Audi Q2 GA vs Mercedes-Benz GLC X253

Audi Q2

GA · 2016 – 2026

The first-generation Q2 (GA), Audi’s compact crossover.

Mercedes-Benz GLC

X253 · 2015 – 2022

The first-generation GLC on the MRA platform.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

Audi Q2

Pick the Q2 for a compact, agile premium SUV with efficient engines.

Best engine: The 30/35 TFSI (petrol).

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

EA211 35 TFSI · Petrol vs M274 GLC 250 · Petrol

	Audi Q2	Mercedes-Benz GLC
Power	150 hp	211 hp Winner
Torque	250 Nm	350 Nm Winner
0–100 km/h	8,5 s	7,3 s Winner
Top speed	211 km/h	222 km/h Winner
Power-to-weight	111,1 hp/t	121,6 hp/t Winner
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	128 g/km Winner	152 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)	5,6 L/100km Winner	6,5 L/100km

Dimensions & space

	Audi Q2	Mercedes-Benz GLC
Boot	405 L	550 L Winner
Boot (seats folded)	1.050 L	1.600 L Winner
Wheelbase	2,60 m	2,87 m Winner
Length	4,19 m	4,66 m
Ground clearance	14,7 cm	12,3 cm
Turning circle	11,1 m Winner	11,8 m
Towing capacity (braked)	1.600 kg	2.500 kg Winner

Powertrain & tech

	Audi Q2	Mercedes-Benz GLC
Platform	MQB A1 (transverse)	MRA (rear-wheel-drive base)
Drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive	Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive
Engine family	EA211 1.0/1.4/1.5 TFSI · EA288 2.0 TDI	M274/M264 petrol · OM651/OM654 diesel · plug-in hybrid
Transmission	S tronic (DSG)	9-speed 9G-TRONIC
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Euro standard	Euro 6d	Euro 6
LEZ access	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

Audi Q2

DQ200 DSG service
Infotainment (early cars)
Water pump needs checking

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 Q2

Compact and city-friendly
Good all-round visibility
Efficient TFSI engines

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 Q2

Firm ride
Small boot and dated early infotainment

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 Q2

Comfortable, quiet and more premium than its size suggests. The Q2 steers accurately with light, consistent weighting, rides firmly but acceptably, and feels planted and easy to place. Front-drive versions are efficient; quattro adds strong traction on the 2.0-litre cars. The 1.5 TFSI is smooth and willing, the 2.0 TDI is the economical distance choice, and the 2.0 TFSI adds genuine pace. The S tronic is quick. It is a polished, techy small crossover that trades a little boot and rear space for a more premium feel than the T-Cross.

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.