2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB vs 2021 Audi Q5

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class made a striking entrance when it joined the extensive lineup of Mercedes-Benz SUVs in 2020, slotting between the smaller GLA and the larger GLC in both size and alphabetical order. Measuring 182.4 inches in length and sporting a 111.4-inch wheelbase, the GLB was longer and had a larger wheelbase than the GLA but was slightly undersized compared to the GLC. Despite its unique measurements, the GLB had a familial resemblance to its counterparts, requiring a close look at the badging to distinguish it fully. Mercedes-Benz's signature DNA was apparent, resulting in an attractive, athletic SUV with notable ground clearance of 7.9 inches, surpassing the 5-inch clearance of the GLA and GLC. This additional clearance benefited soft-road and urban driving conditions.

Inside, the GLB featured a modern and highly appealing cabin. The interior design stood out with its repetition of round shapes across the dashboard, especially the polished metal HVAC vents, which evoked an aviation aesthetic. A single panel housed both the virtual instrument cluster and the infotainment screen, exuding elegance and modernity. The fit and finish lived up to Mercedes-Benz's high standards, with the beefy, perforated leather steering wheel adding to the premium feel.

In contrast, the 2021 Audi Q5 sported a sharp, modern design that resonated with Audi's signature styling while maintaining individuality. Its expressive front featured LED headlights and the large Singleframe grille, emphasizing width. The body displayed crisp character lines and a protective greenhouse-like structure, with bold taillights enhancing the rear. The plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant added more flair with S-Line trim pieces and available 19 or 20-inch wheels.

The Q5's interior echoed its modern elegance. The cabin boasted a smart, uncluttered design with high-quality materials such as real wood and metal, meeting seamlessly with crisp lines. The 10.1-inch touchscreen sat at the top of the center stack, fitting perfectly in the driver’s line of sight. The second row of leather seating ensured comfort for passengers, maintaining the cabin’s luxurious vibe.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class came with a single engine option: a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine producing 221 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT) featuring wheel-mounted shift paddles. Front-wheel drive was standard, while 4MATIC all-wheel drive was offered for an additional $2,000. Fuel economy for the front-wheel-drive model was rated at 23 mpg city, 30 mpg highway, and 26 mpg combined, with the all-wheel-drive variant achieving similar figures.

On the performance front, the GLB weighed between 3,638 and 3,891 pounds, depending on configuration. With a 0-60 mph time of 6.9 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 130 mph, it performed adequately for a family SUV. Enthusiasts had the option of upgrading to the Mercedes-AMG GLB 35, which reduced the 0-60 time to 5.1 seconds. The 4MATIC option was highly recommended for better handling, especially in adverse weather conditions, and came with standard off-road features like hill-start assist and downhill speed regulation.

Conversely, the 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV enhanced an already enjoyable driving experience by adding a 14.1-kWh battery to its 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine. This setup produced a combined output of 362 horsepower and 373 pound-feet of torque, propelling the Q5 from 0-60 mph in just 5.0 seconds. Despite its 4,665-pound curb weight, the Q5 PHEV offered impressive fuel economy figures of 65 MPGe combined and 27 mpg in gasoline-only mode. The battery could be recharged overnight using household current or in 2.4 hours with a 240-volt service.

The Q5 PHEV used a seven-speed S Tronic automatic transmission with full-time Quattro all-wheel drive. It featured multiple driving modes, including an all-electric mode with a range of up to 20 miles, a hybrid mode optimizing both fuel and battery use, and a mode for reserving battery power for later use. With speed-sensitive electromechanical power steering and a tight turning radius of 38.4 feet, the Q5 handled well, balancing a sporty feel with comfort and minimal body roll.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class offered a crucial option: a third-row seat. In two-row configurations, it provided 27.0 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and expanded to 62.0 cubic feet with the seats folded. For the three-row GLB, the cargo capacity varied significantly: 5.1 cubic feet behind the third row, 24.0 cubic feet behind the second row, and 56.7 cubic feet with both rows unfolded. The third-row seats had limited legroom, making them suitable only for children or small adults on brief trips. The rest of the GLB’s cabin was well organized and comfortable, with highly adjustable front seats and a host of modern amenities.

In comparison, the 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV managed its interior space efficiently by housing the battery pack beneath the luggage compartment floor. It offered 25.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expanding to 53.1 cubic feet with the seats folded. The second row had ample legroom (37.8 inches), headroom (37.7 inches), and shoulder room (56.5 inches), comfortably accommodating two adults. The front row featured Audi’s super-comfortable seats with extensive adjustments, heating, and ventilation in the higher trims.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class came loaded with technology, irrespective of its status as an entry-level vehicle. The standard Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system featured voice control, natural language understanding, and customizable keyword activation. A 7-inch digital instrument cluster and touchscreen multimedia display came standard, along with a new-generation touchpad in the center console. The Premium Package increased screen sizes to 10.25 inches and added features like keyless go and an upgraded audio system.

The optional Multimedia Package introduced augmented reality navigation, incorporating live images with graphical navigation instructions on the media display. Advanced options included adaptive damping, 64-color ambient lighting, wireless charging, NFC pairing, parking assistance, and a head-up display (HUD).

In contrast, the 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV featured Audi’s latest MMI 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a center-console touchpad. The Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus 12.3-inch HD instrument cluster offered customizable views, enhancing the futuristic feel of the cabin. The Prestige Package included navigation, integrated with the hybrid system to optimize fuel and battery usage. A Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system was available on Premium Plus models and came standard on the Prestige trim, accompanied by wireless Apple CarPlay.

Mercedes-Benz equipped the 2021 GLB-Class with a suite of standard and available safety technologies. Standard features included active brake assist, crosswind assist, attention assist, and adaptive braking technology with hill-start assist and brake hold. Optional safety features encompassed active LED headlamps, adaptive high-beam assist, and blind-spot assist. The Driver Assistance Package added numerous active safety technologies like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and Pre-Safe Sound, which triggered a protective reflex in the ear to reduce hearing loss in a collision. As of the comparison, the 2021 GLB had not been rated by NHTSA or IIHS.

Similarly, the 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV was equipped with essential safety features, although it lacked ratings from IIHS and NHTSA at the time. The 2020 gasoline model received top “good” ratings in all categories except headlights from IIHS and a five-star rating from NHTSA. Safety features for the Q5 PHEV included six airbags, Audi Pre Sense basic, electronic stability control, and a rearview camera. Optional driver-assistance features consisted of adaptive cruise control, traffic-sign recognition, and a top-view camera system.