Compare the2025 Mercedes GLCVS 2025 Audi Q3

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Transmission
Brakes and Stopping
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Towing
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics
Model Availability
Recommendations

Safety

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In the past twenty years hundreds of infants and young children have died after being left in vehicles, usually by accident. When turning the vehicle off, drivers of the GLC are reminded to check the back seat if they opened the rear door before starting out. The Q3 doesn’t offer a back seat reminder.

The GLC has a standard front seat center airbag, which deploys between the driver and front passenger, protecting them from injuries caused by striking each other in serious side impacts. The Q3 doesn’t offer front seat center airbags.

The GLC has standard NECK-PRO front head restraints, which use a specially designed headrest to protect the driver and front passenger from whiplash. During a rear-end collision, the NECK-PRO front head restraints system moves the headrests forward to prevent neck and spine injuries. The Q3 doesn’t offer a whiplash protection system.

With its available Active Distance Assist Distronic, the Mercedes GLC is better at preventing collisions with pedestrians than the Audi Q3, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety:

	GLC	Q3
Overall Evaluation	GOOD	MARGINAL
	Crossing Child - DAY
12 MPH	AVOIDED	AVOIDED
25 MPH	AVOIDED	-8 MPH
	Crossing Adult - NIGHT
12 MPH Brights	AVOIDED	AVOIDED
12 MPH Low beams	AVOIDED	AVOIDED
25 MPH Brights	AVOIDED	-24 MPH
25 MPH Low beams	AVOIDED	-24 MPH
	Parallel Adult - NIGHT
25 MPH Brights	AVOIDED	No Slowing
25 MPH Low beams	AVOIDED	No Slowing
37 MPH Brights	AVOIDED	No Slowing
Warning Issued-Brights	2.1 sec	No Warning
37 MPH Low beams	-26 MPH	No Slowing
Warning Issued-Low beams	1 sec	No Warning

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The GLC has a standard Maneuvering Brake Function that uses rear sensors to monitor for objects to the rear and automatically applies the brakes to prevent a collision. The Q3 doesn’t offer automatic braking for stationary objects directly to the rear.

Earlier warning of stopped traffic, traffic signals, dangerous road conditions, weather, or accidents, can keep driver's safer and prevent crashes. The GLC offers optional Car-to-X Communication, a system that seamlessly communicates important warnings to the driver about impending danger, if they're available. The Q3 doesn’t offer a system that can receive automated systems from infrastructure or other vehicles.

The GLC’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 Q3 doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Both the GLC and the Q3 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, available all wheel drive, lane departure warning systems and around view monitors.

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 GLC is safer than the Q3:

	GLC	Q3
Overall Evaluation	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
Structure	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
	Driver Injury Measures
Head/Neck	GOOD	GOOD
Head Injury Criterion	108	190
Neck Tension	156 lbs.	335 lbs.
Neck Compression	22 lbs.	67 lbs.
Torso	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
Shoulder Deflection	.55 in	1.06 in
Shoulder Force	134 lbs.	290 lbs.
Torso Max Deflection	.94 in	1.22 in
Pelvis	GOOD	POOR
Pelvis Force	736 lbs.	1406 lbs.
Head Protection	GOOD	GOOD
	Passenger Injury Measures
Head/Neck	GOOD	GOOD
Head Injury Criterion	240	329
Torso	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
Shoulder Deflection	1.38 in	2.01 in
Shoulder Force	67 lbs.	379 lbs.
Torso Max Deflection	.98 in	1.73 in
Torso Deflection Rate	7 MPH	11 MPH
Pelvis	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
Pelvis Force	558 lbs.	1049 lbs.
Head Protection	GOOD	GOOD

The Mercedes GLC achieved a “Top Safety Pick” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for the 2024 model year. This recognition was based on its impressive performance in the small overlap frontal crash test, updated side impact crash test, headlight evaluations, and pedestrian crash prevention testing. The Q3 is not a “Top Safety Pick” for 2024.

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 GLC’s warranty.

Reliability

To reliably power the ignition and other systems and to recharge the battery, the GLC has a standard 150-amp alternator. The Q3’s 140-amp alternator 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.

Engine

The GLC 300’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid produces 71 more horsepower (255 vs. 184) and 74 lbs.-ft. more torque (295 vs. 221) than the Q3 40 TFSI’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder. The GLC 300’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid produces 27 more horsepower (255 vs. 228) and 44 lbs.-ft. more torque (295 vs. 251) than the Q3 45 TFSI’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder. The GLC 350e’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid produces 85 more horsepower (313 vs. 228) and 155 lbs.-ft. more torque (406 vs. 251) than the Q3 45 TFSI’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder.

As tested in Motor Trend the GLC 300 is faster than the Q3 45 TFSI:

	GLC	Q3
Zero to 60 MPH	6.1 sec	8.5 sec
Quarter Mile	14.6 sec	16.5 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	93.8 MPH	85.4 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

On the EPA test cycle the GLC running on electricity gets better mileage than the Q3:

			MPGe
GLC
	AWD	350e Electric Motor	60 city/70 hwy
Q3
			MPG
	AWD	40 TFSI 2.0 turbo 4-cyl.	22 city/29 hwy
		45 TFSI 2.0 turbo 4-cyl.	20 city/28 hwy

On the EPA test cycle the GLC running its gasoline engine gets better mileage than the Q3:

			MPG
GLC
	RWD	2.0 turbo 4-cyl. Hybrid	24 city/32 hwy
	AWD	2.0 turbo 4-cyl. Hybrid	23 city/31 hwy
		2.0 turbo 4-cyl. Hybrid	23 city/28 hwy
Q3
	AWD	40 TFSI 2.0 turbo 4-cyl.	22 city/29 hwy
		45 TFSI 2.0 turbo 4-cyl.	20 city/28 hwy

The GLC 350e can travel with zero emissions for 54 miles. The Q3 can’t move without running its internal combustion engine.

Regenerative brakes improve the GLC’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The Q3 doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

Transmission

A nine-speed automatic is standard on the Mercedes GLC, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only an eight-speed automatic is available for the Q3.

Brakes and Stopping

The GLC stops much shorter than the Q3:

	GLC	Q3
60 to 0 MPH	112 feet	125 feet	Motor Trend

Suspension and Handling

The GLC has a standard automatic load leveling suspension to keep ride height level with a heavy load or when towing. The Q3 doesn’t offer a load leveling suspension.

The GLC’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 Q3 doesn’t offer drift compensation steering.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the GLC’s wheelbase is 7.6 inches longer than on the Q3 (113.1 inches vs. 105.5 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the GLC is 1.9 inches wider in the front and 2.7 inches wider in the rear than on the Q3.

The GLC 300 4MATIC handles at .87 G’s, while the Q3 pulls only .79 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The GLC 300 4MATIC executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.1 seconds quicker than the Q3 (27.3 seconds @ .65 average G’s vs. 28.4 seconds @ .65 average G’s).

For greater off-road capability the GLC has a 2.7 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the Q3 (8.2 vs. 5.5 inches), allowing the GLC to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

Chassis

The design of the Mercedes GLC amounts to more than styling. The GLC has an aerodynamic coefficient of drag of .29 Cd. That is significantly lower than the Q3 (.38 to .39) and many sports cars. A more efficient exterior helps keep the interior quieter and helps the GLC get better fuel mileage.

Passenger Space

The GLC has 1.7 inches more front headroom, .7 inches more front legroom, .6 inches more front shoulder room, 2.1 inches more rear headroom, 1.3 inches more rear legroom and 1.5 inches more rear shoulder room than the Q3.

Cargo Capacity

The GLC has a larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the Q3 with its rear seat folded (56.3 vs. 48 cubic feet).

The GLC’s cargo area is larger than the Q3’s in every dimension:

	GLC	Q3
Length to seat (2nd/1st)	39.1”/67.4”	34”/65”
Height	29.2”	28”

Pressing a button automatically lowers the GLC’s rear seats, to make changing between passengers and cargo easier. The Q3 doesn’t offer automatic folding seats.

Towing

The GLC’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the Q3’s (3500 vs. 1500 pounds).

Optional Trailer Stability Assist on the GLC 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 Q3 doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

Servicing Ease

The engine in the GLC is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the Q3. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because the accessory belts are in front.

Ergonomics

The GLC 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 Q3 doesn’t offer a remote starting system.

Unlike the driver-only memory seat and mirrors optional at extra cost in the Q3, the GLC 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 GLC’s standard easy entry and exit feature raises the steering wheel and glides the driver’s seat back, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The Q3 doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The GLC offers an optional heads-up display that projects speed and navigation instruction readouts in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The Q3 doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

The GLC has standard Keyless-Go that allows 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. The Audi Advanced Key costs extra on the Q3.

The GLC’s power window, power lock, power mirror and cruise control switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The Q3’s cruise control switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

Heated windshield washer fluid is optional on the GLC to defrost the washer nozzles and quickly clear ice and frost from the windshield without scraping. The Q3 doesn’t offer heated windshield washer fluid. Its standard heated washer nozzles will defrost the washer fluid but not the windshield.

The Q3 Premium Plus’ cornering lamps activate a lamp on the front corner when the turn signal is activated. The GLC’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.

When the GLC is put in reverse, the passenger rearview mirror tilts from its original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirror into its original position. The Q3’s mirror doesn’t automatically adjust for backing.

The Mercedes GLC 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 Q3.

Both the GLC and the Q3 have standard heated front seats. The GLC also offers optional heated rear seats to keep those passengers extremely comfortable in the winter. Heated rear seats aren’t available in the Q3.

Optional air-conditioned seats in the GLC keep the driver and front passenger comfortable and take the sting out of hot seats in Summer. The Q3 doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

On extremely cold winter days, the GLC’s optional heated steering wheel provides comfort, allowing the driver to steer safely and comfortably before the vehicle heater warms up. The Q3 doesn’t offer a heated steering wheel.

The Mercedes GLC has a standard Homelink wireless remote control system for garage door operation and device management, conveniently located on the rear view mirror. Homelink® eliminates the need for separate garage door openers and associated risks of losing, breaking, or having dead batteries. Audi charges extra for Homelink® on the Q3.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Mercedes GLC has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. Wireless charging costs extra on the Q3.

The GLC’s Active Parking Assist can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. The Q3 doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

Model Availability

The GLC is available in both rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations. The Q3 doesn’t offer a two-wheel drive configuration.

Recommendations

Motor Trend selected the GLC as their 2017 Sport Utility of the Year. The Q3 has never been chosen.

The Mercedes GLC outsold the Audi Q3 by 81% during 2023.

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