Audi e-tron vs Mercedes-Benz GLC

Audi e-tron

Audi’s electric luxury SUV.

Mercedes-Benz GLC

Mercedes' mid-size SUV on the MRA platform.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

Audi e-tron

Pick the e-tron for the 600-litre rear boot (plus 60-litre frunk), air suspension and quattro — accepting the real-world range below WLTP.

Best engine: The 55 quattro with the larger battery for the best balance of range and performance.

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
Width	1,94 m	1,89 m
Height	1,63 m	1,64 m
Seats	5	5

Powertrain & tech

	Audi e-tron	Mercedes-Benz GLC
Platform	MLB Evo (longitudinal, adapted for electric drive)	MRA (rear-wheel-drive base, shared with the C-Class W205)
Drive	All-wheel drive	Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive
Engine family	Dual electric motors (quattro)	M274/M264 petrol · OM651/OM654 diesel · plug-in hybrid
Fuel	Electric	Petrol · Diesel · Plug-in hybrid
Transmission	Single-speed automatic (fixed ratio)	9G-TRONIC automatic
Euro standard	N/A (electric)	Euro 6 (early) · Euro 6d (later)
LEZ access	Zero-emission — unrestricted access in all LEZ zones	Euro 6 diesel allowed in the LEZ (Brussels/Antwerp/Ghent)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

Audi e-tron

Early software bugs in the infotainment and driver-assist systems
High-voltage system: coolant circuit and electronics need checking on early cars
Real-world range sits well below the WLTP figure

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

600-litre rear boot (plus 60-litre front frunk)
Dual-motor quattro (408 hp in the 55)
Air suspension standard

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

Real-world range is well below the WLTP figure
~2.5-tonne kerb weight

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

As a model line, the e-tron accelerates strongly and silently on dual electric motors, and the air suspension soaks up poor surfaces. It feels heavy and planted rather than agile, and it is happiest cruising. Regeneration is adjustable for one-pedal driving in town. The 55 quattro has 408 hp and a 95 kWh battery, but real-world range is well below its WLTP figure.