Mercedes-AMG GLC43 vs Audi SQ5

What's the difference?

The Mercedes-AMG GLC43 has your back if you’re looking for a thrilling performance SUV that moonlights as the daily family driver. It boasts a fairly practical cabin with good storage. Is it too expensive? Yep. Would I have one? Absolutely. It’s fun and full of features.

This rocked my kid's world – the lighting, the cool superhero vibes of the styling … the ‘tatatata’ chirps of the engine. It won him over completely.

Let’s forget the money, for a second, because yes, you’re paying more for the Sportback variant. But if you can afford it, then why wouldn’t you. This is a sleeker, sportier and more stylish answer to the regular Q5, which was already a super-solid offering in the segment. And as far as I can tell, the practicality sacrifices you have to make are minimal at best. 

So why not?

The GLC43 looks distinctly more aggressive than its GLC300 sibling.

The grille features vertical struts instead of the star motif and there’s a sporty spoiler lip at the rear that complements the quad exhausts.

The large headlights featuring Mercedes Digital Light LEDs dance when you first put them on and add a sporty dynamic to the styling, as does the 20-inch alloy wheels.

The interior is largely the same with a dashboard that is headlined by an 11.9-inch touchscreen multimedia system and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.

The ambient lighting system transforms the space at night time and honestly, makes it look pretty flash compared to some of its rivals. I also love the big panoramic sunroof and cute circular air-vents found in the front – they add some interest to the cabin.

The optioned performance seats of our test model make this look the part of a performance SUV and there is AMG badging everywhere - just so you don’t forget what you're driving. This looks beautiful inside and out and it earns its luxury tag.

Our adventure began with the SQ5, and, to my eye at least, it looks mean, and more like a jacked-up hot hatch than sportier version of a mid-size SUV.

Speaking of which, it looks bigger than a mid-size, too, as though the flattened roof has pushed the rear out for more length, at least visually.

By far its best angle, though, will be afforded to the people in front of you on the road, with each peek in the rear-view mirror revealing a wide, forward-leaning grille, all black honeycomb mesh, with a cat-clawed bonnet and headlights that sweep back into the bodywork, hinting at speed before it even sets off. 

Side on, the massive 21-inch alloys hide red brake calipers, but it does also reveals a tale of two SUVs, with the front half looking taller and straighter, while the rear roofline is more raked as it flies towards a fairly small rear windscreen with a roof spoiler that juts out over it. 

At the rear, the quad exhaust tips (which sound great), and a boot spoiler moulded into the bodywork complete the package.

But even in lesser lesser Q5 45 TFSI guise, this Sportback looks the business, I reckon. Though a little more premium than performance-focused, perhaps.

As the name suggests, the Sportback version gives you, well, a sportier back, and it all starts at the B-Pillar, with a more raked roofline that gives this version of the Q5 a sleeker, more slippery look. 

But they aren’t the only changes. In Sportback models, the single-frame grille upfront is different, and the grille is also positioned lower, and seems to jut out from the bonnet more, for a lower, more aggressive look. The lights are also positioned a little higher, and those massive air vents on either side are different, too.

The cabin is the usual level of Audi niceness, with a big central screen, big digital screen in front of the steering wheel, and a sense of genuine solidity and quality wherever you look.

There are some questionable materials at work, though, like the door trims and the hard plastic that your knee rubs against when driving, but all in all, it's quite a lovely place to spend time.

The cabin up front feels like a cockpit because the optioned performance seats absolutely lock you into place.

The adjustments are pretty good for the lumbar and under-thigh supports but the highlight are the kinetic stretching massage functions on both front seats, it really helps to alleviate fatigue on a longer journey. 

While I find the seats comfy, my husband didn’t! He said he needed more ‘space’ between the legs and with the bucket-style, he um … didn’t get that required space. Take from that what you will.

Getting in and out of the backseat is easy enough but the side steps are overkill and can dig into the calves.

The back seats are not super comfortable as they are on the harder side but the headroom and legroom are great for my 168cm height. The back row would still be most comfortable as a four-seater when filled with adults, though.

The individual storage is excellent up front with a decently sized glove box, middle console and a huge storage bin and drink bottle holder in each door.

The centre console features a good-sized cubby that includes a phone shelf and two retractable cupholders.

The storage and amenities in the rear are okay with directional air vents, reading lights and a fold-down armrest with two cup holders. You also get shallow storage bins in each door but this row misses out on charging options, which is a shame.

The other technology looks high-end and the graphics in both the 11.9-inch touchscreen multimedia system and 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster assert that the GLC43 is a luxury vehicle.

Both are easy to use, highly customisable and look fantastic. What a combo!

The augmented reality satellite navigation shows dynamic directions overlaid on a live video feed, so there's no excuse for getting lost while using it. There's also wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as, a Mercedes Me Connect app, so you can access features on your car remotely.

Charging options are only found in the front row but you get a good selection with three USB-C ports and a wireless charging pad.

The GLC43 gets a large coloured head-up display, fingerprint scanner (that can lock a certain profile or features) and dual-zone climate control but it would have been nice to see climate control in the rear row as well.

The boot is pretty large for a medium SUV at 620L, and can comfortably fit shopping or luggage.

There’s a tyre mobility kit and extra underfloor storage, and the rear row has a 40/20/40 split fold, which opens up your storage options. You also get a powered tailgate in this model, which is always handy.

The Q5 Sportback range stretches 4689mm in length, 1893mm in width, and around 1660mm in height, depending on the variant. It rides on a 2824mm wheelbase. 

And remember when I said there were few practicality penalties for the new sportier look? This is what I meant.

Up front, it's basically the same Q5, so if you know that car, you'll know this one, with its spacious and airy feeling front seats.

In the back, though, things are a little different, just not quite as different as I was expecting. The new sloping roofline has actually only reduced headroom by 16mm. I’m 175cm tall, and there was clear air between my head and the roof, and plenty of leg-room, too.

The central tunnel arrangement means you probably don’t want to squeeze three adults across the back, but two would really be no problem at all. That way, you can deploy the back seat divider to uncover two cupholders, use the two USB charge ports or adjust your climate controls, including temperature settings.

In the 45 TFSI and SQ5 models, the rear seats also slide or recline, meaning you can prioritise luggage space or passenger comfort, depending on what you're carrying.

Up front, there’s heaps of little cubby spots, including a key storage spot under the aircon controls, another in front of the gear shift, a phone slot next to the gear shift, two cupholders in the big centre console, and a surprisingly shallow centre console that’s home to a wireless phone charger and a USB port, joining the regular USB port under the drive mode selector.

And at the rear, Audi reckons there’s 500 litres of storage, only about 10 litres less than the regular Q5,  which grows to 1470 litres with the second-row folded.  

The three-model line-up (two regular Q5s and the SQ5) Sportback range kicks off with the Q5 40 Sportback TDI quattro, which will set you back $77,700 (which is plenty more than the $69,900 of the regular Q5).

The entry-level Q5 Sportback gets 20-inch alloys, a standard S Line sporty exterior styling treatment, LED headlights and tail lights, and an electric tailgate with gesture control. Inside, there’s leather trim, electric sport seats, three-zone climate, paddle-shifters for the steering wheel and ambient interior lighting.

You also get the virtual cockpit, the 10.1-inch central screen with all the Connect Plus services, like live traffic, weather and restaurant tips, as well Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay.

The range then steps up to the Q5 45 Sportback TFSI quattro, yours for $86,300. That's another marked jump from its regular Q5 equivalent.

That model delivers a new 20-inch alloy wheel design, a panoramic sunroof, and Matrix LED headlights, The S Line treatment extends to the interior, along with Nappa leather trim, heated front seats and a sliding or reclining rear bench. You get a better sound system, too, with 10 speakers, including a sub-woofer. 

Finally, the SQ5 Sportback is yours for $110,900 (up from $106,500), and delivers 21-inch alloys, adaptive dampers and red brake callipers, while inside you get electric steering adjustments, a head-up display, colour ambient lighting and a banging Bang and Olufsen stereo with 19 speakers.

The 43 gains the 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine from the AMG A45 hot hatch, which replaces the 3.0L turbo V6 from the previous model.

What makes this one interesting is that it’s been designed with Formula 1 tech and its performance is boosted by an electric turbocharger. Which means you have instant power delivery.

The new engine produces a power output of 310kW and 500Nm of torque. So, a little more power (23kW) but a little less torque (20Nm) than the previous model. The GLC43 is an AWD and has a nine-speed auto transmission which is mostly smooth.

The new GLC43 features a true AMG engine and that means it was hand-built by a master engine builder. Every AMG engine features a plaque with the builder's signature, which is very cool.

There are three engines total here, kicking off with the 2.0-litre TDI in the Q5 Sportback 40. It produces 150kW and 400Nm - enough for a sprint to 100km/h in 7.6s. The 2.0-litre TFSI in the Q5 Sportback 45 petrol bumps those figures to 183kW and 370Nm, lowering your spring to 6.3s. 

Both pair with a seven-speed S tiptronic automatic, and feature a 12-volt mild-hybrid system to smooth out acceleration and lower fuel use, as well Quattro ultra, which can disconnect the rear drive shaft so only the front wheels are driven.

The SQ5 gets a seriously lusty 3.0-litre TDI V6 which deliver 251kW and 700Nm, and a sprint of 5.1s It also gets a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, and an eight-speed tiptronic transmission.

You might be surprised given its outputs, but the new GLC43 is fairly frugal when it comes to consumption.

The official combined fuel-cycle consumption figure is 9.9L/100km and my real-world usage came out at 8.8L.

I have put the GLC43 through its paces too – mountain roads, urban and long trips … and have not been shy using it’s power.

That's excellent usage for such a powerful SUV but expect higher in an urban setting.

Based on the official combined fuel cycle and 62L fuel tank, expect a theoretical driving range of 626km.

Mercedes recommends a minimum 98-octane unleaded petrol to be used.

All Q5 Sportback models are fitted with a 70-litre fuel tank, which should produce a driving range in excess of 1000kms - though prepare for pain at the pump. Sometimes premium fuel in Sydney can run to around $1,90 a litre, for example, so the good stuff will cost you around $130 bucks a tank in the petrol cars.

Audi says the Q5 Sportback 40 TDI will sip 5.4 litres per 100km on the combined cycle, while emitting 142g/km of c02. The 45 TFSI needs 8.0 litres per 100km on the combined cycle, and will emit 183g/km of c02. The SQ5 sits somewhere in the middle, with 7.1 litres per 100km and 186g/km of c02.

After driving the GLC43, it proves why its considered a performance SUV – the new engine and that Formula One tech creates a fun on-road experience. 

Power delivery is quick and stable – you never feel overwhelmed by what the car is doing but you do get excited.

It has a dedicated 'Track Pace' feature for when you take it to a race track. I mean … is that needed for a family car? Probably not but it’s cool nonetheless.

This new model sees a redesigned adaptive suspension and rear axle steering. The suspension is firm and it hits the road with a definitive thump. I like the feedback when I’m pushing it around bends but for the daily school run, it’s a pretty hard ride.

The rear axle steering is fantastic when you hit big mountain hair-pin turns or need to manoeuvre precisely in your lane. It’s extremely agile on the road, when it needs to be. 

It’s a bummer that the cabin is loud with road noise and while you can do long journeys, just know it’s not a comfort tourer. You drive this for the fun factor.

All of the pillars are quite wide, which I found impeded my vision on bends but on the straights it was fine. I just did more of a weave and bob to check all of the blind spots this week.

Because of the electric turbocharger, power stays high but revs low at lower speeds. This can make parking can feel a little bunny-hoppy at times until you get used to how to accelerate at low speeds. Once you do, it’s a breeze to park and the 360-degree camera is top-notch.

How to best describe the drive experience in the Q5 Sportback? That's easy. And it's 'easy'.

Honestly, I know this is ostensibly the sportier version of the Q5, but the truth is that, in the 45 TFSI version we tested, it's a comfortable, light-feeling drive experience that only ever reveals its sporty nature when you really command it to.

Left in its Auto drive mode, the Q5 45 TFSI will positively waft around town, road noise kept to an absolute minimum, and feeling somehow smaller and lighter than its dimension would suggest.

You can dial-up the aggression by cycling through the drive modes, of course, but even in Dynamic guise it never feels too harsh, too aggressive. More that you've simply tightened the screws a little bit.

Plant your right foot and the 45 TFSI will collect speed in a way that Audi refers to as "hot hatch-like", punching towards the 100km/h sprint with verve and aggression. But having just stepped out of the SQ5, it still feels somehow sedate, and almost relaxing, rather than out-and-out aggressive.

And that's because the SQ5 variant is clearly, purposefully, the performance-focused variant here. I think this V6 engine is an absolute peach, and its the kind of powerplant that inspires you to stick with the vehicle's most dynamic settings, putting up with the just-too-firm suspension settings so you can access more fo the grunt more quickly.

And it feels constantly ready for action. Tap the accelerator and the car bristles, dropping down a gear, revving higher and preparing for your next command.

Through bends, it feels smaller and lighter than you might expect, with plenty of grip and steering that, while not overflowing with feedback, feels true and direct.

Short answer? It's the one I'd take. But you'll pay for it.

The Audi Q5 Sportback carries a five-star ANCAP safety rating thanks to the regular Q5, but that’s really the minimum cost of entry these days. So what else do you get?

Advanced driver-assist systems on offer here include autonomous emergency braking (with pedestrian detection), active lane-keep assist with lane change warning, driver attention assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, park assist, a great surround-view camera, parking sensors, exit warning and tyre pressure monitoring, and more radars than you can poke a stick at. 

There's also twin ISOFIX anchor points, and top-tether points for child seats.

The GLC comes with a five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty, which is a normal term for the class.

You can pre-purchase either a three-, four- or five-year servicing plan, priced at $4420 for three years, $5520 for four and $6245 for five years. 

Services on the five-year plan cost an average of $1249 per service which is very expensive for the class.

Servicing intervals are reasonable at every 12 months or an extra-long 25,000km, whichever occurs first.

All Audis are covered by a three-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, which really isn’t great in a world of five-, seven- and even 10-year warranties.

The brand will let you prepay your services, required annually, for the first five years, with the regular Q5 Sportback billed at $3140 and the SQ5 billed at $3170.