 Nm
Fuel
6.2 l/100km
5.5 l/100km
Towing
2400 Kg
2500 Kg
0-100 km/h
8.1 s
6.3 s
Engine
1968 cc
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 140 kW while the Mercedes-Benz GLC produces 215 kW. On fuel, the Q5 returns 6.2 l/100km while the GLC uses 5.5 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 273 300 for the Q5 and R1 347 055 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
140 kW
215 kW
Torque
400 Nm
550 Nm
0-100 kph
8.1 s
6.3 s
Top Speed
220 Km/h
243 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1968 cc
1993 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
diesel
diesel
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
7
9
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
—
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.2 l/100km
5.5 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
7.3 l/100km
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
5.5 l/100km
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
65 l
62 l
CO2 Emissions
163 g/km
147 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4689 mm
4716 mm
Width
1893-2140 mm
1890-2076 mm
Height
1660 mm
1640 mm
Wheelbase
2819 mm
2888 mm
Kerb Weight
1845 Kg
1950 DIN / 2025 EU Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
510-1480 l
620-1680 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2400 Kg
2500 Kg
Load Capacity
—
545 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
7
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
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
Optional
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
Optional
Heated Seats
Optional
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
Optional
Tow Bar
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
1
2
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
unlimited Km
Service Intervals
service interval indicator (max 30000)
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 (R1 273 300)
Higher fuel consumption (6.2 l/100km)
Less power than rival (140 kW vs 215 kW)
Mercedes-Benz GLC
More powerful engine (215 kW)
Better fuel economy (5.5 l/100km)
Higher towing capacity (2500 Kg)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (6.3 ss)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Q5 or GLC?
The Q5 uses 6.2 l/100km 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 140 kW and 400 Nm of torque while the GLC delivers 215 kW and 550 Nm of torque. The GLC is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Q5 and GLC?
The Q5 starts from R1 273 300 and the GLC from R1 347 055. The Q5 is cheaper by R73 755 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 Kg 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.