2025 Audi Q5 vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS

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 the front an imposing look. The body sides were adorned with well-defined lines, adding a muscular touch. Despite these updates, the styling felt more like an evolution than a revolution, resembling a facelift rather than a complete redesign. 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 added more power and sport suspension, along with distinctive design elements like matte chrome trim and larger wheels.

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 was somewhat discordant, the materials used were top-notch, with sturdy plastics and a mix of silver and black trim contrasting nicely with lighter upholstery colors. Leather seating surfaces were standard, and the SQ5 offered a red interior with Alcantara trim and sportier front seats. However, the SQ5 seats lacked adequate bolstering for enthusiastic driving, and the piano-black plastic surrounding the cupholders and shifter was prone to getting dirty quickly.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS lineup included the GLS 450, GLS 580, AMG GLS 63, and Maybach GLS 600, with prices ranging from $91,600 to $181,350. The GLS 450 test vehicle featured the new-for-2026 Manufaktur Edition Package, adding 21-inch AMG wheels, the AMG Line Exterior Package, the Night Package, and the Exclusive Package with massaging front and heated second-row captain’s chairs. The package also included exclusive paint colors, premium leather upholstery, and Natural Grain Grey Oak interior wood trim. The GLS 450's interior was similar to the smaller Mercedes GLE-Class, boasting high-quality materials and detailing. However, body creaks were noticeable on chilly mornings. The GLS offered artificial leather as standard upholstery, with three grades of leather available, and buyers could choose from aluminum, wood, or black lacquer interior trim. Standard ambient lighting and a panoramic sunroof added to the ambiance.

The GLS 450's powertrain consisted of a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six with mild-hybrid assist, producing 375 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. It was paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard 4Matic all-wheel-drive, achieving a manufacturer-estimated 0-60 mph time of 5.8 seconds. The GLS offered more powerful versions, but the six-cylinder 450 provided acceptable fuel economy, with an EPA rating of 21 mpg combined. The GLS featured a standard Airmatic adaptive suspension and a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds. The GLS 450's powertrain exhibited occasional delays in responsiveness, but the turbo-six sounded sensational under hard acceleration. The GLS offered a tailored feel from behind the wheel, with a quiet cabin, composed ride, and solid dynamics, making it easier to manage in urban and suburban situations.

The 2025 Audi Q5 came equipped with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive, with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 268 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque for the base model. The SQ5 variant featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine generating 362 horsepower and 406 pound-feet 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 0-60 mph time of 4.6 seconds. However, both the Q5 and SQ5 experienced turbo lag and rough shifts from the dual-clutch transmission, affecting acceleration. The air suspension with adaptive damping, available on the Q5 Prestige and standard on the SQ5, provided capable handling characteristics, balancing damping and body control. The Q5 offered Off-Road and Off-Road Plus driving modes, but it was more suited for dirt roads than technical trails.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine with mild-hybrid assist, producing 375 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. It was paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard 4Matic all-wheel-drive, achieving a manufacturer-estimated 0-60 mph time of 5.8 seconds. The GLS offered more powerful versions, but the six-cylinder 450 provided acceptable fuel economy, with an EPA rating of 21 mpg combined. The GLS featured a standard Airmatic adaptive suspension and a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds. The GLS 450's powertrain exhibited occasional delays in responsiveness, but the turbo-six sounded sensational under hard acceleration. The GLS offered a tailored feel from behind the wheel, with a quiet cabin, composed ride, and solid dynamics, making it easier to manage in urban and suburban situations.

The 2025 Audi Q5 maintained similar exterior dimensions and interior space to the 2024 model, with nearly identical headroom and legroom in both rows. The 2025 model offered 27.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 56.9 cubic feet behind the first row, providing more cargo space than a Lexus NX or Mercedes-Benz GLC but less than an Acura RDX or BMW X3. A sliding and reclining 40/20/40 split-folding second-row bench seat was standard, with cargo-area buttons for easy adjustment. The Q5 also offered a power tailgate, heated front seats, and a towing capacity of up to 4,400 pounds.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered standard seven-passenger seating, with a six-passenger arrangement featuring second-row captain’s chairs as a no-cost option. The GLS provided exceptional comfort, with standard equipment including a four-zone climate control system and heated and ventilated front seats. Comfort-related upgrades included massaging front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated and cooled cupholders. The six-passenger seating configuration included power-operated and heated second-row captain’s chairs with a pass-through to the third-row seat. The GLS offered 17.4 cubic feet of space behind the third-row seat, expanding to between 42.7 and 48.7 cubic feet with the third row folded down, and a maximum capacity of 84.7 cubic feet with the second row folded down.

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 top Prestige trim level. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a cooled wireless charging pad. Premium Plus models added four USB-C ports and a 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system. The Q5's infotainment system was based on the Android Automotive OS, with a built-in voice assistant for vehicle functions. An available head-up display showed speed, driver-assistance system warnings, and navigation directions. The Q5 also offered digital key connectivity and a built-in toll transponder.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS featured dual 12.3-inch displays with the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a navigation system with augmented reality enhancement, and online music access were standard. The GLS came with a standard Burmester surround-sound system, with a high-end Burmester 3D audio system available. Additional options included gesture control capability, a head-up display, a tablet for rear passengers, and dual rear infotainment screens. The MBUX system was easy to use, with a digital assistant for executing commands.

The 2025 Audi Q5 included standard driver-assist features such as adaptive cruise control, active front assist, lane departure warning, parking sensors, automatic high beams, blind spot monitoring, and traffic sign recognition. Premium Plus models added a 360-degree camera system and adaptive cruise assist. Safety ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) were not available at press time.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered nearly 40 safety and driver-assistance systems, including Pre-Safe, Crosswind Assist, and Active Emergency Stop Assist technologies. The GLS featured front and rear parking sensors, a surround-view camera system, and a hands-on driver-assistance system with a touch-sensing steering wheel. The GLS required active driver participation, with the system behaving like a smooth and refined partner on longer drives.