Compare the2024 Mercedes GLEVS 2024 Audi Q5

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Transmission
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Towing
Ergonomics
Economic Advantages

Safety

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The Mercedes GLE has a standard driver’s side knee airbag mounted low on the dashboard. The knee airbag helps prevent the driver from sliding under the seatbelts or the main frontal airbag; this keeps the driver better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. A knee airbag also helps keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The Q5 doesn’t offer knee airbags.

With its available Active Brake Assist with Cross-Traffic Function, the Mercedes GLE is better at preventing collisions with pedestrians than the Audi Q5, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety:

	GLE	Q5
Overall Evaluation	ACCEPTABLE	MARGINAL
	Crossing Child - DAY
12 MPH	AVOIDED	AVOIDED
25 MPH	AVOIDED	-22 MPH
	Crossing Adult - NIGHT
12 MPH Brights	AVOIDED	-8 MPH
12 MPH Low beams	AVOIDED	-1 MPH
25 MPH Brights	AVOIDED	-13 MPH
25 MPH Low beams	-23 MPH	-2 MPH
	Parallel Adult - NIGHT
25 MPH Brights	-24 MPH	-2 MPH
25 MPH Low beams	-22 MPH	No Slowing
37 MPH Brights	AVOIDED	No Slowing
Warning Issued-Brights	1.8 sec	No Warning
37 MPH Low beams	-8 MPH	No Slowing
Warning Issued-Low beams	.9 sec	No Warning

The GLE’s 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 Q5 doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Both the GLE and the Q5 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, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning and available lane departure warning systems.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Mercedes GLE is safer than the Audi Q5:

	GLE	Q5
	Driver
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	84	284
Neck Stress	208 lbs.	215 lbs.
Neck Compression	17 lbs.	44 lbs.
	Passenger
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Chest Compression	.4 inches	.7 inches
Neck Injury Risk	31%	34%
Neck Stress	125 lbs.	134 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety does 40 MPH moderate front offset crash tests on new cars. In this updated test, results indicate that the GLE is much safer than the Q5:

	GLE	Q5
Overall Evaluation	GOOD	MARGINAL
Structure	GOOD	GOOD
	Driver Injury Measures
Head/Neck Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Chest Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Thigh/hip Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Leg/foot Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Restraints	GOOD	GOOD
	Rear Passenger Injury Measures
Head/Neck Rating	ACCEPTABLE	ACCEPTABLE
Chest Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Thigh Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Restraints	GOOD	POOR

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Mercedes GLE is safer than the Audi Q5:

	GLE	Q5
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	40	60
	Rear Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	103	185
Spine Acceleration	40 G’s	53 G’s
Hip Force	677 lbs.	817 lbs.
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Max Damage Depth	12 inches	15 inches
Spine Acceleration	35 G’s	35 G’s

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

Side impacts caused 23% of all road fatalities in 2018, down from 29% in 2003, when the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety introduced its side barrier test. In order to continue improving vehicle safety, the IIHS has started using a more severe side impact test: 37 MPH (up from 31 MPH), with a 4180-pound barrier (up from 3300 pounds). The results of this newly developed test demonstrates that the Mercedes GLE is safer than the Q5:

	GLE	Q5
Overall Evaluation	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
Structure	GOOD	GOOD
	Driver Injury Measures
Head/Neck	GOOD	GOOD
Head Injury Criterion	50	96
Neck Tension	201 lbs.	245 lbs.
Neck Compression	-45 lbs.	89 lbs.
Pelvis	ACCEPTABLE	ACCEPTABLE
Pelvis Force	1026 lbs.	1116 lbs.
Head Protection	GOOD	GOOD
	Passenger Injury Measures
Head/Neck	GOOD	GOOD
Head Injury Criterion	232	346
Neck Tension	89 lbs.	223 lbs.
Neck Compression	-89 lbs.	89 lbs.
Torso	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
Shoulder Deflection	.28 in	1.73 in
Shoulder Force	89 lbs.	402 lbs.
Torso Max Deflection	.67 in	1.54 in
Torso Deflection Rate	7 MPH	11 MPH
Pelvis	ACCEPTABLE	MARGINAL
Pelvis Force	1116 lbs.	1249 lbs.
Head Protection	GOOD	GOOD

The Mercedes GLE (only applies to vehicles with optional Active Brake Assist with Cross-Traffic Function) has achieved the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) highest rating of “Top Safety Pick Plus” for the 2024 model year. This distinction is based on its exceptional performance in IIHS’ rigorous battery of safety tests. Specifically, it earned a “Good” rating in the latest, more stringent moderate overlap front crash test, a “Good” result in the updated side impact test, and an “Acceptable” score in the revised pedestrian crash prevention test. The Q5 was last only a “Top Safety Pick” in 2023 but no longer qualifies.

Warranty

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

Reliability

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2023 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 20 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.

Engine

The GLE has more powerful engines than the Q5:

	Horsepower	Torque
GLE 350 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid	255 HP	295 lbs.-ft.
GLE 450 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder hybrid	362 HP	369 lbs.-ft.
GLE 450e 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid	381 HP	479 lbs.-ft.
GLE 580 4.0 turbo V8 hybrid	510 HP	538 lbs.-ft.
Q5 40 TFSI 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid	201 HP	236 lbs.-ft.
Q5 45 TFSI 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid	261 HP	273 lbs.-ft.
Q5 55 TFSI e 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid	362 HP	369 lbs.-ft.

Fuel Economy and Range

The GLE 450e can travel with zero emissions on electricity, only, on a full charge for 48 miles. The Q5 55 TFSI e has to start its internal combustion engine after only 23 miles.

The GLE 450e’s standard fuel tank has 2.9 gallons more fuel capacity than the Q5 Hybrid’s standard fuel tank (17.2 vs. 14.3 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups. The GLE’s standard fuel tank has 4 gallons more fuel capacity than the Q5’s standard fuel tank (22.5 vs. 18.5 gallons).

Transmission

A nine-speed automatic is standard on the Mercedes GLE, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a seven-speed automatic is available for the Q5.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the GLE 450e’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Q5:

	GLE 450e	Q5 40/45 TFSI	Q5 55 TFSI e
Front Rotors	15.7 inches	13.3 inches	13.8 inches
Rear Rotors	13.6 inches	13 inches	13 inches

The GLE stops much shorter than the Q5:

	GLE	Q5
70 to 0 MPH	174 feet	176 feet	Car and Driver
60 to 0 MPH	115 feet	136 feet	Motor Trend
60 to 0 MPH (Wet)	138 feet	144 feet	Consumer Reports

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the GLE has larger standard tires than the Q5 (255/50R19 vs. 235/60R18). The GLE 580’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Q5 (F:285/40R22 & R:325/35R22 vs. 255/45R20).

The GLE’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 50 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Q5’s standard 60 series tires. The GLE 580’s optional 285/40R22 front and 325/35R22 rear tires have a lower 40 series front and 35 series rear profile than the Q5’s optional 45 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the GLE has standard 19-inch wheels. Smaller 18-inch wheels are standard on the Q5. The GLE 580’s optional 22-inch wheels are larger than the 20-inch wheels optional on the Q5.

Changing a flat tire near traffic can be dangerous and inconvenient. The run-flat tires available on the GLE can be driven up to 50 miles without any air pressure, allowing you to drive to a service station for a repair. The Q5 doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

Suspension and Handling

The GLE 450 offers an available adjustable active suspension system, which counteracts cornering forces actively, limiting body roll and improving handling and stability. Audi doesn’t offer an active suspension on the Q5.

The GLE’s drift compensation steering can automatically compensate for road conditions which would cause the vehicle to drift from side to side, helping the driver to keep the vehicle straight more easily. The Q5 doesn’t offer drift compensation steering.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the GLE’s wheelbase is 6.9 inches longer than on the Q5 (117.9 inches vs. 111 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the GLE is 2 inches wider in the front and 3.1 inches wider in the rear than on the Q5.

The GLE 450 handles at .84 G’s, while the Q5 45 TFSI Premium Plus pulls only .81 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

For greater off-road capability the GLE Airmatic has a greater minimum ground clearance than the Q5 45 TFSI (9.2 vs. 8.2 inches), allowing the GLE to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

Chassis

The design of the Mercedes GLE amounts to more than styling. The GLE has an aerodynamic coefficient of drag of .29 Cd. That is significantly lower than the Q5 (.33 to .34) and many sports cars. A more efficient exterior helps keep the interior quieter and helps the GLE get better fuel mileage.

Passenger Space

The GLE offers optional seating for 7 passengers; the Q5 can only carry 5.

The GLE has .9 inches more front headroom, 1.6 inches more front shoulder room, 2.9 inches more rear legroom and 1.8 inches more rear shoulder room than the Q5.

Cargo Capacity

The GLE has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the Q5 with its rear seat up (33.3 vs. 25.9 cubic feet). The GLE has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the Q5 with its rear seat folded (74.9 vs. 54.1 cubic feet).

The GLE’s cargo area is larger than the Q5’s in every dimension:

	GLE	Q5
Length to seat (2nd/1st)	40”/76.5”	36”/69”
Min Width	43.7”	41”
Height	35.5”	29.7”

Towing

The GLE’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the Q5’s (7700 vs. 4400 pounds).

While the Q5 55 TFSI e can only tow 2000, any GLE can tow a minimum of 7700 pounds.

Optional Trailer Stability Assist on the GLE 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 Q5 doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

Ergonomics

Unlike the driver-only memory system optional at extra cost in the Q5, the GLE has standard driver and passenger memory, so that when drivers switch, the memory setting adjusts the driver’s seat, steering wheel position and outside mirror angle and the front passenger seat also adjusts to the new passenger’s preset preferences.

The GLE’s standard easy entry system raises the steering wheel and glides the driver’s seat back, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. An easy entry system costs extra on the Q5.

The GLE’s instruments include an oil pressure gauge and a temperature gauge - which could save your engine! Often ‘idiot lights’ don’t warn you until damage has been done. The Q5 does not have an oil pressure gauge.

The GLE’s standard Keyless-Go allow you to unlock the doors from any outside door handle, open the cargo door, and start the vehicle, all without removing the key from the pocket or purse. Keyless Start standard on the Q5 only offers hands-free access for the ignition, none to unlock the vehicle.

The Q5’s cornering lamps activate a lamp on the front corner when the turn signal is activated. The GLE’s optional adaptive cornering lights turn the actual headlight unit up to several degrees, depending on steering wheel angle and vehicle speed. This lights a significant distance into corners at any speed.

To better shield the driver and front passenger’s vision, the GLE has standard dual-element sun visors that can block glare from two directions simultaneously. The Q5 doesn’t offer secondary sun visors.

The GLE offers optional massaging front seats in order to maximize comfort and eliminate fatigue on long trips. Massaging seats aren’t available in the Q5.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Mercedes GLE has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. Wireless charging costs extra on the Q5.

The GLE offers an optional 115-volt a/c outlet on the center console, allowing you to recharge a laptop or run small household appliances without special adapters that can break or get misplaced. The Q5 doesn’t offer a house-current electrical outlet.

The GLE’s Active Parking Assist can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. The Q5 Prestige’s automatic parking system requires operating the brakes and transmission to safely park.

Economic Advantages

According to The Car Book by Jack Gillis, the GLE is less expensive to operate than the Q5 because typical repairs cost much less on the GLE than the Q5, including $33 less for a muffler, $65 less for a starter, $38 less for a fuel pump and $422 less for a timing belt/chain.