The Mercedes-Benz GLE offers more interior space (84.3 cu ft vs 60.3 cu ft cargo) and advanced technology, while the Audi Q5 delivers better fuel efficiency (28 MPG combined vs 24 MPG) and a lower starting price ($47,550 vs $59,650). The GLE is the larger luxury SUV; the Q5 is the more efficient, value-conscious choice.
Audi Q5 vs Mercedes-Benz GLE — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
Compact luxury SUV with strong efficiency and performance at an accessible price point.
Midsize luxury SUV with three-row seating, spacious interior, and cutting-edge technology.
Starting Price. Cargo Space. Combined Fuel Economy. Wheelbase Length. Engine Power (Standard). 0-60 Acceleration. Warranty Coverage
Choose the Audi Q5 if you prioritize fuel efficiency, faster acceleration, lower cost of entry, and a compact luxury SUV that's easier to maneuver and park. Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLE if you need a three-row SUV with significantly more cargo and passenger space, advanced luxury technology, and don't mind spending $12,100 more for a larger, more commanding presence.
Audi Q5: 201 hp | Mercedes-Benz GLE: N/A
Audi Q5: 23 MPG | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 20 mpg
Audi Q5: 28.8 cu ft | Mercedes-Benz GLE: N/A
Audi Q5: 10.1 inches | Mercedes-Benz GLE: N/A
Audi Q5: 6.8 seconds | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 6.2 sec (GLE 53)
Audi Q5: 4,400 lbs | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 7,700 lbs (AMG models)
Audi Q5: $1,450 | Mercedes-Benz GLE: N/A
Audi Q5: $45,900 | Mercedes-Benz GLE: N/A
Audi Q5: 28 MPG | Mercedes-Benz GLE: N/A
Audi Q5: 6.3 seconds | Mercedes-Benz GLE: N/A
Audi Q5: 28.8 cu ft | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 28.0 cu ft
Audi Q5: 10.1-inch LCD | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 12.3 inches (MBUX)
Audi Q5: 261 hp | Mercedes-Benz GLE: N/A
Audi Q5: 273 lb-ft | Mercedes-Benz GLE: N/A
Audi Q5: 4,400 lbs | Mercedes-Benz GLE: N/A
Audi Q5: $47,550 | Mercedes-Benz GLE: $59,650
Audi Q5: 60.3 cu ft | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 84.3 cu ft
Audi Q5: 28 MPG | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 24 MPG
Audi Q5: 2.0L turbocharged | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 2.0L turbocharged
Audi Q5: 261 hp | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 255 hp
Audi Q5: 6.1 sec | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 6.8 sec
Audi Q5: 112.5 in | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 120.5 in
Audi Q5: 35.7 in | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 38.4 in
Audi Q5: N/A | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 5.9 seconds
Audi Q5: N/A | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 84.3 cu ft
Audi Q5: N/A | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 1.2 seconds
Audi Q5: N/A | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 3.0L Turbo
Audi Q5: N/A | Mercedes-Benz GLE: $65,400
Audi Q5: N/A | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 362 HP
Audi Q5: N/A | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 54.8 sq in
Audi Q5: N/A | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 3.0L Twin-Turbo + EQ
Audi Q5: N/A | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 580 HP (AMG GLE 580)
Audi Q5: N/A | Mercedes-Benz GLE: $68,900
Audi Q5: N/A | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 12.3 inches (standard, 4K optional)
Audi Q5: N/A | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 4,740 lbs (GLE 53)
Audi Q5: N/A | Mercedes-Benz GLE: $77,900
Audi Q5: N/A | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 5.5 seconds
Audi Q5: N/A | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 0 miles (gas-only)
Audi Q5: N/A | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 21.7 cubic feet
Audi Q5: N/A | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 5 seats standard (7-seat optional)
Audi Q5: N/A | Mercedes-Benz GLE: Top Safety Pick
Audi Q5: N/A | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 12.3 in (MBUX Hyperscreen)
Audi Q5: N/A | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 383 hp
Audi Q5: N/A | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 6.9 seconds (GLE 350d)
Audi Q5: N/A | Mercedes-Benz GLE: $74,900
Audi Q5: N/A | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 22 mpg
Audi Q5: N/A | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 4,685 lbs
Audi Q5: N/A | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 7 passengers
Audi Q5: N/A | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 580 hp (AMG GLE 580)
Audi Q5: N/A | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 5.8 seconds
Audi Q5: N/A | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 22 mpg combined
Audi Q5: N/A | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 71 dB (quieter)
Audi Q5: N/A | Mercedes-Benz GLE: $78,450
Audi Q5: N/A | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 24 MPG
Audi Q5: N/A | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 84 cu ft
Audi Q5: N/A | Mercedes-Benz GLE: $65,250
Audi Q5: N/A | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 3.8 seconds (GLE 580 AMG)
Audi Q5: N/A | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 37.8 inches
Audi Q5: N/A | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 4,400 lbs
Audi Q5: N/A | Mercedes-Benz GLE: $88,550
Audi Q5: N/A | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 4 years / 50,000 miles
Audi Q5: N/A | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 12.3 inches + 11.6 inches
Audi Q5: N/A | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 6.2 seconds
Audi Q5: N/A | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 140+ years (Mercedes founded 1883)
Audi Q5: N/A | Mercedes-Benz GLE: $67,500
Audi Q5: N/A | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 516 hp
EPA Combined Fuel Economy (Base 4.0L V8)
Audi Q5: N/A | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 21 mpg
Audi Q5: N/A | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 21.8 cu ft
Audi Q5: N/A | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 12.3 inches
Audi Q5: N/A | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 4 years/50,000 miles
Audi Q5: N/A | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 2,999 cc (3.0L turbocharged)
Audi Q5: N/A | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 362 hp
Audi Q5: N/A | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 5.8 seconds (GLE 580)
Audi Q5: N/A | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 12.3 inches (MBUX with AI)
Audi Q5: N/A | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 503 hp (AMG 53)
Audi Q5: N/A | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 4 years/50k miles
Audi Q5: N/A | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 258 hp (GLE 350d)
0-60 mph Acceleration (Top Performance Variant)
Audi Q5: N/A | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 4.6 seconds (GLE 580)
Audi Q5: N/A | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 26 mpg (GLE 350d)
Audi Q5: N/A | Mercedes-Benz GLE: $80,650
Audi Q5: N/A | Mercedes-Benz GLE: $64,550
Audi Q5: N/A | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 23.4 MPG (GLE 350d diesel)
Audi Q5: N/A | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 12.3 inches (MBUX Touchscreen)
Audi Q5: N/A | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 76.6 cu ft
Audi Q5: N/A | Mercedes-Benz GLE: 7 seats (optional 4-seat)
How to choose between Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE
Audi Q5 vs Mercedes-Benz GLE — Structured Comparison Data
Machine-readable comparison dataset for Audi Q5 vs Mercedes-Benz GLE. Contains 94 attribute comparisons, 5 FAQ pairs.
Audi Q5 vs Mercedes-Benz GLE — Attribute Category Vocabulary
Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for Audi Q5 vs Mercedes-Benz GLE.
Yes, the Mercedes-Benz GLE offers optional third-row seating for up to 7 total passengers. The Audi Q5 seats a maximum of 5 passengers and does not offer a third-row option.
The Audi Q5 achieves 28 MPG combined fuel economy versus the Mercedes GLE's 24 MPG combined, making the Q5 approximately 14% more efficient. Over 100,000 miles at $3.50/gallon, this difference saves roughly $1,270 in fuel costs.
What's the price difference and is it worth it?
The Mercedes GLE starts at $59,650 versus the Q5 at $47,550 — a $12,100 difference (25% premium). The GLE provides 40% more cargo space, optional third-row seating, a larger wheelbase, and advanced MBUX technology. This justifies the premium for families but not for individual/couple buyers.
The Mercedes-Benz GLE features the newer MBUX system with 12.3-inch touchscreen, AI voice control, and augmented reality navigation, while the Audi Q5 includes Virtual Cockpit Plus with 12.3-inch digital instruments and MMI infotainment. Both are state-of-the-art, but MBUX has a slight edge in AI integration.
The Mercedes GLE has a 3,500 lbs towing capacity versus the Q5's 4,400 lbs capacity, giving the Audi a significant towing advantage of 900 lbs. If towing is important, the Q5 is the better choice.
How to Choose Between Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE
Starting Price: Audi Q5 has $47,550, while Mercedes-Benz GLE has $59,650.
Cargo Space: Audi Q5 has 60.3 cu ft, while Mercedes-Benz GLE has 84.3 cu ft.
Combined Fuel Economy: Audi Q5 has 28 MPG, while Mercedes-Benz GLE has 24 MPG.
Wheelbase Length: Audi Q5 has 112.5 inches, while Mercedes-Benz GLE has 120.5 inches.
Engine Power (Standard): Audi Q5 has 261 hp, while Mercedes-Benz GLE has 255 hp.
0-60 Acceleration: Audi Q5 has 6.1 seconds, while Mercedes-Benz GLE has 6.8 seconds.
Warranty Coverage: Audi Q5 has 4 years/50,000 miles, while Mercedes-Benz GLE has 4 years/50,000 miles.