As you might expect from looking at them side by side in a parking lot, the Audi Q5 and the Audi SQ5 are two versions of the same small luxury crossover SUV. The SQ5 offers more power and some extra performance along with a few added luxury touches to help it feel a bit more premium.
Pros Impressively comfortable ride for a sport-tuned SUV Generous space for passengers Luxurious but restrained interior design Nimble handling
Cons Lack of touchscreen functionality limits smartphone integration usefulness
Thankfully, the Audi SQ5 is a lot more comfortable than most of them. Its standard adaptive suspension will let you choose between sporty or more comfortable settings, but the optional adaptive air suspension irons out bumps better than any other sporty SUV. It’ll also lower the car’s ride height at speed to make it more stable and you can raise it by 45mm if you fancy a spot of light off-roading.
Pros Very fast Great build quality Spacious interior
Cons Expensive options Diesel engine only Pricey compared to alternatives
The SQ5 displays great balance between driving dynamics and comfort, proving its worth in a competitive class.
Pros Numerous standard interior features, well-balanced ride, surprisingly fuel efficient.
Cons Passenger volume and cargo space is lacking, bland exterior design, falls short to its rivals in terms of performance.
Minor changes to standard feature availability, V8 models dropped for 2022.
Pros Balance of comfort and performance makes it an appealing daily driver Elegant design gives it a true luxury appearance Roomy seating for a small luxury SUV Solid fuel economy from the standard four-cylinder engine
Cons Less cargo space and towing capacity than competition
The GLC63 S model joins the lineup for 2022. The GLC63 S brings the 503-hp version of the twin-turbo V-8, previously reserved only for the GLC Coupe, to the more practical squareback body style this year. However, Mercedes-AMG has also told Car and Driver that certain 2022 models normally offered with V-8 engines will not be available. The GLC63 and GLC63 S models may be impacted by this change to the lineup, but representatives from Mercedes-AMG would not comment or confirm that information by press time.
Pros A trio of high-performance engine options, agile handling, deluxe cabin.
Cons Some rivals offer more cargo space, pronounced road noise when cruising, rough ride over imperfect pavement.
The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class's #1 ranking is based on its score within the Luxury Compact SUVs category. Currently the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class has a score of 8.4 out of 10, which is based on our evaluation of 43 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Refined cabin quality Strong twin-turbocharged engine options Composed handling High-tech infotainment system
Cons High base price for the class Cramped rear headroom and unimpressive cargo space in coupe body style
