When it comes to luxury SUVs, the Mercedes-Benz GLC and Audi Q5 are two of the most popular choices on the market. Both models offer exceptional quality, style, and performance, but they also have some key differences, especially when it comes to size. If you are trying to decide between the Mercedes GLC and the Audi Q5, one of the most important factors to consider is the size of each vehicle. In this article, we will compare the Mercedes GLC and Audi Q5 to determine which one is bigger in terms of exterior dimensions, interior space, cargo capacity, and overall presence on the road.
Overview of the Mercedes GLC and Audi Q5
Before diving into the size comparison, let’s first look at what makes the Mercedes GLC and Audi Q5 stand out as luxury SUVs.
Mercedes-Benz GLC
The Mercedes-Benz GLC is a mid-size luxury SUV that slots between the smaller GLA and the larger GLE in the Mercedes-Benz SUV lineup. The GLC combines the brand’s signature luxury features with strong performance capabilities and advanced technology. The GLC is available in both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations, with a variety of engine options, including turbocharged four-cylinder engines and a high-performance AMG model. The GLC is known for its sleek design, high-quality interior, and advanced safety features.
Audi Q5
The Audi Q5 is also a mid-size luxury SUV, sitting just below the larger Q7 and Q8 in Audi’s SUV lineup. The Q5 is designed to offer a balance of performance, comfort, and cutting-edge technology, while maintaining Audi’s signature understated elegance. The Q5 comes with both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options, and like the GLC, it offers a range of powertrains, including turbocharged four-cylinder engines and a plug-in hybrid version. Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system is standard in many of the Q5’s trims, giving it excellent handling in various driving conditions.
Both the Mercedes GLC and Audi Q5 have earned a strong reputation for their luxury, performance, and advanced technology features, but when it comes to size, how do they compare? Let’s explore each vehicle’s exterior and interior dimensions to find out which one is bigger.
Exterior Dimensions: How Do the GLC and Q5 Compare?
One of the easiest ways to compare the size of two vehicles is to look at their exterior dimensions. This includes their length, width, height, and wheelbase—key measurements that determine the vehicle’s overall size on the road.
Mercedes-Benz GLC Exterior Dimensions
Length: 188.3 inches (4,785 mm)
Width: 74.9 inches (1,902 mm) without mirrors
Height: 64.7 inches (1,646 mm)
Wheelbase: 113.1 inches (2,870 mm)
Track Width (front): 62.2 inches (1,580 mm)
Track Width (rear): 62.2 inches (1,580 mm)
Audi Q5 Exterior Dimensions
Length: 184.3 inches (4,678 mm)
Width: 74.5 inches (1,890 mm) without mirrors
Height: 64.0 inches (1,626 mm)
Wheelbase: 105.7 inches (2,684 mm)
Track Width (front): 63.4 inches (1,609 mm)
Track Width (rear): 63.5 inches (1,611 mm)
From these exterior dimensions, we can see that the Mercedes-Benz GLC is slightly larger than the Audi Q5 in terms of overall length and wheelbase. The GLC is about 4 inches longer than the Q5 and has a wheelbase that is about 7.4 inches longer. This extra length and longer wheelbase often translate to more interior space and a smoother ride, as the longer wheelbase provides better stability and reduces road vibrations.
The width and height of both vehicles are fairly similar, with the Mercedes GLC being just a little wider and taller. These differences are relatively small, so they may not be as noticeable when driving or parking the vehicles. However, the slight increase in width and height could contribute to a bit more cabin space in the GLC.
Conclusion on Exterior Size
In terms of exterior size, the Mercedes-Benz GLC is bigger than the Audi Q5. It is both longer and has a longer wheelbase, which could provide more interior space and a slightly more comfortable driving experience.
Interior Space: Passenger Comfort
When it comes to luxury SUVs, interior space plays a major role in passenger comfort. Both the Mercedes GLC and Audi Q5 are designed to provide a premium experience, but how do their interiors compare in terms of size?
Mercedes-Benz GLC Interior Dimensions
Front Headroom: 39.4 inches (1,000 mm)
Rear Headroom: 39.0 inches (991 mm)
Front Legroom: 41.9 inches (1,065 mm)
Rear Legroom: 38.4 inches (975 mm)
Front Shoulder Room: 57.4 inches (1,460 mm)
Rear Shoulder Room: 56.5 inches (1,436 mm)
Front Hip Room: 56.1 inches (1,426 mm)
Rear Hip Room: 55.3 inches (1,405 mm)
Audi Q5 Interior Dimensions
Front Headroom: 40.4 inches (1,026 mm)
Rear Headroom: 39.2 inches (996 mm)
Front Legroom: 41.0 inches (1,041 mm)
Rear Legroom: 37.8 inches (960 mm)
Front Shoulder Room: 57.0 inches (1,448 mm)
Rear Shoulder Room: 55.5 inches (1,413 mm)
Front Hip Room: 55.1 inches (1,402 mm)
Rear Hip Room: 54.0 inches (1,372 mm)
Comparison of Interior Space
Looking at these interior dimensions, the Mercedes GLC offers slightly more rear legroom and shoulder room, which can be important for taller passengers in the back seat. It also provides a little more front hip room. On the other hand, the Audi Q5 offers a bit more headroom both in the front and rear, which could be a benefit for taller individuals who need more space above.
Overall, the Mercedes GLC provides more space for passengers, particularly in the rear, but the Audi Q5 still offers plenty of room for both front and rear occupants.
Conclusion on Interior Space
In terms of interior space, the Mercedes GLC is slightly larger and more spacious, especially for rear passengers. The extra legroom and shoulder room in the GLC may provide a more comfortable ride, especially for families or those who often carry passengers in the back seat.
Cargo Capacity: Which SUV Has More Storage Space?
Another important consideration when comparing the size of luxury SUVs is their cargo capacity. How much luggage or gear can you fit in the trunk of each vehicle? Let’s take a look at the cargo space in both the Mercedes GLC and Audi Q5.
Mercedes-Benz GLC Cargo Space
Cargo Space (with seats up): 19.4 cubic feet (549 liters)
Cargo Space (with seats down): 56.5 cubic feet (1,598 liters)
Audi Q5 Cargo Space
Cargo Space (with seats up): 25.1 cubic feet (710 liters)
Cargo Space (with seats down): 54.0 cubic feet (1,530 liters)
Comparison of Cargo Space
The Audi Q5 offers more cargo space when the seats are up, with 25.1 cubic feet compared to the GLC’s 19.4 cubic feet. This is a notable difference if you need to carry large items or a lot of luggage. However, when the rear seats are folded down, the GLC offers a slightly larger cargo space of 56.5 cubic feet compared to the Q5’s 54.0 cubic feet. The difference is minimal when the seats are down, but the Q5 does provide more space with the seats up.
Conclusion on Cargo Space
In terms of cargo capacity, the Audi Q5 wins when the seats are up, but the GLC has a slight edge when the seats are down. If you need more room for luggage or gear while keeping the rear seats up, the Q5 might be the better choice.
Performance and Handling
While size is important, it’s also worth considering how the size of each vehicle affects performance and handling. A larger vehicle like the GLC may offer a more comfortable and stable ride, but a smaller vehicle like the Q5 may be more agile and easier to maneuver, particularly in tight spaces.
Mercedes-Benz GLC Performance
The Mercedes GLC offers several engine options, including a turbocharged four-cylinder and a high-performance AMG version. With a longer wheelbase, the GLC tends to provide a smoother ride, especially on highways and long-distance trips. Its larger size can make it feel more substantial and luxurious on the road, especially when paired with its advanced suspension system.
Audi Q5 Performance
The Audi Q5, while slightly smaller, is known for its agile handling and smooth drive. It comes standard with Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system, which helps provide excellent traction in various driving conditions. The Q5 is designed to be nimble and responsive, making it a great choice for city driving and tight corners.
Conclusion on Performance and Handling
While both the Mercedes GLC and Audi Q5 offer strong performance, the Q5 is more nimble and better suited for urban driving and tight corners. The GLC, on the other hand, offers a more stable and luxurious ride, making it ideal for long trips and highway cruising.
Conclusion
When it comes to size, the Mercedes-Benz GLC is bigger than the Audi Q5 in terms of exterior dimensions, including overall length and wheelbase. The GLC also offers more rear passenger space and a larger overall cabin. However, the Audi Q5 wins in terms of cargo space when the seats are up.
Ultimately, the choice between the GLC and Q5 comes down to personal preference and your specific needs. If you prioritize a larger, more spacious vehicle with a smoother ride, the Mercedes GLC is the better option. If you need a more agile, compact SUV with slightly more cargo space, the Audi Q5 could be the right choice for you. Either way, both vehicles offer a premium driving experience and a strong blend of luxury, performance, and technology.
Related Topics:
