2021 Audi Q5 vs 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class showcased a design evolution with a smoother and less sculpted body, featuring softened lines and reduced edges and scalloping. This redesign resulted in a drag coefficient drop from .32 to .29, which Mercedes touted as a class-leading change. The front end underwent the most noticeable transformation, making it a handsome yet unoffensive vehicle. Inside, the GLE-Class continued the trend of refinement, providing extra headroom and legroom due to a wheelbase extension of 3.1 inches. This spaciousness allowed for the optional third row, accommodating adults up to 5’10”. However, the test model did not include this feature, requiring a “trust but verify” approach. One note of concern was the $720 Emerald Green Metallic paint, which showed an unexpected amount of orange-peel effect, detracting from the overall premium feel.

In contrast, the 2021 Audi Q5 maintained a sharp, modern appearance true to Audi's design language, with its expressive front fascia, LED headlights, and Singleframe grille emphasizing width. The body featured crisp character lines and a protective greenhouse shell, leading to bold rear taillights. The Q5, especially the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version, exuded a classy and contemporary look with S-Line trim pieces and standard 19-inch or optional 20-inch wheels. The interior mirrored this stylishness, offering a clutter-free environment packed with technology. Quality materials like real wood and metal were used, providing crisp and well-defined lines where they met. The 10.1-inch touchscreen was conveniently located for the driver’s line of sight, contributing to an overall smart and polished cabin layout.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class came with a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. This engine, an upgrade from the A-Class sedan, offered enough power at speed but felt sluggish from a stop due to turbo lag and the vehicle's nearly 5,000-pound mass. The start-stop system was clumsy, adding to the less-than-ideal acceleration experience. Despite the engine's smoothness and sound, the 9-speed automatic transmission lacked the finesse of competitors like the BMW X5's 8-speed. The GLE 350 4Matic, priced at $56,200 before destination, provided competitive fuel economy for an AWD crossover, rated at 19 mpg city, 26 highway, and 22 combined.

Meanwhile, the 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV significantly improved the driving experience of its gasoline-only counterpart. The PHEV combined a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, resulting in a total output of 362 horsepower and 373 pound-feet of torque. This setup offered impressive acceleration (0-60 mph in 5.0 seconds) despite the vehicle's 4,665-pound curb weight. The PHEV achieved 65 MPGe combined when using both power sources and 27 mpg in gasoline-only mode. The battery pack could be recharged overnight with standard household current or in 2.4 hours with a 240-volt service. The Q5's seven-speed S Tronic automatic transmission and full-time Quattro all-wheel drive provided smooth driving dynamics, with selectable modes for hybrid or electric-only driving, enhancing efficiency and control.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class excelled in interior space, largely due to its extended wheelbase. The second row felt particularly roomy, and the vehicle offered between 33.3 and 39.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expanding to 79.4 cubic feet with the seats lowered. This spaciousness was complemented by a well-defined interior layout dominated by dual 12.3-inch screens, contributing to a modern and high-tech atmosphere. Seats were comfortable, though the lumbar support needed adjustment, and the steering wheel often blocked parts of the screen.

In comparison, the 2021 Audi Q5 provided a perfect balance in size with smart packaging that accommodated the PHEV battery without sacrificing cargo space. It offered 25.1 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 53.1 cubic feet with the seats folded. The second row provided 37.8 inches of legroom, 37.7 inches of headroom, and 56.5 inches of shoulder room. The front seats were highly adjustable and supportive, with heating and ventilation available on the Prestige trim. The Q5's interior design was thoughtful and functional, with ample storage options and a clutter-free layout.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class featured the MBUX infotainment system, consisting of two 12.3-inch screens. While initially daunting, the system offered new and exciting features like augmented reality for navigation. Gesture controls worked well, and the HUD was particularly notable for its clarity and usefulness. However, the natural voice control system had some issues, likely due to the pre-production status of the vehicle tested.

Conversely, the 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV came with the advanced MMI 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 12.3-inch HD instrument cluster, known as the Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus. This customizable panel offered a futuristic and user-friendly interface. Color/mood-adjustable LED ambient lights added to the cabin's modern feel. The Prestige Package included the Navigation Package, which optimizes fuel and battery usage. The Integrated Toll Module (ITM) offered a convenient built-in transponder. A sophisticated Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system with 19 speakers was available on higher trims, and wireless Apple CarPlay was included and performed flawlessly.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class was equipped with a plethora of autonomous safety systems like adaptive cruise control, auto braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist. However, the systems were less effective at high speeds, leading to an unpredictable and frustrating experience. Despite this, features like Attention Assist and Seat Kinetics aimed to enhance driver comfort and safety over long drives. No current ratings from NHTSA or IIHS were available at the time.

For the 2021 Audi Q5, safety ratings from 2020 indicated top performance except for headlights, which were rated as “marginal” by IIHS. The NHTSA awarded the gasoline model five stars, with expectations for the PHEV to match. Standard safety features included six airbags, an anti-lock braking system, Audi Pre Sense basic, low-speed collision assist, and more. Available features encompassed adaptive cruise control, Audi Side Assist, and a top-view camera system, contributing to a robust safety profile.