Audi SQ5 vs. Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 Dispute Settled With a Drag Race

This is the second generation of the SQ5. The first one came with either a supercharger or a twin-turbo TDI, but now there's only a single-turbo 3-liter like you get in the S4 wagon/sedan. It's a competent engine that sounds good, but the SQ5 doesn't get exhausted tips, which puts some people off.

Likewise, the GLC 43 is a little bit old. Its twin-turbo 3-liter V6 has been replaced by an inline-6 in other Mercedes models, and next year, a facelift should bring its power up to around 400 HP. But for now, it's quite similar in performance to the Audi.

The Parkers review starts by looking at the interiors of the two. Mercedes cabins are popular, but the reviewer points out areas where build quality isn't up to their standards. The SQ5's layout will strike many as too sterile, meanwhile, but fans of the brand will appreciate the superior infotainment technology and materials used. Practicality is not a problem in either of these versatile machines.

The Audi is agile and planted, though its 8-speed automatic can be a little bit laggy at the start. The GLC 43 is softer and doesn't appreciate being driven hard. Despite being lighter, it doesn't feel that much faster. If you'd like, there's a clip where the exhaust sound can be sampled down below.

Thus, the SQ5 is declared the winner of this comparison, but what about that drag race we promised? Well, the Audi manages to pull ahead, despite specs which suggested it was slower.