Head-to-head
2027 Audi SQ9 vs 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class
The Audi SQ9 edges it, 89.1 to 85.7, on tech & comfort, space & cargo, performance. The Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class is ahead on price.
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2027 Audi SQ9
The 2027 Audi SQ9 is a gas midsize SUV announced by Audi in 1 trim; 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 SQ9
Slight edgeThe Audi SQ9 edges it, 89.1 to 85.7, on tech & comfort, space & cargo, performance. The Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class is ahead on price.
Price 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class leads by 40.8
Tech & comfort 2027 Audi SQ9 leads by 33.3
Space & cargo 2027 Audi SQ9 leads by 32.4
| Category · weight | 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Classoverall 85.7 | 2027 Audi SQ9overall 89.1 | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricew 4 | 100 | 59.2 | |||||||||
Base MSRP of the trim (or the model's lowest trim). Lower is better. | |||||||||||
| Fuel & rangenot compared | No data | No data | |||||||||
| Safetyw 4 | 100 | 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 | 67.6 | 100 | |||||||||
Seats, cargo volume behind the 1st and 2nd rows, rear legroom. | |||||||||||
| Performancew 2 | 75 | 100 | |||||||||
Horsepower, torque and horsepower per ton. | |||||||||||
| Tech & comfortw 3 | 66.7 | 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 | 85.7 | 89.1 | |||||||||
Trim vs trim · 5 of 7 categories compared
Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class: base trim AMG GLC 53 SUV AWD · Audi SQ9: base trim SQ9 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 SQ9 wins
- It lists more comfort and tech equipment (24 points against 16 on the press-kit count, standard = 1, optional = ½).
- It opens up to 87.7 cu ft of cargo against 59.3.
- It makes 591 hp against 443.
Where the 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class answers
- It starts $48,100 lower ($69,900 against $118,000 base MSRP).
What they share
- A Safety Signal of 100.
- 9 standard driver-assist features.
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
33 specs · manufacturer press kits| Spec | Mercedes-Benz GLC-ClassAMG GLC 53 SUV AWD | Audi SQ9SQ9 AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Base MSRP (excludes destination) | $69,900 | $118,000 |
| Engine Basics | ||
| Aspiration | twin turbo | twin turbo |
| Cylinder count | 6 | 8 |
| Engine displacement | 2,999 cc | 4,000 cc |
| Engine type (full description) | AMG-Enhanced 3.0L Inline-6 with Exhaust Gas Turbocharger and Electric Auxiliary Compressor | 4.0-liter twin turbo V8 |
| Engine Output | ||
| Horsepower | 443 hp | 591 hp |
| Torque | 443 lb-ft | 590 lb-ft |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| MPG (city) | 20 mpg | — |
| MPG (combined) | 22 mpg | — |
| MPG (highway) | 26 mpg | — |
| Transmission | ||
| Transmission speeds | 9 | 8 |
| Transmission type | AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G | automatic |
| Dimensions Exterior | ||
| Ground clearance | — | 10 in |
| Overall height | 64.4 in | — |
| Overall length | 187 in | 209 in |
| Overall width | 75.6 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 | — |
| Cargo volume behind 3rd row | — | 19.3 cu-ft |
| Seating | ||
| Passenger seating capacity | — | 7 |
| Weights | ||
| Curb weight (minimum) | 4,685 lbs | — |
| Suspension | ||
| Front suspension type | — | adaptive air suspension |
| Rear suspension type | — | adaptive air suspension |
| Steering | ||
| Steering type | 3-Stage AMG Parameter Steering with Variable Ratio | progressive variable-ratio rack with rear-wheel steering |
| Turning radius (curb-to-curb) | 21.3 ft | — |
| Brakes | ||
| Front brake diameter | 391 mm | — |
| Front brake type | ventilated disc | — |
| Rear brake diameter | 361 mm | — |
| Rear brake type | Disc with 1-Piston Floating Calipers | — |
| Wheels | ||
| Wheel diameter | 20 in | 22 in |
| Wheel material | — | alloy |
| Tires | ||
| Tire size | Front: 265/45 R 20 / Rear: 295/40 R 20 | 285/40R22 front, 305/35R22 rear (standard); 285/35R23 front, 315/30R23 rear (optional) |
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
106 features · differences first, then sharedSafety16 differ · 18 listed
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz GLC-ClassAMG GLC 53 SUV AWD | Audi SQ9SQ9 AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Standard automatic emergency braking: standard forward and reverse collision mitigation with pedestrian and cyclist detection | — | std |
| Standard 360-degree camera system: standard surround-view cameras with multiple viewing angles for parking and maneuvering | — | std |
| Standard rear cross-traffic assist: warns of approaching vehicles when reversing out of parking spaces | — | std |
| Exit warning: radar sensors detect approaching vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians when occupants prepare to exit; prevents power-assisted doors from opening if potential collision detected | — | std |
| Standard trailer stability assist: detects trailer sway and applies selective braking to stabilize (requires the optional trailer hitch) | — | std |
| Active Brake Assist | std | — |
| Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC | std | — |
| Adaptive cruise assist plus with hands-free highway driving (Level 2+, up to 85 mph) with driver monitoring camera | — | std |
| AMG Sport Braking System with Silver AMG Brake Calipers | std | — |
| Available trailer maneuvering assist: manages steering during reversing with trailer attached (requires optional trailer hitch) | — | 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 | — |
| PARKTRONIC with Active Parking Assist | std | — |
| PRE-SAFE® with PRE-SAFE® Sound | std | — |
| Standard park assist plus: automated parallel and perpendicular parking with steering, acceleration, and braking control | — | std |
| Surround View 360 Camera | std | — |
| Transparent Hood Function | std | — |
| Digital Matrix LED headlights with adaptive driving beam functionality | std | std |
| Standard blind spot monitoring: visual and haptic warnings when vehicles occupy adjacent lanes; integrates with door-mounted radar for exit warning | std | std |
Infotainment16 differ · 16 listed
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz GLC-ClassAMG GLC 53 SUV AWD | Audi SQ9SQ9 AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Dual 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 MMI front passenger display with active privacy mode | — | std |
| Amazon Alexa integration via MMI | — | std |
| AMG Real Performance Sound | std | — |
| AMG Track PACE | opt | — |
| Audi Digital Stage MMI panoramic display with Audi virtual cockpit plus and 14.5-inch MMI touch display | — | std |
| Bang & Olufsen Premium Sound System with 4D Sound: 1,360 watt amplifier, 24 channels, 22 speakers, two seat actuators, Fraunhofer Symphoria technology, headrest speakers | — | opt |
| Eight USB charging ports throughout the cabin | — | std |
| Inductive Wireless Smartphone Charging | std | — |
| 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 | — |
| Standard factory-integrated dashcam system mounted into the rearview mirror (records forward-facing video with micro-SD card) | — | std |
| Standard head-up display | — | std |
| Steering wheel paddle shifters | — | std |
| 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 | — |
| Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto | std | — |
Convenience3 differ · 3 listed
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz GLC-ClassAMG GLC 53 SUV AWD | Audi SQ9SQ9 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 electric-assisted power doors on all four corners | — | opt |
| Digital Vehicle Key for Smartphone | std | — |
Climate1 differ · 1 listed
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz GLC-ClassAMG GLC 53 SUV AWD | Audi SQ9SQ9 AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Five-zone automatic climate control (with independent third-row zone) | — | std |
Seating11 differ · 12 listed
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz GLC-ClassAMG GLC 53 SUV AWD | Audi SQ9SQ9 AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Ventilated front seats with a massage function for the driver and front passenger | — | std |
| Heated second-row outboard seats | opt | std |
| 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 seats | — | std |
| Heated third-row seating | — | std |
| Heavily bolstered sports seat plus with welcome lighting | — | std |
| Seat massage function for driver and front passenger (standard) | — | std |
| Second-row seats power-adjustable and can tilt forward, even with unoccupied front-facing child seats installed | — | std |
| Sequential folding buttons located at the rear right side allow the third row to be folded remotely | — | std |
| Two captain's chairs for limousine-like comfort in the second row | — | opt |
| Heated seats in the first row | std | std |
Interior11 differ · 11 listed
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz GLC-ClassAMG GLC 53 SUV AWD | Audi SQ9SQ9 AWD |
|---|---|---|
| AMG Performance Steering Wheel in Nappa Leather with AMG DRIVE UNIT Buttons and Heated Rim | std | — |
| Power tilt and telescoping steering wheel | — | std |
| 64-Color Ambient Lighting | std | — |
| 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 | — |
| Carbon basalt structure inlay (standard interior trim) | — | std |
| Center Console with AMG Logo | std | — |
| Digital compass integrated into auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink capability (three programmable buttons) | — | std |
| Luxury package: eight digital DRL signatures, OLED taillights with eight digital signatures, Air quality package, Automatic doors, Dinamica headliner, Illuminated front grille | — | opt |
| Standard ambient lighting with full-color customization (contour and surface lighting) | — | std |
Exterior26 differ · 26 listed
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz GLC-ClassAMG GLC 53 SUV AWD | Audi SQ9SQ9 AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Panoramic Sliding Sunroof | std | — |
| 20-inch AMG Wheels | std | — |
| 22-inch 5-double-spoke design wheel in bicolor finish | — | std |
| 23-inch black optic wheel package (dark wheels with summer tires) | — | opt |
| 23-inch Multispoke-S design wheels (bicolor or black metallic finish) with summer tires | — | opt |
| 23-inch wheel package (Audi Sport wheels with summer tires) | — | opt |
| Additional 20-inch AMG Wheel Designs, 21-inch AMG Wheels and 21-inch AMG Forged Wheels | opt | — |
| Advanced turn signals: ground-projected stylized turn signal indicator synchronized with dynamic front and rear turn signals (requires Digital Matrix LED headlights and Digital OLED taillights) | — | std |
| AMG Carbon Fiber Exterior Package | opt | — |
| AMG Night Package | opt | — |
| AMG Night Package Plus | opt | — |
| AMG Performance Studio Package | opt | — |
| Black optic package (darkened exterior elements) | — | opt |
| Design Package | opt | — |
| Digital daytime running lights with 68 segments per side and up to eight digital light signatures | — | std |
| Digital Matrix LED headlights with 25,600 individual micro-LEDs and adaptive driving beam (standard on SQ9) | — | std |
| Dual-pane acoustic glass on all side windows | — | std |
| Golden Accents Package | opt | — |
| Illuminated Audi rings (front and rear), standard | — | std |
| Illuminated panoramic sunroof (optional, planned for availability after launch) | — | opt |
| Illuminated Singleframe grille and ground projection (part of Luxury package) | — | opt |
| Largest panoramic sunroof ever fitted to an Audi – spanning more than 16 square feet with power-opening function and switchable transparency with nine individual segments | — | std |
| Rain-Sensing Windshield Wipers and Heated Windshield Washer System | std | — |
| Spoiler light integrated into third brake light projecting brake light onto rear window | — | std |
| Staggered-width performance tires: 22-inch 285/40 front and 305/35 rear all-season tires standard; optional 23-inch 285/35 front and 315/30 rear summer tires | — | std |
| Third-generation curved digital OLED taillights with 512 individual segments and up to eight digital light signatures | — | opt |
Powertrain7 differ · 9 listed
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz GLC-ClassAMG GLC 53 SUV AWD | Audi SQ9SQ9 AWD |
|---|---|---|
| 4.0-liter twin turbo V8 producing 591 hp and 590 lb.-ft. of torque, eight-speed Tiptronic automatic 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 Speedshift® TCT 9G | std | — |
| Brake torque vectoring | — | std |
| Electronically controlled limited-slip differential at the rear | opt | std |
| RACE Start | std | — |
| Rear-biased quattro with electronically controlled rear-axle differential lock | — | std |
| quattro all-wheel drive | std | std |
| Audi drive select with six modes: balanced, comfort, dynamic, offroad, individual, and assistant | std | std |
Chassis8 differ · 8 listed
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz GLC-ClassAMG GLC 53 SUV AWD | Audi SQ9SQ9 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 ride-height adjustment (3.5 inches of adjustment range, maximum ground clearance of 10 inches) | — | std |
| AMG RIDE CONTROL Suspension with Adaptive Damping | std | — |
| Progressive steering at the front axle with variable ratio | — | std |
| Rear-axle steering (rear-wheel steering) | — | std |
| S sport package: sport-tuned adaptive air suspension and red brake calipers | — | opt |
| Sport adaptive air suspension (part of the S sport package) | — | opt |
Cargo1 differ · 2 listed
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz GLC-ClassAMG GLC 53 SUV AWD | Audi SQ9SQ9 AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum rail system in trunk for securing cargo with sliding hooks and adjustable tie-downs | — | std |
| Optional integrated tow hitch with a removable cover | 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 SQ9
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 SQ9SQ9 AWD | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $69,900 (base trim) | $118,000 (base trim) |
| Price range across trims | $69,900 – $75,900 3 trims | $118,000 1 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 | — | — |
| Powertrain warranty | — | — |
| Roadside assistance | — | — |
Common questions
Source: EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press kitsWhich is better, the 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class or the 2027 Audi SQ9?
The Audi SQ9 edges it, 89.1 to 85.7, on tech & comfort, space & cargo, performance. The Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class is ahead on price. On WhichTrim's default weights the 2027 Audi SQ9 scores 89.1 and the 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class 85.7. 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 SQ9?
The 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class starts lower — $69,900 against $118,000, a gap of $48,100 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 SQ9?
2027 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class: no NHTSA rating yet, grade A, 0 recalls. 2027 Audi SQ9: 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 SQ9?
Where the 2027 Audi SQ9 wins: it lists more comfort and tech equipment (24 points against 16 on the press-kit count, standard = 1, optional = ½), opens up to 87.7 cu ft of cargo against 59.3, and makes 591 hp against 443. Where the 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class answers: it starts $48,100 lower ($69,900 against $118,000 base MSRP). What they share: a Safety Signal of 100 and 9 standard driver-assist features.