CarteaNewsCar ReviewsDetailed Comparison Between Audi Q5 and Mercedes GLC 2025 in the GCC

Detailed Comparison Between Audi Q5 and Mercedes GLC 2025 in the GCC

Ahd Kamal
Ahd Kamal
2025-10-26
contents

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


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


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


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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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


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.


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


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


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


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


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


Saudi Arabia:

  • Audi Q5 starts from around 300,000 SAR

  • Mercedes GLC starts from 379,000 SAR

  • 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


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


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


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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Ahd KamalAhd Kamal
Chief editor information:

My passion for cars began long before my journey into automotive journalism in 2015. Even though I'm originally a pharmacist, the thrill of speed, elegant designs, and roaring engines has always had my heart. Today, I channel this passion by exploring the newest cars and sharing my experiences with fellow car enthusiasts across the GCC.

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