- Performance and Engines
- Exterior and Interior Design
- Luxury and Comfort
- Technology and Smart Systems
- Driving Experience in the GCC
- Prices and Availability in the GCC
- After Sales Services
Audi Q5UAE Audi Q5KSA Audi Q5Bahrain Audi Q5Egypt Audi Q5Kuwait Audi Q5Oman Audi Q5Qatar Audi Q5 and Mercedes GLC compete head to head in the Gulf’s luxury car segment, blending high performance with German elegance and precision. Both models deliver refined driving experiences suited for highways and desert terrains across Saudi Arabia and the UAE, offering advanced comfort, technology, and strong reliability. This detailed comparison highlights differences in performance, design, luxury, technology, pricing, and after sales support to help drivers in the region choose the best fit.
Performance and Engines
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UAE AudiKSA AudiEgypt AudiQatar AudiOman AudiKuwait AudiBahrain Audi Q5 2025
Engine: 2.0 liter turbocharged petrol engine with mild hybrid MHEV system
Power: 265 hp
Torque: approximately 400 Nm
Transmission: 7 speed S tronic automatic
Acceleration 0–100 km/h: around 6.0 seconds
Drivetrain: standard Quattro all wheel drive
Fuel consumption: about 8–9 L/100 km
Highlights: improved efficiency from the mild hybrid setup and strong acceleration ideal for GCC highways
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Mercedes GLC 2025
Engine: 2.0 liter turbocharged with mild hybrid technology
Power: 255 hp
Torque: approximately 370 Nm
Transmission: 9 speed automatic
Acceleration 0–100 km/h: around 6.3 seconds
Drivetrain: 4MATIC all wheel drive
Available trims: GLC 200 and GLC 300
Highlights: lighter build and smoother handling for everyday city driving
Exterior and Interior Design
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Audi Q5
Design: Sporty appearance with sharp lines and a wide Singleframe front grille
Lighting: Advanced LED Matrix headlights
Wheels: Available in sizes from 18 to 21 inches
Colors: Offered in Black, Silver, Navarra Blue, and Grenadine Red
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Cabin:
11.9 inch digital driver display (Virtual Cockpit)
14.5 inch curved central touchscreen
Optional 10.9 inch passenger screen
Premium leather seats with heating and ventilation functions
Customizable ambient interior lighting
Elegant layout featuring high quality materials
Mercedes GLC
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Design: Elegant AMG inspired front with a large grille and 3D LED headlights
Wheels: Range from 18 to 20 inches
Optional Packages: AMG Line or Night Package for sportier or darker aesthetics
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Cabin:
Large touchscreen running the latest MBUX system
Multifunction leather steering wheel
High resolution digital instrument cluster
Luxurious materials including wood and carbon fiber finishes
Comfortable seats with lumbar support, heating, and cooling options
Optional Burmester premium sound system
Intelligent Hey Mercedes voice assistant
Luxury and Comfort
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Both vehicles feature premium craftsmanship, yet the GLC stands out with elegant wood or carbon fiber trims that create a more refined atmosphere, while the Q5 focuses on sleek metallic accents for a modern touch.
Comfort and Space:
The Q5 offers generous rear seat space and up to 1473 liters of cargo capacity when the seats are folded.
The GLC features optional AIRMATIC air suspension that enhances ride comfort and stability on GCC highways.
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Sound Insulation:
The Q5 delivers a quiet driving experience thanks to its MHEV system, which minimizes vibrations and engine noise.
The GLC ensures excellent soundproofing against wind and road noise, maintaining a serene and luxurious cabin environment.
Technology and Smart Systems
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Audi Q5:
Audi Pre Sense safety system with collision detection
Adaptive cruise control with stop and go functionality
Lane keeping assist and optional 360 degree cameras
Advanced MMI touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Intelligent multilingual voice assistant
Wireless phone charging and USB-C ports
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Mercedes GLC:
MBUX intelligent system with augmented reality navigation
Large central touchscreen and digital driver display
Hey Mercedes advanced voice assistant
Gesture and head movement control
Burmester surround sound system
Over the air (OTA) software updates
Mercedes me app for remote vehicle connectivity
Driving Experience in the GCC
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Audi Q5:
Delivers impressive highway performance thanks to the Quattro all wheel drive system
Maintains excellent cornering stability due to balanced weight distribution
Features adaptive suspension that smooths out road imperfections
Proven durability after extensive testing in GCC heat and desert conditions
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Mercedes GLC:
Offers a quieter and smoother driving experience overall
4MATIC system ensures confident grip and stability on various terrains
AMG variants deliver sharper handling and stronger performance
Advanced climate control system built to handle the high GCC temperatures
Prices and Availability in the GCC
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Saudi Arabia:
Audi Q5 starts from around 300,000 SAR
Mercedes GLC starts from 379,000 SAR
Audi SQ5UAE Audi SQ5KSA Audi SQ5 performance variant reaches up to 400,000 SAR
GLC 200 offers a lower entry point at about 335,000 SAR
United Arab Emirates:
Audi Q5 priced from 259,900 AED
SQ5 up to 429,900 AED
Mercedes GLC starts at 352,900 AED
GLC Coupé priced up to 418,900 AED
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Key Differences:
Category | Audi Q5 | Mercedes GLC |
|---|---|---|
Engine | 2.0T 45 TFSI – 265 hp | 2.0T 300 – 255 hp |
0–100 km/h | ~6.0 s | ~6.3 s |
Price in Saudi Arabia | ~300,000 SAR | ~379,000 SAR |
Price in UAE | ~259,900 AED | ~352,900 AED |
Warranty | 5 years / 150,000 km | 2 years unlimited |
After Sales Services
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Audi:
Warranty coverage of 5 years or up to 150,000 km
Complimentary roadside assistance throughout the warranty period
Main dealers: Samaco in Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi Motors in the UAE
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Mercedes:
Standard warranty of 2 years with unlimited mileage
Option to extend warranty up to 7 years
ServiceCare maintenance packages available through Juffali in Saudi Arabia and Gargash in the UAE
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