Head-to-head
2027 Audi Q9 vs 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class
The Audi Q9 edges it, 93.9 to 88.7, on space & cargo, safety, tech & comfort. The Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class is ahead on price and performance.
A
2027 Audi Q9
The 2027 Audi Q9 is a gas midsize SUV announced by Audi in 2 trims; fueleconomy.gov has not listed this model year yet, so the specs and prices here come from t…
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A2027 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class
The 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class is sold in the U.S. as an electric and hybrid midsize SUV with 7 EPA-rated configurations. Its longest-range version, the GLC40…
Verdict · default weights
2027 Audi Q9
Slight edgeThe Audi Q9 edges it, 93.9 to 88.7, on space & cargo, safety, tech & comfort. The Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class is ahead on price and performance.
Space & cargo 2027 Audi Q9 leads by 48.3
Price 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class leads by 20.3
Safety 2027 Audi Q9 leads by 10
| Category · weight | 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Classoverall 88.7 | 2027 Audi Q9overall 93.9 | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricew 4 | 100 | 79.7 | ||||||||||||
Base MSRP of the trim (or the model's lowest trim). Lower is better. | ||||||||||||||
| Fuel & rangenot compared | No data | No data | ||||||||||||
| Safetyw 4 | 90 | 100 | ||||||||||||
NHTSA 5-Star rating, WhichTrim Safety Signal (open recalls by severity), owner complaints, standard driver-assist features (from the press kit, or from what the manufacturer filed with NHTSA where there is none). Open park-outside / do-not-drive advisories cost 25 points. | ||||||||||||||
| Space & cargow 2 | 51.7 | 100 | ||||||||||||
Seats, cargo volume behind the 1st and 2nd rows, rear legroom. | ||||||||||||||
| Performancew 2 | 100 | 94.8 | ||||||||||||
Horsepower, torque and horsepower per ton. | ||||||||||||||
| Tech & comfortw 3 | 88.9 | 100 | ||||||||||||
Standard (1) and optional (0.5) infotainment, convenience, climate and interior features from the manufacturer's press kit. | ||||||||||||||
| Warrantynot compared | No data | No data | ||||||||||||
| Overall | 88.7 | 93.9 | ||||||||||||
Trim vs trim · 5 of 7 categories compared
Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class: base trim AMG GLC 53 SUV AWD · Audi Q9: base trim Q9 quattro AWD. Pick a trim in the tool to compare any other trim.
Change what matters to you →Scores are 0–100 per category from the data on this page. The weights are yours to set.
Where the gap is
the biggest differences, from the scorecard's own numbersWhere the 2027 Audi Q9 wins
- It lists 15 standard driver-assist features against 9.
- It holds 50 cu ft behind the second row against 21.9.
- It opens up to 87.7 cu ft of cargo against 59.3.
Where the 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class answers
- It starts $17,800 lower ($69,900 against $87,700 base MSRP).
- It carries 189 hp per ton against 162.
What they share
- A Safety Signal of 100.
Ranked by how far apart the two score on each measure, so a price gap and a horsepower gap are compared on the same scale. Every figure is on this page.
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Specifications side by side
50 specs · manufacturer press kits| Spec | Mercedes-Benz GLC-ClassAMG GLC 53 SUV AWD | Audi Q9Q9 quattro AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Base MSRP (excludes destination) | $69,900 | $87,700 |
| Engine Basics | ||
| Aspiration | twin turbo | twin turbo |
| Cylinder count | 6 | 6 |
| Engine displacement | 2,999 cc | 2,894 cc |
| Engine type (full description) | AMG-Enhanced 3.0L Inline-6 with Exhaust Gas Turbocharger and Electric Auxiliary Compressor | 2.9L TFSI twin turbo V6 |
| Fuel injection system | — | TFSI |
| Valve configuration | — | DOHC 24-Valve |
| Engine Output | ||
| Horsepower | 443 hp | 429 hp |
| Torque | 443 lb-ft | 442 lb-ft |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| MPG (city) | 20 mpg | — |
| MPG (combined) | 22 mpg | — |
| MPG (highway) | 26 mpg | — |
| Transmission | ||
| Final drive ratio | — | 3.504 |
| Transmission speeds | 9 | 8 |
| Transmission type | AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G | 8-speed Tiptronic |
| Dimensions Exterior | ||
| Overall height | 64.4 in | 71.4 in |
| Overall length | 187 in | 209 in |
| Overall width | 75.6 in | 86.8 in |
| Wheelbase | 114 in | 124 in |
| Cargo | ||
| Cargo volume behind 1st row | 59.3 cu-ft | 87.7 cu-ft |
| Cargo volume behind 2nd row | 21.9 cu-ft | 50 cu-ft |
| Cargo volume behind 3rd row | — | 19.3 cu-ft |
| Seating | ||
| Passenger seating capacity | — | 7 |
| Headroom | ||
| Front headroom | — | 39.1 in |
| Second-row headroom | — | 40 in |
| Third-row headroom | — | 39.8 in |
| Legroom | ||
| Front legroom | — | 41.5 in |
| Second-row legroom | — | 41.6 in |
| Third-row legroom | — | 29.1 in |
| Weights | ||
| Curb weight (maximum) | — | 5,302 lbs |
| Curb weight (minimum) | 4,685 lbs | 5,302 lbs |
| Suspension | ||
| Front suspension type | — | Five-link independent with adaptive air suspension |
| Rear suspension type | — | Five-link independent with adaptive air suspension |
| Steering | ||
| Steering type | 3-Stage AMG Parameter Steering with Variable Ratio | Electromechanical progressive steering with speed-sensitive power assist |
| Turning radius (curb-to-curb) | 21.3 ft | 43.6 ft |
| Brakes | ||
| Front brake diameter | 391 mm | 400 mm |
| Front brake type | ventilated disc | 6-piston fixed caliper, ventilated steel discs |
| Parking brake type | — | Electro-mechanical |
| Rear brake diameter | 361 mm | 350 mm |
| Rear brake type | Disc with 1-Piston Floating Calipers | Single-piston floating caliper, ventilated steel discs |
| Wheels | ||
| Wheel diameter | 20 in | 21 in |
| Wheel material | — | forged alloy |
| Tires | ||
| Tire size | Front: 265/45 R 20 / Rear: 295/40 R 20 | 285/45 R21 113H XL all-season run flat |
| Fuel System | ||
| Fuel tank capacity | — | 21.1 gal |
| Minimum recommended octane | — | 91 |
| Connected Services | ||
| Connected services brand | — | Audi connect |
| Connected services trial (standard tier) | — | 36 months |
| Shoulder Room | ||
| Front shoulder room | — | 59.5 in |
| Second-row shoulder room | — | 58.2 in |
| Third-row shoulder room | — | 48.9 in |
Green marks the better value where the direction is unambiguous (more room, more power, lower price). Blank rows are specs the press kit does not publish.
Equipment, feature by feature
102 features · differences first, then sharedSafety25 differ · 26 listed
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz GLC-ClassAMG GLC 53 SUV AWD | Audi Q9Q9 quattro AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Automatic emergency brake system: standard forward and available rearward collision avoidance with pedestrian and cyclist detection | — | std |
| Standard 360-degree camera system: surround-view cameras with multiple viewing angles for parking and maneuvering | — | std |
| Standard rear cross-traffic assist: warns of approaching vehicles when backing out of parking spaces | — | std |
| Lane departure warning with reduced and normal modes | — | std |
| LATCH-compliant mounting points for child seats in second and third rows | — | std |
| Standard trailer stability control: detects trailer sway and stabilizes it by applying targeted braking to individual wheels | — | std |
| Active Brake Assist | std | — |
| Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC | std | — |
| Adaptive cruise assist plus with hands-free highway driving (Level 2+) standard on SQ9 and Q9 Premium Plus and Prestige, up to 85 mph | — | std |
| AMG Sport Braking System with Silver AMG Brake Calipers | std | — |
| Anti-Lock Braking System, all four wheels, with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) | — | std |
| Available trailer maneuvering assist: takes over steering when reversing with trailer; controlled via MMI display | — | opt |
| Communication light with hazard triangle warning symbol in optional digital OLED taillights | — | opt |
| Driver Assistance Package (Active Stop-and-Go Assist with Extended Restart, Route-Based Speed Adaptation, Active Speed Limit Assist, Traffic Sign Assist, Active Steering Assist, Evasive Steering Assist, Active Lane Change Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist with Exit Warning, Active Emergency Stop Assist, Active Brake Assist with Turning and Cross-Traffic Function, End-of-Traffic Emergency Braking, PRE-SAFE® PLUS and PRE-SAFE® Impulse Side) | opt | — |
| Driver monitoring camera on steering column (tracks eye position and head movement) | — | std |
| Emergency assist: brings vehicle to controlled stop if driver is unresponsive | — | std |
| Exit warning: radar sensors detect approaching cyclists/vehicles when occupants open doors, prevents door opening | — | std |
| High Performance LED Headlights with Adaptive Highbeam Assist | std | — |
| PARKTRONIC with Active Parking Assist | std | — |
| PRE-SAFE® with PRE-SAFE® Sound | std | — |
| Standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC) | — | std |
| Standard park assist plus: automated parallel and perpendicular parking with control of steering, acceleration, and braking | — | std |
| Surround View 360 Camera | std | — |
| Transparent Hood Function | std | — |
| Tire-Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) | — | std |
| Standard blind spot monitoring: visual alerts when vehicles are in adjacent lanes | std | std |
Infotainment15 differ · 15 listed
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz GLC-ClassAMG GLC 53 SUV AWD | Audi Q9Q9 quattro AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Dual wireless charger for two smartphones compliant with the Qi2.2 standard | — | std |
| 12.3-inch Driver Display and 11.9-inch Central Multimedia Display | std | — |
| 12.3-inch front passenger display with distraction-free dynamic privacy mode (standard) | — | std |
| AMG Real Performance Sound | std | — |
| AMG Track PACE | opt | — |
| Android Automotive OS infotainment with Audi Application Store | — | std |
| Audi assistant AI-powered voice assistant with ChatGPT integration (requires Audi connect NAV subscription) | — | std |
| Bang & Olufsen Premium Sound System with 4D sound, 22 speakers, 2 seat actuators, 1,360W total output | — | opt |
| Inductive Wireless Smartphone Charging | std | — |
| MMI panoramic display with curved OLED design: 11.9-inch Audi virtual cockpit and 14.5-inch MMI touch display | — | std |
| Optional factory-integrated dashcam system | — | opt |
| Pinnacle Trim (DIGITAL LIGHT with Projections, Burmester® 3D Surround Sound System with Sound Personalization and Music Streaming (15 speakers, 710 watts), Head-up Display, Augmented Video for Navigation, Enhanced Ambient Lighting, MBUX Entertainment Package Plus and Heat & Noise Insulating Glass) | opt | — |
| Third Generation MBUX Infotainment and Navigation with Voice Control, including Natural Language Understanding and Keyword Activation ("Hey Mercedes"), Routines Function and AMG-Specific Displays and Content | std | — |
| USB-C Power Delivery charging across all three rows, 45–100W (optional) | — | opt |
| Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto | std | — |
Convenience3 differ · 3 listed
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz GLC-ClassAMG GLC 53 SUV AWD | Audi Q9Q9 quattro AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced USB Package (Six 100-watt USB Ports (2 in front center console, 2 under front center armrest and 2 for rear passengers) and 12V socket for rear passengers) | opt | — |
| Automatic power doors with obstacle detection and electric soft-close mechanism | — | opt |
| Digital Vehicle Key for Smartphone | std | — |
Seating10 differ · 12 listed
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz GLC-ClassAMG GLC 53 SUV AWD | Audi Q9Q9 quattro AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Front seat ventilation function (optional with sports seat plus) | — | opt |
| Heated Power Front Seats with 4-Way Lumbar Support and Memory | std | — |
| AMG Performance Seat Package / AMG Performance Seat Package Advanced | opt | — |
| Fine Nappa leather seating | — | opt |
| Front seat massage function (sports seat plus option, with heating, ventilation, and massage) | — | opt |
| Leather and leatherette blend seating | — | std |
| Optional six-passenger layout with power-adjustable second-row captain's chair seats | — | opt |
| Outer seat in second-row slides forward electrically and can tilt forward for easier access to third row | — | std |
| Second-row power-adjustable seats fore and aft | — | std |
| Third-row seatbacks fold down individually at the push of a button | — | std |
| Front seat heating | std | std |
| Second-row seat heating (available as additional option) | opt | opt |
Interior11 differ · 11 listed
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz GLC-ClassAMG GLC 53 SUV AWD | Audi Q9Q9 quattro AWD |
|---|---|---|
| AMG Performance Steering Wheel in Nappa Leather with AMG DRIVE UNIT Buttons and Heated Rim | std | — |
| 11.9-inch Audi virtual cockpit (part of MMI panoramic display) | — | std |
| 64-Color Ambient Lighting | std | — |
| Almond Beige Audi exclusive design package (optional) | — | opt |
| Ambient lighting package with colored contour lighting and dynamic interaction light (IAL) (standard) | — | std |
| Ambient lighting plus package with backlit door card surfaces (standard on Q9 Prestige and SQ9) | — | opt |
| AMG Illuminated Door Sills | std | — |
| AMG Performance Steering Wheel in Nappa Leather with AMG DRIVE UNIT Buttons and Heated Rim | std | — |
| AMG Performance Steering Wheel in Nappa Leather/Microfiber or Carbon Fiber/Microfiber | opt | — |
| Center Console with AMG Logo | std | — |
| Heated door armrests and center armrests (front and rear), optional | — | opt |
Exterior19 differ · 19 listed
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz GLC-ClassAMG GLC 53 SUV AWD | Audi Q9Q9 quattro AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Panoramic Sliding Sunroof | std | — |
| 20-inch AMG Wheels | std | — |
| Additional 20-inch AMG Wheel Designs, 21-inch AMG Wheels and 21-inch AMG Forged Wheels | opt | — |
| Advanced line exterior trim (standard) | — | std |
| Advanced turn signals: project stylized indicator onto ground in sync with dynamic turn signals (available with digital OLED taillights and Digital Matrix LED headlights) | — | opt |
| AMG Carbon Fiber Exterior Package | opt | — |
| AMG Night Package | opt | — |
| AMG Night Package Plus | opt | — |
| AMG Performance Studio Package | opt | — |
| Design Package | opt | — |
| Digital Matrix LED headlights with micro-LED module and adaptive beam functionality (Digital Matrix Light) | — | std |
| Golden Accents Package | opt | — |
| Illuminated Singleframe grille with LED technology (optional) | — | opt |
| Projection light in door sills (LED module projecting rhombus onto ground) standard on Q9 Prestige | — | opt |
| Rain-Sensing Windshield Wipers and Heated Windshield Washer System | std | — |
| S line exterior trim (optional on launch edition models) | — | opt |
| Standard panoramic sunroof (largest ever in an Audi, >16 sq ft glass surface, opens and tilts) | — | std |
| Switchable transparency (PDLC) panoramic sunroof with 9 individually controllable segments | — | opt |
| Third-generation curved digital OLED taillights (standard on Q9 Prestige; available on other trims) | — | opt |
Powertrain5 differ · 7 listed
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz GLC-ClassAMG GLC 53 SUV AWD | Audi Q9Q9 quattro AWD |
|---|---|---|
| 8-speed Tiptronic transmission | — | std |
| AMG DYNAMIC PLUS Package (AMG Electronically Controlled Limited-Slip Rear Differential, Drift Mode, "RACE" Drive Program, AMG Dynamic Engine Mounts and Red AMG Brake Calipers) | opt | — |
| AMG Electronically Controlled Limited-Slip Rear Differential | opt | — |
| AMG Speedshift® TCT 9G | std | — |
| RACE Start | std | — |
| quattro all-wheel drive | std | std |
| Audi drive select system: balanced, comfort, dynamic, offroad, individual, and assistant modes | std | std |
Chassis6 differ · 6 listed
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz GLC-ClassAMG GLC 53 SUV AWD | Audi Q9Q9 quattro AWD |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5-Degree Rear-Axle Steering | std | — |
| 3-Stage AMG Parameter Steering with Variable Ratio that Adapts to Selected Drive Program | std | — |
| Adaptive air suspension with continuously variable damping and adjustable ride height (standard) | — | std |
| All-wheel steering standard on Q9 Prestige trim models (rear wheels up to 5 degrees) | — | opt |
| AMG RIDE CONTROL Suspension with Adaptive Damping | std | — |
| Electro-mechanical parking brake | — | std |
Cargo2 differ · 3 listed
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz GLC-ClassAMG GLC 53 SUV AWD | Audi Q9Q9 quattro AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum rail system integrated into trunk sides with sliding hooks and adjustable anchors (standard) | — | std |
| Roof rack for roof rails (included standard) | — | std |
| Optional trailer hitch | opt | opt |
Highlighted rows are where the two differ. Wording is the manufacturer's own.
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Safety record
NHTSA recalls, complaints, NCAPMercedes-Benz GLC-Class
Safety Signal 100 A
NHTSA overall —
Frontal / side / rollover — / — / —
Recalls 0
Owner complaints —
Top recalls
No recalls on file.
Audi Q9
Safety Signal 100 A
NHTSA overall —
Frontal / side / rollover — / — / —
Recalls 0
Owner complaints —
Top recalls
No recalls on file.
Ownership
EPA, manufacturer warranty| Mercedes-Benz GLC-ClassAMG GLC 53 SUV AWD | Audi Q9Q9 quattro AWD | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $69,900 (base trim) | $87,700 (base trim) |
| Price range across trims | $69,900 – $75,900 3 trims | $87,700 – $118,000 2 trims |
| Powertrains | BEV, HEV | GAS |
| EPA configuration compared | GLC400 4matic electric (ST) | — |
| Combined mpg / MPGe | 119 | — |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $650 | — |
| EV range | 350 mi | — |
| Basic warranty | — | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
| Powertrain warranty | — | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
| Roadside assistance | — | 4 yr |
Common questions
Source: EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press kitsWhich is better, the 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class or the 2027 Audi Q9?
The Audi Q9 edges it, 93.9 to 88.7, on space & cargo, safety, tech & comfort. The Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class is ahead on price and performance. On WhichTrim's default weights the 2027 Audi Q9 scores 93.9 and the 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class 88.7. The weights are yours to change — move what you care about and the verdict recalculates on the page.
Which is cheaper, the 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class or the 2027 Audi Q9?
The 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class starts lower — $69,900 against $87,700, a gap of $17,800 at the trims compared here. Both are manufacturer MSRPs before destination, options and dealer charges.
Which has the better safety record, the 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class or the 2027 Audi Q9?
2027 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class: no NHTSA rating yet, grade A, 0 recalls. 2027 Audi Q9: no NHTSA rating yet, grade A, 0 recalls. Crash ratings come from NHTSA's own tests; the grade is WhichTrim's read of the recall record, and the two can disagree.
What are the biggest differences between the 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class and the 2027 Audi Q9?
Where the 2027 Audi Q9 wins: it lists 15 standard driver-assist features against 9, holds 50 cu ft behind the second row against 21.9, and opens up to 87.7 cu ft of cargo against 59.3. Where the 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class answers: it starts $17,800 lower ($69,900 against $87,700 base MSRP) and carries 189 hp per ton against 162. What they share: a Safety Signal of 100.