The content of the article:
- The appearance of the Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLC
- Interior design of the Audi Q5 vs Mercedes-Benz GLC
- Specifications Audi Q5 vs Mercedes-Benz GLC
- Options and price tag of the Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLC
In the segment of premium mid-size crossovers, the Mercedes-Benz GLC has long ruled the ball. However, in 2017, the updated Audi Q5 was able to squeeze out its opponent, offering customers a stylish appearance, a high-tech and high-quality interior and high-performance filling.
It took Mercedes two years to carefully study its opponent and release an updated version of the GLC, which intends to regain its former glory and, of course, the money of potential buyers. But whether it will turn out or not, we will try to determine in the course of our direct comparison.
The appearance of the Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLC
Let's start with the Audi Q5, which is a slightly smaller copy of the "big brother" of the Audi Q7.
The "muzzle" of the crossover demonstrates proprietary optics, a large 6-angle radiator grille and a textured front bumper with several sections of air intakes and round foglights.
The dynamic and knocked-down profile pleases with embossed sidewalls, a sloping roof and inflated wheel arches.
The look is completed by a toned stern, decorated with stylish marker lights and a neat rear bumper with two exhaust pipes.
The car is capable of boasting the following dimensions:
- length - 4663 mm;
- width - 1893 mm;
- height - 1659 mm;
- wheelbase - 2819 mm.
The height of the ground clearance is 190-200 mm, which allows you not to worry about the car when passing "speed bumps" and when driving on country roads.
The pre-styled Mercedes-Benz GLC was inferior to the Q5 in several ways, one of which was a somewhat outdated look. The situation changed in February 2019, when the company's management showed a restyled version of the model.
In comparison with its predecessor, the car received a more compact head optics, a modified false radiator grille and new front bumper plastic.
The profile has not changed, but the stern has acquired updated LED marker lights and a more powerful rear bumper with large exhaust nozzles. Despite the relatively minor changes, the Mercedes GLC began to be perceived as sportier and more temperamental.
External dimensions of the car:
- length - 4655 mm;
- width - 1890 mm;
- height - 1644 mm;
- wheelbase - 2873 mm.
The ground clearance is 181 mm as standard, but with the optional suspension it can vary between 147-227 mm.
Despite the fact that the Audi Q5 is slightly larger, its wheelbase is somewhat inferior to the opponent. This means that the interior of the Mercedes promises to be a little more spacious. But from the point of view of exterior design - we fix a combat draw.
Interior design of the Audi Q5 vs Mercedes-Benz GLC
The interior of the Audi Q5 welcomes guests with an elegant and laconic design. In front of the driver there is a stylish dashboard (optionally fully digital) and a multifunction steering wheel that is comfortable in cross section and grip.
At the top of the central dashboard there is an 8.4 ”display of the media complex, which looks alien and certainly does not add premium quality to the car. The quality of materials and assembly are fully consistent with the status and value of the car: soft plastics, genuine leather, aluminum and wood.
The interior space is designed for 5 riders, only the rear center passenger will feel cramped due to the strongly protruding central tunnel and a short pillow.
The front seats have an ergonomic profile and a lot of adjustments. The volume of the luggage compartment, depending on the position of the backs of the rear sofa, can vary between 550-610 liters. And if the second row of seats is folded down, the user gets an impressive 1,550 liters of loading space.
In comparison with the opponent, the interior of the Mercedes GLC looks less strict. And true fans of the brand will immediately notice a strong resemblance to the C-class model.
In front of the driver is a well-readable instrument panel (optionally digital with a 12.3-inch diagonal), as well as a stylish three-spoke multifunction steering wheel that combines mechanical and touch-sensitive controls.
In the central part of the dashboard there is a 7-10.25-inch display of the multimedia center, which also raises some questions in terms of design. Slightly below "dwells" an intuitive control unit for music and climate system.
The quality of materials and assembly are fully consistent with the brand and may well be considered one of the best in the class.
Salon GLC has a 5-seater layout, but here the same "sores" as the opponent. The front seats flaunt a lot of adjustments and guarantee a comfortable fit for a person of any size, but the rear sofa provides maximum comfort for only two passengers. The rear center rider is also hampered by a fairly high transmission tunnel.
The trunk volume is standardly 550 liters, and with the second row of seats folded down - 1600 liters. Like the Audi, the Mercedes luggage compartment has the correct proportions and extra space under the raised floor.
In terms of quality and convenience, cars are on par with cars using different interior design concepts. And here, as they say, the taste and color ...
Specifications Audi Q5 vs Mercedes-Benz GLC
In the domestic market, the Audi Q5 is offered with one single engine - a 2-liter TFSI gasoline engine with a capacity of 249 liters. with. and limit 370 Nm of torque. His "partners" are: 7-speed "robot" and the proprietary quattro all-wheel drive system. All this makes it possible to change the first "hundred" in 6.3 seconds, accelerate to a maximum of 237 km / h and consume about 6.8 l / 100 km in a combined driving mode (highway / city).
The car is built on the modular MLB evo platform, which is well known from other models of the company. The front suspension features a double wishbone architecture, while the rear is a four-link architecture.
As standard, the crossover is equipped with an electromechanical steering wheel amplifier and disc brakes (ventilated on the front axle). Air suspension and adaptive damping systems are available as options.
In the arsenal of the Mercedes GLC there are 6 power plants, four of which are gasoline, and the remaining two are diesel.
Gasoline engines are presented:
- 2-liter unit generating 197 hp. and 320 Nm of thrust. This is enough to change a “hundred” in 7.9 seconds. and develop a maximum of 215 km / h. Mixed consumption - 8.1 l / 100 km.
- 2-liter 249-horsepower engine, reproducing 370 Nm of torque and accelerating the car to "hundreds" in 6.2 seconds. The maximum speed reaches 240 km / h, and the mixed fuel consumption is 7.6 liters.
- 3-liter unit for 390 "horses", allowing you to reach a speed of 100 km / h after 4.9 seconds. after the start and develop a peak of 250 km / h. The declared fuel consumption in mixed mode is 10.6 liters.
- 4-liter "monster" generating 510 "horses". With him, the car shoots up to "hundreds" in 3.8 seconds. and develops 280 km / h, while the average appetite does not exceed 12.4 l / 100 km.
Diesel engines are represented by a 2-liter unit, available in two boosts - 194 and 245 hp. The younger one accelerates the car to a hundred in 7.9 seconds, and the older one - in 6.5 seconds. The combined consumption of diesel fuel does not exceed 5.9 l / 100 km.
The updated GLC class is based on the modular MRA bogie and boasts a 4-link suspension at the front and a 5-link suspension at the rear. Air suspension with 5 operating modes is available as an option.
The steering is complemented by an electromechanical booster, and the braking system exhibits ventilated discs "in a circle".
As you can see, from the point of view of the range of power plants and comfort, Mercedes noticeably surpasses its "opponent". However, we did not expect otherwise after the update.
Options and price tag of the Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLC
The base Audi Q5 will cost at least $ 3.27 million in Russia.rub., while the car will offer:
- forged wheels R17;
- LED DRLs;
- rear LED lights with dynamic turn signals;
- front seat heating system;
- rear armrest;
- interior fabric trim;
- multi-wheel;
- climate control;
- immobilizer;
- electric luggage compartment lid;
- branded acoustics;
- parking assistant;
- Cruise control;
- quattro all-wheel drive transmission;
- start-stop system;
- a wide range of security systems, etc.
The minimum cost of the updated Mercedes GLC-class is 3.65 million rubles. For this money, the buyer gets richer equipment:
- parking assistant with a rear view camera;
- electrically adjustable heated mirrors with folding function;
- anti-theft alarm;
- front seats with partial electric adjustment;
- light-alloy "rollers" R18;
- seat upholstery made of eco-leather;
- rich set of electronic assistants;
- advanced acoustics;
- keyless entry system;
- car parker and much more.
Conclusion
Despite the fact that both cars are worthy, our favorite is the Mercedes GLC, which offers customers more comfort, a wider choice of power plants and a richer level of equipment.
