Mercedes-AMG GLC43 vs Audi SQ5 vs Porsche Macan S: Here's our winner
- Mercedes-AMG GLC43 4Matic
- Powertrain and performance
- Standard equipment
- Price and value proposition
- The competition
- Audi SQ5
- Porsche Macan S
- Facts and figures:
With all-wheel drive, turbocharged six-cylinder engines and German descent, the Mercedes-AMG GLC43, Audi SQ5 and Porsche Macan have quite a lot in common, but which one gets our vote?
Performance SUVs have replaced saloon cars as the products that those after practical performance cars look to in the premium market. Despite being a bit long in the tooth, the Mercedes-AMG GLC43 is still a tempting proposition, as are the Audi SQ5 and the Porsche Macan S, which can both be had for similar money. We will be comparing the AMG with these key rivals to determine which is best.
Mercedes-AMG GLC43 4Matic
Powertrain and performance
Powering the GLC43 is a 3.0-litre turbo petrol engine that produces 287kW and 520Nm of torque. The engine is paired with a 9-speed automatic gearbox that sends power to all four wheels, allowing for a 0-100km/h time of 4.9 seconds and a claimed fuel consumption figure of 10.6 L/100km.
Standard equipment
The GLC43 gets 19-inch alloy wheels, 7 airbags, outer rear ISOFIX child seat anchor points, climate control, a multifunction steering wheel, a colour screen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, multiple USB ports, front and rear electric windows, keyless entry/start, adaptive air suspension, cruise control, suede and artificial leather seats, cruise control, LED headlights, ambient lighting and silver roof rails.
Safety
The GLC was crash tested by the IIHS in the USA in 2022, achieving a 5-Star rating.
Practicality
The GLC is a very practical product, with a large boot and a 2 460kg braked towing capacity.
Price and value proposition
The AMG is the most expensive car among the three, but as with many premium German products, our trio’s respective list prices can rise quickly when options are added.
The competition
Audi SQ5
The SQ5 has 260kW and 500Nm from a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 petrol engine paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, allowing for a 5.4 second 0-100km/h time and a claimed consumption figure of 9.2 L/100km
The Audi is similarly specified to the AMG, but gets 6 airbags, full leather seats and front and rear PDC, while on the safety front, the Q5 was also evaluated by the IIHS, where it too received a 5-Star rating, along with a Top Safety Pick+ from the programme.
The SQ5 is very similar to the AMG in terms of dimensions, offering the same size boot and a braked towing capacity of 2 400kg. From a value perspective, the Audi is the cheapest model here by over R100 000 when looking at the Mercedes, making it comparatively good value.
Porsche Macan S
The Porsche offers 280kW and 520Nm of torque from its 2.9-litre twin-turbocharged petrol engine which is paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox sending power to all four wheels, allowing for a 0-100km/h sprint time of just 4.8 seconds and a claimed fuel consumption figure of 9.9 L/100km.
In the specification department, the Macan is similar to its rivals, but loses out on air suspension, but has the most airbags, with 8, while front and rear PDC are standard too. The Porsche was crash-tested by Euro NCAP, where it achieved a 5-Star rating. Looking at the Porsche from a value perspective, it splits the Audi and AMG in terms of price, making it reasonably value-packed, however, it has the smallest boot among the three, but does offer a similar braked towing capacity of 2 400kg.
Facts and figures:
* Manufacturer’s claimed figures.
Pricing was all-inclusive at the time of writing but may change without prior notice.
Verdict
Having looked at the figures, we would be confident recommending any of these models to prospective buyers, however, there can only be one winner, and that is the Audi on this occasion, since it offers so much value and scores well in each department.
Sean NurseWith a lifelong passion for cars, bikes, and motorsport, Sean knew that attaining a degree in journalism would allow him to pursue his passion, which was to be a motoring journalist. After graduating in 2012, Sean was awarded a bursary from the SAGMJ which allowed him to work for a variety of motoring publications. This was a dream come true for Sean, and after a year of gaining vital industry experience, he was hired as a motoring journalist at a local newspaper and worked his way up to editor. In 2020, Sean joined the AutoTrader team and counts himself lucky to wake up and genuinely love what he does for a living.View News & Reviews
