Audi Q2 vs Mercedes-Benz GLC

Audi Q2

Audi’s compact crossover.

Mercedes-Benz GLC

Mercedes' mid-size SUV on the MRA platform.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

Audi Q2

Pick the Q2 for quattro (on the 2.0-litre engines), the 1.5 TFSI’s cylinder-on-demand and the Virtual Cockpit — but check rear legroom.

Best engine: The mid-range 1.5 TFSI petrol for the best everyday balance.

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
Width	1,79 m	1,89 m
Height	1,51 m	1,64 m
Seats	5	5

Powertrain & tech

	Audi Q2	Mercedes-Benz GLC
Platform	MQB A1 (transverse, shared with the VW T-Roc)	MRA (rear-wheel-drive base, shared with the C-Class W205)
Drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive	Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive
Engine family	EA211 1.5 TFSI · EA888 2.0 TFSI · EA288 2.0 TDI	M274/M264 petrol · OM651/OM654 diesel · plug-in hybrid
Fuel	Petrol · Diesel	Petrol · Diesel · Plug-in hybrid
Transmission	S tronic (7-speed DSG) · 6-speed manual	9G-TRONIC automatic
Euro standard	Euro 6d-TEMP (early) · Euro 6d (later)	Euro 6 (early) · Euro 6d (later)
LEZ access	Euro 6 diesel allowed in the LEZ (Brussels/Antwerp/Ghent)	Euro 6 diesel allowed in the LEZ (Brussels/Antwerp/Ghent)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

Audi Q2

DQ200 (7-speed dry DSG): mechatronics are the best-known weak point
Direct-injection petrols: carbon buildup with lots of short trips
DPF on diesels with mainly short trips

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

quattro available on the 2.0-litre engines
1.5 TFSI has cylinder-on-demand
Virtual Cockpit digital instruments on higher trims

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

Rear legroom is tight for adults
S line suspension rides firmly

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

As a model line, the Q2 steers quickly and lightly, and the raised seating position gives a good view out. The ride is firm rather than plush, and you feel it on rough roads. The 1.0 TFSI is adequate, the 1.5 TFSI is the one to have and the 2.0 TDI is the high-mileage pick. It is happiest in town, where its compact size makes it easy to place.