Mercedes-Benz GLB vs Audi S5

What's the difference?

The Mercedes-Benz GLB is an oddball. While it isn’t my definition of beauty, it's a surprisingly capable and spacious small-to-medium SUV.

The entry-level GLB200, while comfortable, feels a bit underdone in the engine department. Therefore the mid-spec GLB250 with the more-powerful 2.0-litre turbo and mild-hybrid assistance plus all-wheel drive grip is the better pick.

The Audi A5 remains a convincing option in the premium mid-size sedan category, even with the near-$10K price increase over its equivalent grade A4 predecessor.

Even in its base spec, it’s a lovely thing to drive and adds enough new kit to be a reasonable option when it comes to value. In terms of tech usability, it stands out from rivals. Practicality is still king for Audi.

But for the heart-over-head types, the S5 is fast and fun while remaining a comfortable cruiser and the price is decent. On a personal note, a six-cylinder wagon? That's a big yes from me.

For the time it’s available, it’s hard to go past the value on offer in the S5 Edition One. Getting an AWD V6 with that kind of capability for under $100K is something that's sure to tempt buyers. If it doesn’t, we need to take a good look at ourselves.

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

This isn’t the prettiest car ever. It has the Mazda CX-8 or CX-80 effect where you can tell a smaller car has been stretched and extended to create more interior space. It just looks a little awkward as a result.

The rear section of the GLB in particular is much higher and boxier than the GLA which makes it look rather back-heavy. Thankfully roof rails are standard which toughens the look somewhat.

The facelift that was introduced in 2023 brought an updated front bumper, as well as tweaked LED headlight and tail-light signatures. The changes aren’t wildly different from the original car that launched in 2019 but it’s still fresh enough.

Inside is where this car is starting to look its age. While Mercedes-Benz was one of the first to introduce a wraparound screen set-up combining the digital instrument cluster and touchscreen multimedia system into a single unit, many have copied this and it no longer looks unique.

It doesn’t help that the dual 10.25-inch screens are small now in comparison to newer rivals. It’s standard for a digital instrument cluster to be closer to 12.3-inches in diameter now.

A main interior change with this facelift included the removal of the touchpad controller on the centre console. In its place is now a shallow storage area which doesn’t really serve a purpose.

There’s also a new AMG-style steering wheel as standard which has fiddly gloss black touch sliders that get grimy upon use.

While the changes are welcome, the ageing roots are still present. You can’t escape the blingy touches that just end up looking cheap and tacky.

A key example of this are the air vents which have obnoxious interior ambient lighting in them to try and make the cabin look cool.

I’m also not a huge fan of the star pattern trim on the dashboard and the swathes of stainless steel-looking inlays.

The A5 incorporates Audi’s new design language in a way that makes the 2026 model stand out from Audi’s older offerings, but we won’t know how well it works in the family until more new-gen Audi cars arrive.

For now, the A5 is a generally handsome car. It very much looks like an Audi from the front, even a recent A4 if you only very quickly glanced.

The aforementioned S line styling does plenty in making even the base Audi A5 look like a properly luxe thing. There were a few double-checks at the launch to make sure drivers were getting into the right cars.

Fortunately the new car’s designers refrained from busying up the car with trim, the only big features being the side vents at the front.

But even in Avant form the S5 looks athletic, quad-exhausts in the lower bar and the angular rear bodywork moving away from the previously softer, more rounded look Audi had gone with before.

Inside, the changes are arguably more obvious. The A5 is now much more ‘screeny’ than before, especially if optioned with the passenger-side touchscreen.

It’s still decidedly Audi in its layout and design, with geometric shapes on the steering wheel, screen housing, door cards and even on the gear shifter, which is no longer the more traditional handle-type.

Up front the driver’s seat is comfortable, offering electric adjustability and lumbar support, extendable thigh support and heating. Some extra bolstering on the seat base would be nice though as it’s a little flat for my liking.

While the glossy piano black touch sliders on the steering wheel aren’t the most intuitive, I love holding this leather-wrapped wheel as it straddles the line of being thick enough but not too thick. BMW should take note…

The thin stalks behind the steering wheel are a joy to use and have a nice thwack to them. I appreciate the column-mounted gear selector as this frees up more space on the centre console, though it could be utilised better. More on this in a bit.

The digital instrument cluster offers a range of different themes to select from, though the standard version looks the nicest and offers the most customisation. It’s nice being able to put a full-width map display on the instrument cluster.

The touchscreen multimedia system offers a clean and intuitive interface that’s hard to get lost in. For the most part, however, I ended up using smartphone mirroring. Thankfully this update brought wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

It’s nice having the row of physical climate control switchgear within easy reach especially as carmakers are now integrating these into the touchscreen interface. Even Mercedes-Benz is guilty of this in its newer cars.

There isn’t a tonne of general storage on the centre console beyond the deep central box which has a split-opening lid. The wireless charger barely fits my iPhone 15 Pro Max, the cupholders are on the small side and the aforementioned storage section where the touch slider once was is useless from a storage standpoint.

Moving to the second row, it’s rather spacious for a small-ish SUV. At a leggy 182cm tall, I have plenty of leg and headroom behind my own driving position.

You’re able to slide and recline each individual seat in the second row to prioritise second-row comfort or allow more space for third-row passengers. It’s needed because third-row space is tight!

Second-row amenities include air vents mounted on the back of the centre console, various storage spaces, two USB-C ports, as well as a fold-down armrest with cupholders. Also if you stare at the back of the centre console it looks very much like a screaming face.

As already mentioned, the third row isn’t the most spacious ever, although this is a small-ish SUV so best not to expect palatial levels of room. It’s likely more for occasional use by children and it’s good to note there is airbag coverage back there.

Amenities are few and far between in the third row, limited to just a few storage spots and a USB-C port on both sides. Unfortunately there are no air vents.

At the back there’s a handsfree power tailgate which is handy if you’ve got your hands full. It opens swiftly, though with all three rows of seating upright there isn’t much room at all. Mercedes-Benz doesn’t even quote a boot capacity figure, but it’s only enough for a bag or two.

Thankfully if you’re not using the third row the benefit of this car is there’s much more boot space than the GLA. Mercedes-Benz claims there’s a generous 565L of boot space, which can further expand to 1800L with the second row folded.

Unfortunately there is no spare wheel in the GLB200 as it has run-flat tyres as standard, though regular tyres with a tyre repair kit is a no-cost option.

…and that gear selector is a bit indicative of the new A5’s interior. It’s now more of a switch that requires a little more attention than the traditional shifter, just like the way the more screen-focused interior requires a little more of your eyeball time than physical buttons.

Don’t get me wrong, as far as screens in modern cars go, Audi seems to have made it as easy as possible to use the new-gen software in the A5. The menus are clear, there are good shortcuts and there’s no lag… but buttons are always better when your focus needs to be on the road.

Fortunately the driver display is nice and clear, it’s a good update on Audi’s ‘Virtual Cockpit’ and you can set it to display important information without looking too busy.

Ergonomically, the way the central screen is angled towards the driver, the centre console layout and the small control panel on the door for lights, mirrors and the like all seem to be well considered and mean you don’t have to awkwardly reach for anything.

There are a few quirks specific to the A5 and S5, one being that if you opt for the panoramic sunroof, it comes with a transparency switch rather than a physical cover, so it doesn’t do much to keep the light out.

It’s also good to note that the passenger screen - again, if optioned - turns to privacy mode when playing media so as to not distract the driver. Pretty handy!

Behind the front row, a regular-sized adult should have enough room to sit comfortably for a decent amount of time without feeling cramped. The light through the sunroof comes in handy here.

Behind that is a 445L boot in Sedan form, or 1299L with the rear seats folded down. As an Avant, the space increases to 448L and 1396L respectively.

The new Audi A5 range starts from $79,900 before on-road costs for the standard A5 Sedan, though the rest of the models available at launch are all S5 variants. A more powerful A5 with 200kW and quattro all-wheel drive will come later, as well as a 270kW plug-in hybrid A5 quattro variant.

For now, the sole A5 in the line-up is well equipped for the price, coming with standard 19-inch alloy wheels, matrix LED headlights with adjustable lighting signatures, keyless entry and digital key via Audi’s app, electric bootlid (or tailgate, given its liftback style) and S line styling as standard.

Interior features include sports seats in real and synthetic leather, heated and electrically adjustable up front, leather steering wheel, tri-zone climate control, a 14.5-inch OLED multimedia touchscreen and 11.9-inch driver display, wireless phone charging as well as wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

The A5 can be optioned with a Style pack for $3000 which adds 20-inch wheels, tinted glass and black exterior trim. There’s also a Premium pack for $3769 which adds a head-up display, high-power USB ports, a Bang & Olufsen sound system, ambient lighting and front door acoustic window glazing.

The other key variants in the line-up from launch are the S5 Sedan and S5 Avant, coming in at $114,900 and $117,900 respectively. Aside from the more advanced drivetrains, the S5s also gain plenty more features over the A5 including 20-inch Audi Sport alloy wheels, selectable OLED rear lights, tinted windows and more paint colour options.

Inside, Nappa leather-upholstered seats gain cooling and massage functions up front, the steering wheel is heated, and there’s ambient lighting with a ‘dynamic interaction light strip’ that changes colour based on vehicle functions like indicating or changing temperatures.

There’s also a head-up display, high-power USB outlets, a Bang & Olufsen sound system and, perhaps most notably, a 10.9-inch touchscreen for the front passenger as standard. It’s a $1500 option in the A5.

Audi also has a launch variant of the S5, the Edition One, which comes at a lower price and a trim spec closer to the A5, but with the S5’s performance. It has non-adjustable sport suspension, for example, and to score much of the main S5’s kit requires cost-options or option packs.

But the prices are tempting, just $99,900 for the S5 Edition One Sedan or $102,900 for the Avant, $15,000 less than their same-power siblings. For an extra $6000, you can add a head-up display, high-power USB ports and the Bang & Olufsen sound system to the Edition One.

Comparing the entry A5 to the recent entry-level A4, the new A5 wears a price increase of $8000 (the ageing A4 is $71,900), but has more power and a much more modern interior. On price alone it seems a steep jump, but the value is still there compared to rivals. A Mercedes C200 currently starts from $89,900, while a BMW 330i is $92,900.

The Mercedes-Benz GLB200 is powered by a 1.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine which produces 120kW and 270Nm.

This engine also features in ‘200’ versions of the A-Class, CLA and GLA, plus versions of it also feature in the Renault Arkana, Captur, Duster, and Kangoo, as well as the Nissan Qashqai and now the new Mitsubishi ASX.

It’s mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission with drive sent to the front wheels only.

Unlike the more powerful GLB250 and AMG GLB35 all-wheel drive trims, the GLB200 is the only model to go without 48V mild-hybrid assistance in Australia. It was originally promised when this facelifted model was announced in 2023.

Mercedes-Benz claims the GLB200 can do the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.3 seconds and top speed is 207km/h.

The Audi A5 is powered by a four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine which powers the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. It makes 150kW of power and 340Nm of torque, and should, Audi says, propel the A5 to 100km/h in 7.8 seconds before (eventually) reaching a top speed of 248km/h.

The S5, in all its variants, is powered by a 3.0-litre turbo-petrol V6 which is assisted by a mild hybrid system. It produces 270kW and 550Nm, sending that to all four wheels via a similar seven-speed dual-clutch.

The S5 is much quicker as a result - 100km/h comes along in just 4.5 seconds according to Audi, before reaching a 250km/h top speed.

Mercedes-Benz claims the GLB200 has a combined fuel consumption of 7.5L/100km.

During our urban and metropolitan-based testing, however, we saw an average of 9.0L/100km according to the trip computer which isn’t great but also not the worst I’ve seen. Expect this figure to balloon out further if you load more people onboard as the engine will have to work harder.

There is a 52L fuel tank which requires a minimum of 95 RON premium unleaded petrol.

Using my as-tested fuel consumption figure, this means the GLB200 has a theoretical range of up to 578km.

Audi claims the A5 uses 6.9 litres of fuel per 100km, which should theoretically deplete the 56-litre fuel tank after 811km of driving. We couldn’t test this on the launch, but reaching claimed fuel efficiency figures remains an elusive challenge.

The S5, according to Audi, comes with an impressive 7.1L/100km figure in Sedan form, or 7.2L/100km as an Avant. That’s 788km and 777km of theoretical driving range if you’re up for a challenge.

While this 1.3-litre turbo engine may be sufficient in the smaller A-Class and GLA, it barely scrapes by in the GLB200.

Even with one person onboard the engine has to rev out the first few gears to around 3000rpm to keep up with traffic from the lights. It doesn't have the nicest engine note either.

It doesn’t help that the dual-clutch automatic can be a little vague from a standstill, taking a beat to kick into action. This is most noticeable when doing low-speed manoeuvres or reversing.

Although initial acceleration can be on the thrashy side, rolling acceleration while at speed is a lot more linear and calm thanks to peak torque coming on tap from 2000rpm. This means the car will only downshift when it needs to.

There are a few different drive modes you can select from, but the default ‘Comfort’ mode feels the most natural. ‘Eco’ does quell some of the rev flares during initial acceleration, though the engine feels much more tardy in general.

Linked with these drive modes are the adaptive dampers. This is a very comfortable car, especially on the standard smaller 19-inch alloy wheels as there’s plenty of tyre sidewall to absorb bigger bumps.

Coupled with this is sporty steering that’s direct and makes the car feel nimble despite its 1.7-tonne kerb weight.

It really is the best of both worlds because you get the fun and sporty characteristics from the steering, plus the comfort and supple feeling from the suspension. It’s hard to fault this set-up.

In terms of noise, vibration and harshness (NVH), if you look beyond the sometimes shouty engine, this car is quiet and refined. There’s some tyre roar at higher speeds, but many European vehicles have this trait.

It’s also a benefit that this car is a little older as there aren’t many safety system-related bings and bongs that distract from the cabin ambience.

One of the first press cars I ever drove as an even younger lad than I am now was the circa-2017 Audi S4.

Without the perspective of all the many, many cars I've since driven, that S4 blew my mind a little bit with its combination of capability and refinement.

Now, with the context of most of the cars available to the Australian buyer in mind, it’s reassuring to get into this new generation and find that the mid-size Audi torch has been gracefully passed on.

Audi says the new generation, sitting on its new platform, has more focus on balanced driving dynamics, steering precision and steering feel. Without sacrificing comfort, Audi wants the A5 to be a sharper driver’s car.

It might not gel with the Euro tradition of a rear-drive executive sedan given the base A5 is front-wheel drive - the brand of course focusing on its quattro all-wheel drive system - but the A5 is decidedly agile for its size. 

Compared to the S5 especially, as the A5’S 1770kg plays the S5’s 2025kg in Sedan form (2040kg as an Avant). It’s a noticeable weight difference, and it makes the A5 more playful without getting properly ragged.

It also rides on smaller 19-inch wheels and would overall probably make for the better daily driver. Even without the all-wheel-drive traction and extra power the S5 offers, the A5 makes a good case for properly plush commuting. Its 150kW isn’t lacking by any means, and that 340Nm does plenty to help when overtaking.

Its suspension feels well damped, keeping the road’s imperfections out of the cabin without numbing the ride and leaving you without feedback. The steering is similarly direct without being too heavy, making the A5 feel athletic for its size.

But for all the A5’s strengths, there is something undeniable about a six-cylinder European sedan (or wagon). The S5 is heavier, sure, and therefore not as naturally nimble, but it makes up for it. And it’s not just the extra power and mild-hybrid assistance.

It’s a great highway cruiser for a start, but it also adds the confidence of all-wheel drive to a trip, which proved extremely useful on the very rainy winter day we tested it. It holds up well on rough surfaces despite the bigger wheels and extra heft, plus it doesn’t feel out of hand when cornering fast, rolling into a predictable understeer rather than quickly losing traction.

But if you’re in any way conscious of your budget, consider the Edition One. It doesn’t lack any of the key things that make the S5 great, and you get to pocket enough money to buy a second used car.

The A5 and its S5 variants share the same safety features, with the full suite of Audi’s more-than 30 safety and driver assistance systems standard across the line-up.

Physically, the A5 has nine airbags and has been crash-tested by Euro NCAP, the firm awarding it five stars. There's no local ANCAP score as yet.

Some of the key safety features in the A5 and S5 models include a driver attention alert, seatbelt reminders, tyre pressure indicator, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warnings and lane assist, front braking assist, front and rear cross-traffic alert, speed limit sign recognition, surround view cameras and park assist with front and rear parking sensors.

There are also ISOFIX points for fitting child seats to the rear outboard seats.

The GLB200 is covered by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, like the rest of the Mercedes-Benz line-up.

Logbook servicing is every 12 months or 25,000km, whichever comes first, which is good if you do a lot of driving.

You can purchase a three-, four- or five-year service package which costs $3495, $4650 and $6185, respectively. With the latter this equals $1237 per service, which is expensive, although it is cheaper than the slightly larger GLC.

Audi’s five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty is starting to fall behind the industry standard, though is about normal for a premium brand. On top of this, customers can opt to purchase extra years of warranty up to a maximum nine years which costs $3590.

Audi does also offer 12 years of bodywork manufacturing warranty against corrosion or perforation. There’s also five years of Audi roadside assistance.

Servicing intervals for the A5 come in at every 15,000km or 12 months, with customers able to purchase fixed-price servicing plans at a discount compared to paying per service.

A five-year servicing pack for the A5 Sedan is $3360, and for the S5 it’s priced at $3540.