Audi Q5 vs Mercedes-Benz GLC

WE SAY ‘NEW’ Q! LOOKS ENTIRELY FAMILIAR""" BUT IT’LL TEACH A BENZ SOME NEW TRICKS

Ooh, yet more posh crossovers... Which is more practical?

Indeed, and this is the one Middle England has been waiting for: the MkII Audi Q5 in sportisch S line trim with the sensible 189bhp, 2.0-litre diesel, auto gearbox and quattro drive. Samey recipe, samey looks.

Just as the Q5 is an A4 Avant on tiptoes, the GLC jacks up Mercedes C-Class estate powertrain, interior and tech. This is the most powerful four-cylinder version, with 369lb ft and nine gears.

Plenty of rear legroom and headroom here, but the sculpted rear seats mean three across the back is going to be more uncomfortable than in the Benz. Smaller rear doors impede access.

The GLC wins points for slightly longer rear doors, a flatter rear seat and flat loading sill where the Audi has a ledge in the boot. Both cars offer 550-litre boots. Audi has better all-round visibility.

I'm doing big distance: Audi or Mercedes?

Proper split decision, this. The Audi is unbelievably quiet for a four-pot diesel - the cold start is so smooth you'll wonder if it's petrol-powered, and there's a mite less wind noise than the Merc. But, beyond the inital getaway, the Q5 is a bit more sluggish and the high-speed ride is choppy. No SQ5 smarts have been transplanted.

For £1,495, Merc offers air suspension so you can pump the ride height and have comfy or sporty modes. Like all Airmatic Mercs, it makes the body control lollopy, pitching around at speed with body roll at odds with the fast steering... but it is comfier over big bumps than this Q5. Ageing 2.1-litre engine is a proper rattlebox.

Can the Q5 be beaten inside?

Not material-wise. The bits you touch in here are simply more tactile and the infotainment is friendlier. However, it's a much more austere place to be, where the Mercedes feels rich and welcoming.

Yup, the Merc wins on baroque design but feels plasticky on the console. There's more stowage space up front thanks to the gear lever cleverly migrating to behind the steering wheel, though.