2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2021 Audi Q5

The 2021 Audi Q5 was a sharp-looking crossover SUV that carried the Audi design language exceptionally well, yet maintained its distinctive character. Its front fascia was expressive, featuring LED headlights that squinted beside the prominent Audi Singleframe grille, emphasizing width with horizontal elements. The body showcased crisp character lines, and the greenhouse appeared as a protective shell, while the rear boasted bold, large taillights. The Q5 offered a classy, modern appearance with exceptional fit and finish throughout. The plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant, which came adorned with S-Line trim pieces and enhancements, looked even more attractive, with standard 19-inch wheels or optional 20-inch wheels adding to its allure.

Inside, the Q5 continued the classy and modern theme. Despite being packed with technology, it maintained an uncluttered appearance. Buttons, switches, and knobs were smartly grouped by function, and the overall design was pleasing and unified. High-quality materials were used throughout the cabin, with real wood, metal, and honed surfaces giving a sense of authenticity. The 10.1-inch touchscreen was well-positioned at the top of the center stack, making it easy for the driver to see. The second row was equally well-appointed with standard leather seating surfaces, providing a comfortable and luxurious experience.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class took a different approach with a timeless aesthetic characterized by soft curves and rounded edges. Despite this, it managed to maintain a modern, aggressive look, partly due to the menacing LED headlights. The long hood and wide grille gave the GLC a dramatic stance, akin to a raised C-Class or E-Class sedan, underscoring its car-like characteristics.

The GLC’s cabin was an automotive work of art, with the soft lines and curves continuing into the dash. Even the floating center touchscreen had rounded edges. Mercedes-Benz, as a brand, was moving towards larger screens and a more minimalist approach, yet this era of GLC cabin design was one many would miss. The German luxury brand proved that automotive interiors could be elevated to an art form, setting a high standard for other compact luxury SUV cabins.

The GLC offered both a conventional SUV and a crossover “coupe” body style. The latter's fastback profile cut into cargo space but provided a sharp look, standing out despite the liberal use of the term “coupe”. Standard equipment on the entry-level GLC 300 included 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, and a power liftgate. Inside, it featured synthetic leather upholstery, power-adjustable and heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, dual USB ports, a fully digital instrument panel, and the MBUX infotainment system with a 10.2-inch touchscreen supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

In summary, the Audi Q5 exuded a modern and intricate design language, while the GLC-Class adhered to a timeless, sophisticated aesthetic that balanced aggression with elegance.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV took the already fun-to-drive Q5 45 model and improved upon it. The addition of a 14.1-kWh battery boosted the total combined output to 362 horsepower and 373 pound-feet of torque, impressively complementing the crossover’s 4,665-pound curb weight. The innovative power setup featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder gasoline engine and an electric motor that significantly improved acceleration, clocking 0-60 mph in just 5.0 seconds. Fuel economy was also notable, with 65 MPGe combined in hybrid mode and 27 mpg combined in gasoline-only mode.

This powertrain coupled with a seven-speed S Tronic automatic transmission and full-time Quattro all-wheel drive made for a dynamic driving experience. Drivers could control the vehicle’s modes to optimize battery usage, which was particularly beneficial for urban driving or navigating traffic congestion. The Q5’s handling was commendable, with a sportily tuned suspension balance that minimized body roll and offered strong braking performance.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 came standard with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. Power was routed through a nine-speed automatic transmission to either the rear wheels or the available 4MATIC all-wheel drive. The GLC 300 featured steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters and Dynamic Select with Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ drive modes.

Despite these performance-enhancing features, the GLC 300 felt just right even in the default Comfort mode. Its four-cylinder turbo provided plenty of power, and the acceleration, while sometimes exhibiting minor lag from a stop, was generally responsive. The driving experience balanced refinement with responsiveness, offering precise turning and confident high-speed cornering. If more power was desired, the AMG GLA 45 with its 385-hp twin-turbocharged V6 or the AMG GLA 63 with up to 503 hp from a twin-turbo V8 stood ready to deliver sports car-like performance.

Overall, the Audi Q5 PHEV offered a sportier drive with significant battery-electric capabilities, while the Mercedes-Benz GLC focused on balanced, refined performance with options for extreme power upgrades in its AMG variants.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV managed its battery placement smartly, storing it under the luggage compartment floor to maintain cargo space. It offered 25.1 cubic feet of storage behind the second row and up to 53.1 cubic feet with the second row folded. Rear passengers enjoyed 37.8 inches of legroom, 37.7 inches of headroom, and 56.5 inches of shoulder room, making it comfortable for two adults, with a third able to squeeze in for shorter rides. The driver and front passenger were treated to super-comfortable seats with a wide range of adjustments, heating, and optional ventilation. The thoughtful interior design featured multiple storage spaces, including cupholders, cubbies, and a small bin in the center console.

In comparison, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 offered 19.4 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up in the standard SUV model, expanding to 56.5 cubic feet with the seats folded. The GLC Coupe sacrificed some practicality for style, offering just 17.6 cubic feet of storage with seats up and 49.4 cubic feet with seats down, putting it among the smallest in the class. The driver had several storage options, including a center console with a “barn-door” opening, deep door pockets, and center cupholders concealed by a retractable wood panel. Rear-seat space was decent, with ample legroom and headroom in the SUV model, though the Coupe’s low roofline reduced headroom.

In summary, the Audi Q5 PHEV excelled in smart space utilization without compromising cargo capacity, while the Mercedes-Benz GLC offered good interior space but its Coupe variant compromised cargo space for styling.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV featured the latest MMI 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, paired with an easy-to-use center-console touchpad. The Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus 12.3-inch HD instrument cluster offered three customizable views: classic, sport, and dynamic. The integrated LED ambient interior lights and comprehensive customization options enhanced the futuristic feel of the cabin. The Prestige Package included navigation, with the system intelligently optimizing fuel and battery use during hybrid mode. The Integrated Toll Module (ITM) was a notable addition, streamlining toll payments. The available Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system offered exceptional sound quality, complemented by wireless Apple CarPlay for seamless smartphone integration.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 came with the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX), featuring a 10.25-inch center touchscreen, a center console touch controller, and an advanced voice-control system. The system was an evolution of the previous COMAND system but far more intuitive, allowing for easy navigation through menus. The steering wheel had touch-sensitive pads for customizing the digital instrument panel and navigating the infotainment screen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were also included, though integration between the car's radio and smartphone apps could be cumbersome. Despite a learning curve, the MBUX system was user-friendly once familiarized.

In summary, the Audi Q5 PHEV had a rich blend of intuitive tech features and customization options, while the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 offered a sophisticated and innovative yet slightly more complex infotainment system.

The safety features of the 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV were comprehensive. While it hadn’t been rated by IIHS, the 2020 gasoline model had received top marks in most categories except for a "marginal" headlight rating. The NHTSA awarded the 2021 gasoline Q5 five stars. Key safety features included six airbags, ABS with brake assist, Audi Pre Sense basic preventative measures, low-speed collision assist, electronic stability control with off-road mode, and numerous other systems for occupant protection and theft prevention. Available driver-assistance features included adaptive cruise control with traffic-jam assist, park steering assist, traffic-sign recognition, and a top-view camera system.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 came packed with standard safety tech such as automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Other standard features included parking sensors, hands-free parking assist, and a driver drowsiness monitor. However, the parking sensors were overly sensitive and could become distracting. Optional features included a 360-degree parking camera, dynamic cruise control, automatic high beams, and lane departure warning.

In summary, both vehicles came well-equipped with safety technology, but the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300’s sensor sensitivity could be seen as a drawback.