Compare the2025 Mercedes AMG GLBVS 2024 Audi SQ5

The Mercedes AMG GLB 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 SQ5 doesn’t offer knee airbags.

The AMG GLB’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 SQ5 doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

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

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

To reliably start during all conditions and help handle large electrical loads, the AMG GLB has a standard 800-amp battery. The SQ5’s 420-amp battery isn’t as powerful.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2024 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 36 fewer problems per 100 vehicles, JD Power ranks Mercedes higher than Audi.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2024 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 57 fewer problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, J.D. Power ranks Mercedes higher than Audi.

As tested in Car and Driver the Mercedes AMG GLB is faster than the Audi SQ5:

On the EPA test cycle the AMG GLB 35 gets better fuel mileage than the SQ5 (21 city/26 hwy vs. 19 city/24 hwy).

The AMG GLB offers a standard sequential manual gearbox (SMG). With no clutch pedal to worry about and a fully automatic mode, an SMG is much more efficient than a conventional automatic but just as easy to drive. The SQ5 doesn’t offer an SMG or a conventional manual transmission.

The AMG GLB’s optional tires provide better handling because they have a lower 35 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the SQ5’s optional 40 series tires.

Changing a flat tire near traffic can be dangerous and inconvenient. The run-flat tires available on the AMG GLB can be driven up to 50 miles without any air pressure, allowing you to drive to a service station for a repair. The SQ5 doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

The AMG GLB’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 SQ5 doesn’t offer drift compensation steering.

The Mercedes AMG GLB may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 400 pounds less than the Audi SQ5.

The AMG GLB offers optional seating for 7 passengers; the SQ5 can only carry 5.

The AMG GLB has 2.6 inches more front headroom, .2 inches more front legroom, 1.6 inches more rear headroom and .1 inches more rear legroom than the SQ5.

The front step up height for the AMG GLB is 2 inches lower than the SQ5 (17” vs. 19”). The AMG GLB’s rear step up height is 2.2 inches lower than the SQ5’s (17.5” vs. 19.7”).

The AMG GLB’s cargo area provides more volume than the SQ5.

A low lift-over cargo hatch design makes loading and unloading the AMG GLB easier. The AMG GLB’s cargo hatch lift-over height is 29.1 inches, while the SQ5’s liftover is 30.5 inches.

The AMG GLB’s cargo area is larger than the SQ5’s in almost every dimension:

The AMG GLB’s standard easy entry and exit feature 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 SQ5.

The AMG GLB’s standard Keyless-Go allow you to unlock the doors from any outside door handle, open the cargo door, and start the engine, all without removing the key from the pocket or purse. Keyless Start standard on the SQ5 only offers hands-free access for the ignition, none to unlock the vehicle.

The SQ5’s cornering lamps activate a lamp on the front corner when the turn signal is activated. The AMG GLB’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.

The Mercedes AMG GLB has power folding mirrors that offer unparalleled convenience while maneuvering in tight places or parked. With the mirrors folded it’s easier to walk past and help prevent parking damage. The mirrors can be quickly unfolded when the driver is ready to leave. Power folding mirrors costs extra on the SQ5.

The AMG GLB 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 AMG GLB has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. Wireless charging costs extra on the SQ5.

The AMG GLB has a 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 SQ5 doesn’t offer a house-current electrical outlet.

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

The AMG GLB will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The IntelliChoice estimates that the AMG GLB will retain 54.15% of its original price after five years, while the SQ5 only retains 50.33% to 53.67%.