Audi Q4 E-Tron vs Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class
What's the difference?

Audi Q4 E-Tron

$64,990 - $114,990

2025 price

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Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

$66,800 - $183,541

2025 price

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Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Volkswagen Transporter

Volvo Es90

Volvo XC90

Summary

2025 Audi Q4 E-Tron

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

By Byron Mathioudakis

By Stephen Ottley

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Not Applicable, 0.0L

Turbo 4, 2.0L

Fuel Type

Electric

Premium Unleaded/Electric

Fuel Efficiency

0.0L/100km (combined)

7.3L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Interior packaging and design
Efficient yet powerful EV drivetrains
Easy and enjoyable driveability

More power and torque
More fuel efficient
Stylish cabin

Dislikes

No spare wheel
Needs single-pedal driving/braking
Base equipment levels a bit stingy

Misses V8 soundtrack
Big price rise over previous model
Smaller boot, no spare tyre

2025 Audi Q4 E-Tron Summary

Here’s a fun fact.

Audi has only ever offered two rear-wheel drive (RWD) production cars in its entire 116-year history… the spectacular R8 supercar and the electrifying e-tron GT.

Now there’s this, the Q4 e-tron – a small-ish medium-sized SUV electric vehicle (EV), and Audi’s overdue response to the BMW iX1 and iX2, Polestar 4, Volvo EX40, Mercedes EQA and, of course, the Tesla Model Y.

Overdue? It’s been in production since March, 2021, making it very, very late to Australia.

But, you know what? You might be very glad the local team waited, because this MY25 update might be the premium medium electric SUV to buy right now.

To find out, read on.

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2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Summary

Let’s make one thing clear from the very beginning - this new Mercedes-AMG GLC63 S E Performance is technically superior to the model it replaces. Whether it’s actually better or not, is the real question at the heart of the matter.

Why? Because, like the C63 sedan stablemate, AMG has opted to replace the previous model’s 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine with a new 2.0-litre four-cylinder hybrid powertrain. It was a move brought about in part because of increasingly stricter emissions standards in Europe, but also ties-in with the German firm’s success in modern Formula One racing.

While the new hybrid system offers more power, more torque and better fuel economy, as the lukewarm response to the C63 has demonstrated, the hard reality for AMG is that its buyers associate it with V8 and even V12 engines. That emotional pull is hard to replace with logic, even if the new model offers technical superiority.

But how does the new powertrain suit the GLC63 - is it just technically better or is it holistically improved?

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Deep dive comparison

2025 Audi Q4 E-Tron 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Verdict

Audi is famous for sticking doggedly to front-wheel drive and quattro AWD, but clearly, when it puts its mind to it, the few RWD machines it has produced over its 116 years have been exceptional.

While not as exciting as the R8 or as supersonic as the e-tron GT, the Q4 e-tron is an impressive machine. Thoroughly engineered and thoughtfully designed to be a friendly, refined, comfortable, safe and capable family SUV, it deserves to be on your shortlist.

With a couple of choice option packages, the base 45 seems remarkably complete, but there’s plenty to enjoy in the hot-shot 55 quattro as well. Either way, Audi seems to be on a winner.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with travel, accommodation and meals provided.

Verdict

Like I said right from the start, this new, hybrid version of the AMG GLC63 is technically superior to the model it replaces in every meaningful way. It is faster, more powerful and more fuel efficient and therefore a better performance SUV than the model it replaces.

Is it a better model than the one it replaces? Ultimately that will come down to how much stock you put into the soundtrack and your feelings on an AMG not powered by a V8 engine.

Because if you can see past that, then the AMG GLC63 is an absolutely fantastic performance SUV. Not only does the new powertrain make it faster in a straight line, but the chassis is very well-balanced, making for an engaging driving experience.

For those who can look past the smaller engine they will be rewarded with an incredibly fast and rewarding-to-drive member of the AMG family.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with travel, accommodation and meals provided.

Audi Q4 E-Tron vs Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Audi Q4 E-Tron vs Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class
What's the difference?