Mercedes-Benz GLC

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Audi Q5

New “Core” grade delivers the core values of the GLC

We compare the new Mercedes-Benz GLC 220d 4MATIC Core, a model with carefully selected equipment and a low price, with the Audi Q5 diesel SUV.

Although it is a budget grade, the GLC’s “Core” does not have a significant reduction in quality or equipment. It is a grade that carefully selects equipment and options, and is designed to provide “core value” that extracts the most attractive aspects of the GLC. Exterior colors are limited to three popular colors. In addition, the interior combines exclusive metallic trim with “ARTICO” synthetic leather that has a texture similar to genuine leather, so the GLC’s luxurious feel is still alive and well. In contrast, the interior and exterior of the Q5 have a stronger sporty impression, and although the decoration is more modest than the GLC, the quality is at a high level.

The GLC and Q5 are about the same size, but the Q5 has slightly more knee room in the rear seats, while the GLC has more headroom.

Mercedes-Benz GLC 220d 4MATIC Core

Body size = Total length 4720mm x Total width 1890mm x Total height 1640mm

Wheelbase = 2890mm

Vehicle weight = 1930kg

Tire size = 235/60R18

Audi Q5 40TDI quattro S line

Body size = Length 4685mm x Width 1900mm x Height 1665mm

Wheelbase = 2825mm

Vehicle weight = 1910kg

Tire size = 235/55R19

Differences in mild hybrid systems make a difference in performance

Both engines are diesel engine + mild hybrid configuration. There is not much difference in the specifications of the engine alone, but the difference in the transmission and mild hybrid system is what separates the performance of the two cars.

The GLC is equipped with a 9-speed automatic transmission, while the Q5 is equipped with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT). The GLC has an integrated spring motor (ISG) between the engine and transmission that generates a maximum torque of 205 Nm, greatly improving driving performance. The Q5, on the other hand, is equipped with a belt-drive mild hybrid, and the torque it can produce is much smaller than the GLC, so it falls short in terms of power performance and fuel economy.

However, even with a small output, the motor assists in acceleration when starting from a stop, maintains speed when coasting by completely stopping the engine to reduce fuel consumption, and assists in the overall operation of the vehicle by reducing the jerky feeling that often occurs with DCT when starting or at very low speeds.

Mercedes-Benz GLC 220d 4MATIC Core

Engine type = Inline 4-cylinder diesel turbo engine + motor

Displacement = 1992cc

Maximum engine output = 197PS/3600rpm

Maximum engine torque = 440Nm/1800-2800rpm

Maximum motor output = 23PS

Maximum motor torque = 205Nm

Transmission = 9-speed AT

Drive system = AWD

Audi Q5 40TDI quattro S line

Engine type = Inline 4-cylinder diesel turbo engine + motor

Displacement = 1968cc

Maximum engine output = 204PS / 3800-4200rpm

Maximum engine torque = 400Nm / 1750-3250rpm

Transmission = 7-speed DCT

Drive system = AWD

The new GLC grade “Core” is a bargain! If you want air suspension, the Q5 is the way to go.

The GLC 220d 4MATIC Core is priced at 8.19 million yen. The standard GLC 220d 4MTIC grade is priced at 8.67 million yen, so the new Core grade can be seen as a price reduction of nearly 500,000 yen. However, the Core grade cannot be equipped with the options of Airmatic suspension (air suspension) or rear-wheel steering, and package options that include genuine leather seats are also unavailable. The popular AMG Line Package and Panoramic Sliding Roof are still available.

The Q5 40 TDI S line is even cheaper at 7.96 million yen, but the GLC Core grade offers a better deal. One advantage of the Q5 is that it costs less than the standard GLC even with the optional air suspension.