2025 Audi Q5 vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2025 Audi Q5 presented a robust SUV demeanor with its third-generation design. It featured a large, textured grille, prominent side air intakes, and high-mounted headlights, giving it an imposing front-end appearance. The body sides were adorned with well-defined lines, adding a muscular touch. Despite these updates, the styling felt more like an evolution rather than a complete redesign, resembling a facelift. The Q5 offered various trim levels, including Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige, with LED Headlights Plus and programmable OLED taillights available on higher trims. The model was available in both standard crossover SUV and coupe-like Q5 Sportback body styles, with the latter offering a sleeker profile at the expense of cargo space and rear-seat headroom. The SQ5 performance variant stood out with increased power, sport suspension, and distinctive design elements like matte chrome trim and quad exhaust tips.

Inside, the Q5's design was a mix of intricate details, with dashboard and door panel lines accommodating the opposing curves of the main touchscreen and bulging doors. While the design might have seemed discordant, the materials used were top-notch, with sturdy plastics and contrasting trim pieces. Leather seating surfaces were standard, and the SQ5 offered a sportier interior with Alcantara trim and red upholstery. However, the piano-black plastic surrounding the cupholders and shifter was prone to dirt, and the SQ5 seats lacked adequate bolstering for spirited driving.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of ten versions, with prices spanning from $63,600 to $134,500, including a destination charge. Assembled in Alabama, the GLE 350 with rear-wheel drive and a turbocharged four-cylinder engine was the least expensive model. At the higher end, the AMG GLE 63 S Coupe featured standard 4Matic all-wheel drive and a hand-built twin-turbo V8 engine. The review focused on the standard GLE body style, specifically the GLE 450 with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine and mild-hybrid technology. The GLE 450e model offered a plug-in hybrid option with an estimated 49 miles of electric-only range.

The GLE 450 came with standard all-wheel drive, except for the base GLE 350, and featured the Exclusive Package and the new-for-2026 Manufaktur Edition Package. The Manufaktur Edition included exclusive paint, 21-inch wheels, a Night Package with blacked-out trim, and a panoramic sunroof. The interior boasted quality materials, with matte-finish wood, metallic accents, ambient lighting, and sophisticated digital displays. The GLE's cabin was elegantly detailed, with a focus on luxury and comfort. The steering wheel featured touch-sensing controls, and the climate controls were wisely separated from the center touchscreen. However, the touch slider for stereo volume was challenging to fine-tune, prompting reliance on the volume thumbwheel on the center console.

The 2025 Audi Q5 came equipped with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive across all models. The base Q5 featured a 2.0-liter turbo-four engine producing 268 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, while the SQ5 boasted a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 with 362 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. The base model's output was competitive for a compact crossover, with slightly less horsepower than an Acura RDX but more torque. The SQ5's performance was comparable to a Mercedes-AMG GLC43, with a manufacturer-estimated zero to 60 mph time of 4.6 seconds, while the standard Q5 achieved it in 5.8 seconds.

Despite the impressive specs, both the Q5 and SQ5 felt slower than expected due to turbo lag and the dual-clutch transmission's inability to make quick shifts off the line. Midrange acceleration was punchier, but the transmission occasionally exhibited rough shifts. The standard steel-spring suspension with passive frequency selective damping provided capable handling, while the available air suspension with adaptive damping offered a balance between damping and body control. However, the precise-but-lifeless steering and competent tuning didn't encourage aggressive driving. The Q5 included Off-Road and Off-Road Plus driving modes, but it was more suited for dirt roads than technical trails.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology, generating 375 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The power was delivered through a nine-speed automatic transmission, with driving modes including Eco, Comfort, Sport, Off-Road, and Individual. The GLE 450 was equipped for off-roading and towing, with a towing capacity of 7,700 pounds. It also featured Downhill Speed Regulation, an off-road data panel, and a "transparent hood" camera view for better terrain visibility.

During testing, the GLE 450 was primarily used for local errands and commuting, where it didn't excel with its standard suspension. The selective damping setup allowed excessive body motion, resulting in a soft and unsettled ride in various driving situations. The steering felt numb and overassisted in Comfort mode, while Dynamic mode firmed it up but still lacked engagement. The sport braking system performed well during spirited driving but felt grabby in typical situations. The automatic engine stop/start system caused delays in acceleration, and the transmission's downshifts were also delayed. However, the GLE was a comfortable long-distance cruiser, achieving 21 mpg in combined driving.

The 2025 Audi Q5 maintained similar exterior dimensions and interior space to the 2024 model, with headroom and legroom nearly identical. The sliding and reclining 40/20/40 split-folding second-row bench seat was standard, with cargo-area buttons for easy adjustment. The 2025 Q5 offered 27.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 56.9 cubic feet with the seats folded, providing more cargo space than a Lexus NX or Mercedes-Benz GLC but less than an Acura RDX or BMW X3. A power tailgate and heated front seats were standard, with additional features like a heated steering wheel and panoramic sunroof available on higher trims. The Q5's towing capacity of 4,400 pounds surpassed the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4Matic and Lexus NX.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a quiet cabin at freeway speeds, with firm yet comfortable front seats featuring "energizing seat kinetics" to reduce fatigue. The Exclusive Package added ventilated front seats and Nappa leather upholstery. The back seat was roomy but had a low seating position relative to the window sills, necessary for a flat load floor when folded. The GLE's cargo space measured 33.3 cubic feet behind the back seat and 74.9 cubic feet with the seats folded. The cargo area included a netted compartment, hooks, lighting, and a cargo cover, with additional storage under the load floor.

The 2025 Audi Q5 featured an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.5-inch central touchscreen, with a 10.9-inch touchscreen for the front passenger on the Prestige trim. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a cooled wireless charging pad. The Premium Plus trim added USB-C ports and a Bang & Olufsen audio system. The MMI infotainment system, based on Android Automotive OS, offered a user-friendly interface, with a built-in voice assistant for some vehicle functions. The digital instrument cluster had less functionality than previous versions, and an available head-up display provided additional information. The Q5 also included Dynamic Interaction Light and digital key connectivity.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured the MBUX infotainment system with a 12.3-inch digital driver display and a 12.3-inch touchscreen. The displays offered lush graphics and a range of configurations, with a biometric authentication system for user profiles. The Exclusive Package added a Burmester surround-sound audio system, Dolby Atmos technology, and augmented-reality video for navigation. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with SiriusXM satellite radio and Mercedes Digital Extras. The Exclusive Package also included Online Music Streaming with Apple Music integration.

The 2025 Audi Q5 came with standard driver-assist features, including adaptive cruise control, active front assist, lane departure warning, parking sensors, automatic high beams, blind spot monitoring, and traffic sign recognition. An exit alert feature used ambient lighting to warn occupants of oncoming vehicles or cyclists. Premium Plus models added a 360-degree camera system and adaptive cruise assist. Safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time of writing, but Audi aimed to match the previous generation's five-star NHTSA rating.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE's standard safety tech included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitors, rear cross-traffic alert, safe-exit assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Pre-Safe Sound feature protected occupants' hearing during a collision. The GLE also had parking aids, including sensors, a surround-view camera system, and a semi-automated parking system. The Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control, lane-keep and centering assist, evasive steering assist, and other features. The GLE's Active Emergency Stop Assist and touch-sensing steering wheel rim were notable features. The IIHS named the GLE a "Top Safety Pick+" for 2025, but the NHTSA had not rated it at the time of writing.