Verdict
The Mercedes-Benz GLC is the stronger buy for most Malaysian buyers: it costs RM23,012 less at RM329,888, brings all-wheel drive, a 2,888 mm wheelbase and a 620-litre boot. Its 201 hp mild-hybrid petrol drivetrain also gets a 23 hp, 205 Nm motor, while the Audi Q5 relies on a 196 hp 1,984 cc petrol four-cylinder. The Q5 fights back with 340 Nm against 320 Nm, adaptive cruise control and Digital Matrix LED headlamps, but its 520-litre boot and two-year warranty make the cheaper GLC difficult to ignore.
Pick the Audi Q5 if you want 340 Nm, adaptive cruise control and Digital Matrix LED headlamps ahead of all-wheel drive and maximum luggage space.
Pick the Mercedes-Benz GLC if you want the RM23,012 saving, all-wheel drive, a 620-litre boot and a four-year warranty.
Key differences
- Price: Audi Q5 RM352,900; Mercedes-Benz GLC RM329,888.
- Driveline: Audi Q5 front-wheel drive; Mercedes-Benz GLC all-wheel drive.
- Torque: Audi Q5 340 Nm at 2,000 rpm; Mercedes-Benz GLC 320 Nm at 1,600 rpm.
- Boot space: Audi Q5 520 litres; Mercedes-Benz GLC 620 litres.
- Wheelbase: Audi Q5 2,817 mm; Mercedes-Benz GLC 2,888 mm.
- Warranty: Audi Q5 two years/unlimited mileage; Mercedes-Benz GLC four years/unlimited mileage.
Q5
- 340 Nm from its 1,984 cc turbo petrol engine.
- Adaptive cruise control and surround-view camera.
- Digital Matrix LED headlamps and OLED tail lights.
- Front-wheel drive versus the GLC's all-wheel drive.
- 520-litre boot is 100 litres smaller.
- Two-year warranty versus four years.
GLC
- RM23,012 cheaper to buy.
- All-wheel drive and 620-litre boot.
- Four-year unlimited-mileage warranty.
- 320 Nm is 20 Nm down on the Q5.
- Passive cruise control instead of adaptive cruise control.
- LED reflector headlamps versus Digital Matrix LED units.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM352,900 | RM329,888✓ |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | Compact Executive | Compact Executive |
| Assembly | CBU | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM434✓ | RM440 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, direct fuel injection, turbocharged with variable valve timing | 16-valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Direct Fuel Injection and Variable Valve Timing, Mild Hybrid Assist |
| Capacity | 1,984 cc | 1,999 cc |
| Horsepower | 196 hp at 4,300 rpm | 201 hp at 5,800 rpm✓ |
| Torque | 340 Nm at 2,000 rpm✓ | 320 Nm at 1,600 rpm |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline 4 | Inline 4 |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol Hybrid/REV |
| Bore × Stroke | — | 83 mm × 92.4 mm |
| Compression Ratio | — | 10 |
| Number of Motors | — | 1 |
| Motor Horsepower | — | 23 hp |
| Motor Torque | — | 205 Nm |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 7-speed S-tronic | 9G-Tronic |
| Gears | 7 | 9 |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | — | 7.8 seconds |
| Top Speed | — | 221 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,717 mm | 4,716 mm |
| Width | 1,900 mm | 1,890 mm |
| Height | 1,669 mm | 1,640 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,817 mm | 2,888 mm |
| Fuel Tank | 68 litres | 62 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 520 litres | 620 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 235/55R19 | 255/45R20 |
| Rear Tyre | 235/55R19 | 285/40R20 |
| Spare Tyre | Tyre Repair Kit | N/A, Tyre Repair Kit |
| Factory Tyres | Michelin e-Primacy | Continental EcoContact 6 Q |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Mexico (CBU) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 19" 10 Spoke Aero Design Alloys | 20" Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 19" 10 Spoke Aero Design Alloys | 20" Alloys |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | Comfort suspension | — |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 7 (Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain, Front Centre Airbag) | 7 (Driver and Passenger, Driver's Knee, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain) |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | — |
| Child Safety Lock | Electric for rear doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available on Two Outer Rear Seats | Available on outer two rear seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Digital Matrix LED Headlights | LED Reflectors |
| Taillamps | Full OLED Tail lights | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Power Adjustable Front Seats with Driver's Memory Function | Power Adjustable Front Seats with Memory & Heating |
| Rear Seats | 40:20:40 Split-folding | 40:20:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control System | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control System | Rear AC Vents |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB-C Front, 2 USB-C Rear | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB-C Front, 2 USB-C Rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lights | Map Lights and Ambient Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Sun Shade | — | Rear Window Shades |
| Audio | 14.5" Touchscreen with Android Automotive OS, 10-speaker Audi Sound System | 11.9" Touchscreen Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) with Voice Control, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and 8 Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation with Digital Key | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Steering Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Powered with Contactless Operation | Powered Boot |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, with Surround View Camera | Yes, with 360-degree Camera |
| Auto Parking | — | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 2 years | 4 years✓ |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used Q5 & GLC for sale
Q5 vs GLC FAQ
Is the Audi Q5 or Mercedes-Benz GLC better?
The Mercedes-Benz GLC is the better all-round choice on these specifications, with all-wheel drive, a 620-litre boot, a longer 2,888 mm wheelbase and four-year warranty. Choose the Q5 for its extra 20 Nm, adaptive cruise control and more advanced lighting.
What is the price difference?
The Audi Q5 costs RM23,012 more than the Mercedes-Benz GLC: RM352,900 against RM329,888. The GLC also adds all-wheel drive, 100 litres more boot space and two extra years of warranty.
Which has the larger boot?
The Mercedes-Benz GLC has the larger boot at 620 litres, compared with 520 litres in the Audi Q5. That 100-litre advantage matters more for regular family luggage or prams than the cars' near-identical 4,716-4,717 mm lengths suggest.
