VS
At a Glance
Power
260 kW
162 kW
Torque
500 Nm
440 Nm
Fuel
9.2 l/100km
5.1 l/100km
Towing
2400 Kg
2500 Kg
0-100 km/h
5.4 s
8.1 s
Engine
2995 cc
1993 cc
Choosing between the Audi SQ5 and the Mercedes-Benz GLC is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Audi SQ5 delivers 260 kW while the Mercedes-Benz GLC produces 162 kW. On fuel, the SQ5 returns 9.2 l/100km while the GLC uses 5.1 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 541 000 for the SQ5 and R1 443 773 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
260 kW
162 kW
Torque
500 Nm
440 Nm
0-100 kph
5.4 s
8.1 s
Top Speed
250 Km/h
225 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2995 cc
1993 cc
Engine Layout
V
inline
Cylinders
6
4
Fuel Type
petrol
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
9.2 l/100km
5.1 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
11.6 l/100km
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
7.7 l/100km
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
70 l
62 l
CO2 Emissions
211 g/km
130 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4682 mm
4764 mm
Width
1893-2140 mm
1890-2075 mm
Height
1635 mm
1605 mm
Wheelbase
2824 mm
2888 mm
Kerb Weight
1945 Kg
1945 DIN / 2020 EU Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
550-1550 l
545 - 1490 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2400 Kg
2500 Kg
Load Capacity
—
530 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ 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
Optional
Optional
Adaptive Cruise Control
Optional
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
SQ5
Fuel Economy
GLC
Value
GLC
Practicality
GLC
Pros & Cons
Audi SQ5
More powerful engine (260 kW)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (5.4 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (9.2 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Mercedes-Benz GLC
Better fuel economy (5.1 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R1 443 773)
Higher towing capacity (2500 Kg)
Less power than rival (162 kW vs 260 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the SQ5 or GLC?
The SQ5 uses 9.2 l/100km and the GLC uses 5.1 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 SQ5 or GLC?
The SQ5 produces 260 kW and 500 Nm of torque while the GLC delivers 162 kW and 440 Nm of torque. The SQ5 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the SQ5 and GLC?
The SQ5 starts from R1 541 000 and the GLC from R1 443 773. The GLC is cheaper by R97 227 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the SQ5 or GLC?
The SQ5 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 SQ5 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.