Audi Q3 F3 vs Mercedes-Benz GLC X253

Audi Q3

F3 · 2018 – 2025

The second-generation Q3 (F3), on the MQB A2 platform.

Mercedes-Benz GLC

X253 · 2015 – 2022

The first-generation GLC on the MRA platform.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

Audi Q3

Pick the F3 for the roomy, tech-rich Q3 with the Virtual Cockpit and the smooth 1.5 TFSI — ideally a full-history example.

Best engine: The 35 TFSI (petrol) or 35 TDI (diesel).

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 Q3	Mercedes-Benz GLC
Power	150 hp	211 hp Winner
Torque	250 Nm	350 Nm Winner
0–100 km/h	9,2 s	7,3 s Winner
Top speed	205 km/h	222 km/h Winner
Power-to-weight	101,7 hp/t	121,6 hp/t Winner
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	143 g/km Winner	152 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)	5,7 L/100km Winner	6,5 L/100km

Dimensions & space

	Audi Q3	Mercedes-Benz GLC
Boot	530 L	550 L Winner
Boot (seats folded)	1.525 L	1.600 L Winner
Wheelbase	2,68 m	2,87 m Winner
Length	4,50 m	4,66 m
Ground clearance	17,0 cm	12,3 cm
Turning circle	11,8 m	11,8 m
Towing capacity (braked)	2.000 kg	2.500 kg Winner

Powertrain & tech

	Audi Q3	Mercedes-Benz GLC
Platform	MQB A2 (transverse)	MRA (rear-wheel-drive base)
Drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive	Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive
Engine family	EA211 evo 1.5 TFSI · EA888 2.0 TFSI · EA288 2.0 TDI · 45 TFSI e PHEV	M274/M264 petrol · OM651/OM654 diesel · plug-in hybrid
Transmission	S tronic (DSG)	9-speed 9G-TRONIC
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Euro standard	Euro 6d-TEMP	Euro 6
LEZ access	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

Audi Q3

Infotainment software bugs on early cars
DQ200 (7-speed dry DSG): mechatronics and clutch judder on early cars
DPF/AdBlue 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 Q3

Roomy interior & big boot
Modern tech (Virtual Cockpit)
Modular EA 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 Q3

Firm ride on S line
Some hard plastics

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 Q3

Comfortable, quiet and easy to place. The Q3 rides well over poor surfaces, stays settled at motorway speed, and steers accurately with light, consistent weighting. 2.0-litre cars use quattro, which adds strong traction in wet conditions and inspires confidence. The 1.5 TFSI is adequate but nothing more; the 45 TFSI is genuinely quick; the 2.0 TDI is the best all-rounder — torquey, economical and smooth at a cruise. The S tronic is sharp around town. Body control is good for a high-riding SUV, though the Q3 is set up for comfort rather than driver involvement.

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.