Audi Q6 e-tron GF vs Mercedes-Benz GLC X253

Audi Q6 e-tron

GF · 2024 – 2026

The first-generation Q6 e-tron (GF), on the PPE 800V platform.

Mercedes-Benz GLC

X253 · 2015 – 2022

The first-generation GLC on the MRA platform.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

Audi Q6 e-tron

Pick the Q6 e-tron for 800-volt fast charging, long range and a modern digital cabin in a premium electric SUV.

Best engine: The quattro (RWD or all-wheel drive).

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

quattro · Electric vs M274 GLC 250 · Petrol

	Audi Q6 e-tron	Mercedes-Benz GLC
Power	388 hp Winner	211 hp
Torque	855 Nm Winner	350 Nm
0–100 km/h	5,9 s Winner	7,3 s
Top speed	210 km/h	222 km/h Winner
Power-to-weight	165,1 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 Q6 e-tron	Mercedes-Benz GLC
Boot	526 L	550 L Winner
Boot (seats folded)	1.529 L	1.600 L Winner
Wheelbase	2,90 m Winner	2,87 m
Length	4,77 m	4,66 m
Ground clearance	17,6 cm	12,3 cm
Turning circle	12,1 m	11,8 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	2.000 kg	2.500 kg Winner

Powertrain & tech

	Audi Q6 e-tron	Mercedes-Benz GLC
Platform	PPE (800-volt)	MRA (rear-wheel-drive base)
Drive	Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive	Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive
Engine family	Electric motors · RWD / quattro (PPE 800V)	M274/M264 petrol · OM651/OM654 diesel · plug-in hybrid
Transmission	Single-speed automatic	9-speed 9G-TRONIC
Fuel	Electric	Petrol
Euro standard	N/A (electric)	Euro 6
LEZ access	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

Audi Q6 e-tron

Software/electronics (early cars)
Long-term battery & drivetrain data still limited
High-voltage system check recommended

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 Q6 e-tron

800-volt fast charging
Competitive range (larger battery)
Modern digital cockpit

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 Q6 e-tron

Limited long-term reliability data
Early software quirks

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 Q6 e-tron

Quiet, quick and far more efficient than the old e-tron. The Q6 rides comfortably, steers accurately with decent weighting, and feels more agile and lighter on its feet than the GE, helped by the newer PPE platform. Rear-drive is the base; dual-motor quattro adds pace and all-wheel traction. The 800-volt architecture charges far faster on suitable chargers, and the larger battery delivers competitive real-world range. It is a more modern, more rounded electric SUV than the e-tron, with the same hushed refinement and without the efficiency penalty of the early car.

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.