There is a lot of pressure to make luxury compact vehicles. They need to be packed with all the goodness of a full-sized SUV in one tiny package, and if this is not difficult enough, there is also a need to keep everything as luxurious as possible. Thankfully, the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC seems to achieve perfection and proves how even a compact car can be intimidating too.
Just like the previous model years, the 2021 Audi Q5 is a popular crossover, one of the bestsellers from the brand. Let us find out if this popularity is enough to make the rather pretty GLC look bad.
Design & Style
The 2020 GLC may be all new but the familiar design and styling cues are tweaked only a bit. It earned the good looks from its predecessors and it carries it well. The curvaceous nose is punctuated by the new bumpers and grille. The three-pointed star is prominent-looking and other details added a muscular appeal to the GLC. The cabin has all the fine amenities you can expect from a luxury vehicle. it is comfortable, has a flowing layout, and the materials made the interior look as rich as it usually is.
The new Audi Q5 has a clean styling but not imaginative. It can pass as a conservative-looking crossover but it lacks connection and wow factor to impress. In fact, the current shape has still bits of the original release even though it had a major redesign back in 2018.
Technology & Safety
The latest MBUX headlines the round of impressive tech features on the GLC. It comes with a huge 10.25 touch screen display and both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The standard safety features are also seamlessly integrated on the GLC.
There are three trim levels for the new Q5 so you basically have a choice whether to get a standard infotainment or get blown away by the more expensive options. It also has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity but with a generic-looking 7-inch screen as a digital controller.
Performance
What’s new on the latest GLC is the introduction of a plug-in hybrid version that will be released by mid-2020. His would mean that the standard equipment of 2.0-liter engine will be more amazing fro its current delivery of 255 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. It is exciting to think about how the hybrid could make the turbocharged V8 version even more exhilarating.
The Q5 offers a composed ride with its decent 248-hp engine. There is also a plug-in hybrid that is appealing. Quick transmissions and crisp shifts are what make the Q5 feel sporty to drive but it cannot be trusted when off-road driving.
The Bottom Line
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC is no slouch when it comes to impressing the public with something new to look forward for. There is a myriad of options to suite everyone’s perception of luxury. The 2020 Audi Q5 is also good but it looks uninspired which is why it comes only as a poor alternative to the GLC.
Ready to Schedule a 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC Test Drive Today?
If you are interested in buying the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC, let Mercedes-Benz of Huntington deliver the best deal in town for you. We serve customers throughout the state and its surrounding regions. Drop by our showroom located in Huntington or call us to pre-book for a 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC test drive appointment today!
