Compare the2023 Mercedes G-ClassVS 2023 Audi SQ5

The Mercedes G-Class has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags helps prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The SQ5 doesn’t offer knee airbags.

The G-Class’ driver alert monitor detects an inattentive driver then sounds a warning and suggests a break. According to the NHTSA, drivers who fall asleep cause about 100,000 crashes and 1500 deaths a year. The SQ5 doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Both the G-Class and the SQ5 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, all wheel drive, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras and rear cross-path warning.

The Mercedes G-Class weighs 1266 to 1554 pounds more than the Audi SQ5. The NHTSA advises that heavier vehicles are much safer in collisions than their significantly lighter counterparts.

There are over 25 percent more Mercedes dealers than there are Audi dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the G-Class’ warranty.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Mercedes vehicles are better in initial quality than Audi vehicles. With 50 fewer problems per 100 vehicles, JD Power ranks Mercedes higher than Audi.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Mercedes vehicles are more reliable than Audi With 37 fewer problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, J.D. Power ranks Mercedes higher than Audi.

The G 550’s standard 4.0 turbo V8 produces 67 more horsepower (416 vs. 349) and 81 lbs.-ft. more torque (450 vs. 369) than the SQ5’s 3.0 turbo V6. The AMG G 63’s standard 4.0 turbo V8 produces 228 more horsepower (577 vs. 349) and 258 lbs.-ft. more torque (627 vs. 369) than the SQ5’s 3.0 turbo V6.

As tested in Car and Driver the AMG G 63 is faster than the Audi SQ5:

An engine control system that can shut down some of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the G-Class’ fuel efficiency. The SQ5 doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

The G-Class has 7.9 gallons more fuel capacity than the SQ5 (26.4 vs. 18.5 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

A nine-speed automatic is standard on the Mercedes G-Class, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only an eight-speed automatic is available for the SQ5.

For better stopping power the AMG G 63’s brake rotors are larger than those on the SQ5:

For better traction, the G-Class has larger standard tires than the SQ5 (275/55R19 vs. 255/45R20). The G-Class’ optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the SQ5 (295/40R22 vs. 255/45R20).

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the G-Class offers optional 22-inch wheels. The SQ5’s largest wheels are only 21-inches.

The G-Class has a standard full size spare tire so a flat doesn’t interrupt your trip. A full size spare isn’t available on the SQ5; it requires you to depend on a temporary spare, which limits mileage and speed before replacement.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the G-Class’ wheelbase is 2.8 inches longer than on the SQ5 (113.8 inches vs. 111 inches).

For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the G-Class is 1.2 inches wider in the front and 1.5 inches wider in the rear than the track on the SQ5.

The G-Class’ front to rear weight distribution is more even (53% to 47%) than the SQ5’s (54.3% to 45.7%). This gives the G-Class more stable handling and braking.

For greater off-road capability the G-Class has a 1.3 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the SQ5 (9.5 vs. 8.2 inches), allowing the G-Class to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

The G-Class has 2.3 inches more front headroom, .1 inches more front shoulder room, 1.2 inches more rear headroom, 1.5 inches more rear legroom and .9 inches more rear shoulder room than the SQ5.

The G-Class has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the SQ5 with its rear seat up (38.1 vs. 25.9 cubic feet). The G-Class has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the SQ5 with its rear seat folded (68.6 vs. 54.1 cubic feet).

A low lift-over cargo hatch design makes loading and unloading the G-Class easier. The G-Class’ cargo hatch lift-over height is 29.3 inches, while the SQ5’s liftover is 30.5 inches.

The G-Class’ standard towing capacity is much higher than the SQ5’s (7000 vs. 4400 pounds).

Standard Trailer Stability Assist on the G-Class uses the Electronic Stability Program sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. The SQ5 doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

The G-Class has a standard remote vehicle starting system, so the vehicle can be started from inside the driver's house. This allows the driver to comfortably warm up the engine before going out to the vehicle. The climate system will also automatically heat or cool the interior. The SQ5 doesn’t offer a remote starting system.

The G-Class’ standard easy entry system raises the steering wheel, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. An easy entry system costs extra on the SQ5.

To help drivers see further while navigating curves, the G-Class has standard adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle. The SQ5 doesn’t offer cornering lights.

The G-Class offers optional massaging front seats in order to maximize comfort and eliminate fatigue on long trips. Massaging seats aren’t available in the SQ5.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Mercedes G-Class has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. Wireless charging costs extra on the SQ5.

The G-Class has a 115-volt a/c outlet in the cargo area, allowing you to recharge a laptop or run small household appliances without special adapters that can break or get misplaced. The SQ5 doesn’t offer a house-current electrical outlet.

The G-Class’ Active Parking Assist can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. The SQ5 Prestige’s automatic parking system requires operating the brakes and transmission to safely park.