Audi e-tron GE vs Mercedes-Benz GLC X253

Audi e-tron

GE · 2018 – 2025

The first-generation e-tron (GE), Audi’s first all-electric SUV.

Mercedes-Benz GLC

X253 · 2015 – 2022

The first-generation GLC on the MRA platform.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

Audi e-tron

Pick the GE for the roomy, quiet e-tron with air suspension and quattro — ideally one with the software updates applied and the high-voltage electronics checked.

Best engine: The 55 quattro (larger battery).

Read the full guide

Pick this one if…

Mercedes-Benz GLC

Pick the GLC for space, comfort and efficient engines in a premium mid-size SUV.

Best engine: The GLC 220 d (diesel) or GLC 250 (petrol) — the sweet spot.

Read the full guide

Performance

55 quattro · Electric vs M274 GLC 250 · Petrol

	Audi e-tron	Mercedes-Benz GLC
Power	408 hp Winner	211 hp
Torque	664 Nm Winner	350 Nm
0–100 km/h	5,7 s Winner	7,3 s
Top speed	200 km/h	222 km/h Winner
Power-to-weight	159,1 hp/t Winner	121,6 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	0 g/km Winner	152 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)	—	6,5 L/100km

Dimensions & space

	Audi e-tron	Mercedes-Benz GLC
Boot	660 L Winner	550 L
Boot (seats folded)	1.725 L Winner	1.600 L
Wheelbase	2,93 m Winner	2,87 m
Length	4,90 m	4,66 m
Ground clearance	17,2 cm	12,3 cm
Turning circle	12,2 m	11,8 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	1.800 kg	2.500 kg Winner

Powertrain & tech

	Audi e-tron	Mercedes-Benz GLC
Platform	MLB Evo (electric)	MRA (rear-wheel-drive base)
Drive	All-wheel drive	Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive
Engine family	Electric motors · 50 quattro / 55 quattro	M274/M264 petrol · OM651/OM654 diesel · plug-in hybrid
Transmission	Single-speed automatic	9-speed 9G-TRONIC
Fuel	Electric	Petrol
Euro standard	N/A (electric)	Euro 6
LEZ access	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

Audi e-tron

Software/electronics gremlins on 2019–2020 cars
Coolant leak into the high-voltage electronics (recall on early cars)
Battery and charging-system health check recommended before buying used

Mercedes-Benz GLC

Early OM651 diesel: timing chain and AdBlue/NOx watch-points
9G-TRONIC: fluid changes recommended earlier than official intervals
AIRMATIC air suspension can leak at high mileage
COMAND/MBUX software glitches (mostly fixed via updates)

Pros

Audi e-tron

Quiet, refined electric ride
Strong DC fast charging
Air-suspension comfort

Mercedes-Benz GLC

550 L boot growing to ~1,600 L — roomy for a mid-size SUV
Efficient OM654 2.0 diesel (GLC 220 d: 194 hp / 400 Nm)
MRA rear-wheel-drive platform with optional 4MATIC
GLC 350 e PHEV: 320 hp system output and 560 Nm, company-car friendly

Cons

Audi e-tron

Less efficient than newer EVs
Early software quirks

Mercedes-Benz GLC

OM651/OM654 diesel: AdBlue/DPF watch-points with lots of short trips
PHEV (GLC 350 e) shrinks boot space (395 L)
Complex electronics and air suspension need dealer maintenance

Driving experience

Audi e-tron

Smooth, silent and effortlessly luxurious. The e-tron rides with genuine isolation, steers lightly and accurately, and accelerates strongly from its dual-motor quattro with none of the fuss of a combustion engine. It is heavy, which shows in corners and in real-world range, but the payoff is a hushed, relaxed calm that suits long journeys. Regenerative braking is strong enough for one-pedal driving in traffic. It was the first large electric SUV from Audi, and it drives more like a luxury saloon than a tall, heavy crossover.

Mercedes-Benz GLC

Comfortable, quiet and more car-like than its height suggests. The GLC steers accurately with light, consistent weighting, rides well on the standard suspension, and stays hushed at motorway speeds. 4MATIC is standard on most versions and adds sure-footed traction without altering the relaxed character. The M274/M264 petrols are smooth and willing, the OM654 diesel is the economical distance choice, and the 300 e plug-in covers short trips on electric power. The 9G-Tronic shifts unobtrusively. It is a well-rounded, easy-to-live-with compact SUV that does everything competently.