Audi Q5 vs Mercedes-Benz GLE

Audi Q5

Audi’s mid-size premium SUV.

Mercedes-Benz GLE

Mercedes' large SUV on the MHA platform.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

Audi Q5

Pick the Q5 if you want a refined, roomy, comfortable mid-size SUV with quattro — a premium, comfort-focused choice.

Best engine: The mid-range 2.0 TDI diesel for the best balance of economy and torque — or the 2.0 TFSI petrol.

Read the full guide

Pick this one if…

Mercedes-Benz GLE

Pick the GLE for space, comfort and powerful engines in a large premium SUV.

Best engine: The GLE 300 d / GLE 350 d (diesel) or GLE 450 (petrol) — the sweet spot.

Read the full guide

Performance

EA888 45 TFSI · Petrol vs M256 GLE 450 · Petrol

	Audi Q5	Mercedes-Benz GLE
Power	245 hp	367 hp Winner
Torque	370 Nm	500 Nm Winner
0–100 km/h	6,3 s	5,7 s Winner
Top speed	237 km/h	250 km/h Winner
Power-to-weight	136,5 hp/t	164,2 hp/t Winner
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	183 g/km Winner	220 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)	8,1 L/100km Winner	9,3 L/100km

Dimensions & space

	Audi Q5	Mercedes-Benz GLE
Boot	550 L	630 L Winner
Boot (seats folded)	1.550 L	2.055 L Winner
Wheelbase	2,82 m	3,00 m Winner
Length	4,66 m	4,92 m
Width	1,89 m	1,95 m
Height	1,66 m	1,80 m
Seats	5	5

Powertrain & tech

	Audi Q5	Mercedes-Benz GLE
Platform	MLB Evo (longitudinal, shared with the A4/A5)	MHA (rear-wheel-drive base, shared with the GLS)
Drive	All-wheel drive	All-wheel drive
Engine family	EA888 petrol · EA288 diesel · plug-in hybrid	M256/M176 petrol · OM654/OM656 diesel · plug-in hybrid
Fuel	Petrol · Diesel · Plug-in hybrid	Petrol · Diesel · Plug-in hybrid
Transmission	7-speed S tronic (DSG)	9G-TRONIC automatic
Euro standard	Euro 6d-TEMP (early) · Euro 6d (later)	Euro 6d-TEMP (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 Q5

S tronic (DSG) mechatronics are the best-known weak point
EA288 diesels: AdBlue/SCR needs attention with mainly short trips
Direct-injection petrols: carbon buildup with lots of short trips

Mercedes-Benz GLE

Early OM654 diesel: rocker arm / camshaft concerns
AIRMATIC air suspension can leak at high mileage
9G-TRONIC: fluid changes recommended earlier than official intervals
MBUX/electronics glitches (mostly fixed via updates)

Pros

Audi Q5

Spacious cabin and large 550-litre boot
Quiet, comfortable long-distance cruiser
Wide engine range (petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid)

Mercedes-Benz GLE

630 L boot growing to ~2,055 L — roomy for a large SUV
GLE 450: 367 hp I6 with EQ Boost (48V) and 500 Nm
OM656 2.9 I6 diesel (GLE 350 d: 272 hp / 600 Nm)
GLE 400 e PHEV: 381 hp and 650 Nm, company-car friendly

Cons

Audi Q5

No manual gearbox — S tronic (DSG) only
Options quickly push the price up

Mercedes-Benz GLE

OM654/OM656 diesel: AdBlue/DPF watch-points with lots of short trips
PHEV shrinks boot space (~490 L)
Complex air suspension and electronics need dealer maintenance

Driving experience

Audi Q5

As a model line, the Q5 is a refined, comfortable mid-size SUV that feels secure and composed. The steering is light and accurate, the ride is calm, and the cabin stays quiet at speed. Quattro all-wheel drive gives reassuring, planted traction in all conditions. The 2.0 TDI is strong and frugal, the 2.0 TFSI smooth, and the plug-in hybrid glides silently. It prioritises comfort and refinement over sharp handling, so it feels effortless and confidence-inspiring on long journeys and around town.