Looking to Buy Either Mercedes GLC 43 AMG or Audi SQ5

LKiller Inc on 27/02/2023 - 15:54
Last edited 27/02/2023 - 16:01 by 2 other users

Hi OzBargain family.

I am debating between the new Mercedes GLC43 AMG vs Audi SQ5

Context - looking to buy SUV, budget 100-130k.

I did test drive BMW X3m40i but not feeling it, Volvo XC60 B6 but I don't think it is worth the 100k ish price tag. Looked at Macan S/ GTS - Porcshe sales suggest that the boot in Macan might be a bit small, better to go with Cayenne or Cayenne S/ Cayenne E-hybrid. RSQ3 - Audi is not taking orders, due to a supply shortage. I've driven a Porsche Cayenne over 10yrs ago, it is a great car without a doubt and fairly reasonable to maintain but fast forward to the 2018-2019 2nd hand price is around $120-$140k with 20-30k on the odometers.

For the price range around 100-130k ish, I'm leaning towards a new car due to the current market, 2nd hand / near new are a similar price to new cars.

As much as I prefer Audi myself but I'm a bit concerned about the Turbo Diesel resale of SQ5… and Merc dealer's customer service is such a snob compared to BMW, AUDI or Volvo.

I would like to seek some owners feedback from Merc or Audi owners.

Thanks

Poll Options

  • 39
    Audi SQ5
  • 125
    Merc GLC 43 AMG
Automotive Audi Car Mercedes-Benz SUV

Comments

    • Killer Inc on 28/02/2023 - 15:37
      -1

      Doesn't excites me as SQ5, this is weird to say for a turbo Diesel, plus the driving dynamic I feel like SQ5 moles around you. X3 i feel like a passenger in the driver's seat.

      if I'm picky, X3m40i is not a full M car either.

      • CouponSteve on 28/02/2023 - 22:19
        +2

        None of these cars are the ‘full sports’ versions. That’s the appeal of them.

        They have a softer ride which is more suited to commuting, but on the weekend you can put it in sports mode and have a lot fun.

        If you plan on going to the track, you should look at the X3M and Macan GTS. But to be fair, they are still SUVs so if you’re serious about the track, then maybe t consider the sedan/ coupe vehicles like the M3/4 and C63.

  • MrThing on 28/02/2023 - 15:31

    Soz only camry drivers here

    Best take your 400k salary to hurlpool

    • Killer Inc on 28/02/2023 - 20:02

      Start your own Camry Forum ;)

  • Jamesrulez1 on 28/02/2023 - 17:07
    +1

    Merc. Audis seats over time just look horrendous.

  • Thudders on 28/02/2023 - 17:12

    I don’t understand the appeal for these fast mid-size SUVs, while they’re fast, they’re too big and heavy to be “sporty”

    Why not buy a SUV l if you need it for the space and an actually sporty vehicle.

    Lots of combinations that would better meet both requirements of useful IMO. e.g.
    RAV4 and RS3
    IX3 and i30n

    • ToyotaCrownHybrid on 28/02/2023 - 17:15
      +1

      Sporty? Rav4? kekw

      • Thudders on 28/02/2023 - 17:21

        Exactly, honestly the same could be said for any of the SUVs mentioned.

        Why spend 130k on a SQ5 that isn’t sporty nor useful as a SUV sized vehicle when you could buy two vehicles that between them tick both boxes better

        • ToyotaCrownHybrid on 28/02/2023 - 18:09

          Apologies, I completely misread your comment about 2 separate cars.
          A Much better and cheaper idea.

    • Muzeeb on 28/02/2023 - 20:12
      +1

      RS3 is 5 cylinders of awesomeness

  • bmxr on 28/02/2023 - 17:24
    +1

    The 43 has always been an interesting proposition for me.

    I know there are many other considerations as to why the 43 might be the best fit (and they are more subtly styled and less noisy), but it always seems like someone had just enough money to get the 43, but couldn't quite stretch it to afford the 63. I know this isn't the only reason! But like you said above "X3m40i is not a full M car either" - I think the same about the 43. It's just my first response when I see one. And now they've introduced the 53?! WTH.

    That being said, our MB c350e has been absolutely faultless since we've owned it and we now love the whole MB ecosystem and products. We have since bought an A-class and will probably get an EQS/EQC for the next vehicle. Yes the servicing is expensive, but it's probably comparable to Audi.

  • SolitaryMan on 28/02/2023 - 17:31

    Which one is higher yielding?

  • Herbse on 28/02/2023 - 18:14
    +1

    If you're buying these close to or outside of warranty. Best of luck to you.

    • dlakers3peat on 28/02/2023 - 19:20

      He sais he is buying brand new. 5 years warranty for both.

    • Killer Inc on 28/02/2023 - 20:00

      yea im aware of being out of warranty or finding something pre-approved by a dealer with a warranty..

  • dlakers3peat on 28/02/2023 - 19:20
    +1

    Do not buy the glc 43, not because its a mercedes but because of serious issue with extreme tyre wear. Google it and you will see. My brother in law had one and absolutely hated it and sold within 6 months.
    Complained of the same issue and the tyres are very expensive.
    To answer your question I would pick the sq5. I drive an s3 and I love it and my wife drives mb glb250, so have experience with both.

    • Killer Inc on 28/02/2023 - 19:55

      Oh i didnt know about the Tyre wear, could it be the factory alignment issue?

      I will do some research!

      • dlakers3peat on 28/02/2023 - 22:35

        It absolutely is. Problem only exists for right hand drive vehicles.

  • FlyingMiffy on 28/02/2023 - 19:39
    +1

    BMW X3M second hand is about that price range. Much better buy than any of the above.

    • Killer Inc on 28/02/2023 - 19:54

      hmm thanks for the suggestion, might look into it.

    • CouponSteve on 28/02/2023 - 22:05

      X3M is a hard ride for a daily IMO. But it does make a perfect weekend car.

  • raiseyoursteaks on 28/02/2023 - 20:08

    Audi/VW not only have supply issues, their parts supply all too disrupted

    • Killer Inc on 28/02/2023 - 20:34

      yea im fully aware, however, im looking at existing new car that is not registered yet.. or else pre-owned if it is reasonably priced / balance of warranty

  • DollarConscious on 28/02/2023 - 20:44
    +1

    The current shape GLC43 was first introduced in 2016 and the current shape SQ5 was introduced in 2018.

    They have had minor exterior tweaks (face lift) however for the most car the car and its technology is rather aged. This hurts resale which is something to consider.

    Perhaps check out the VW Touareg as this presents as a much more modern car.

    If you like the Audi look at the Q7 interior. This is a new design. I wonder if this style will eventually come in an SQ5.

    • Killer Inc on 01/03/2023 - 09:38

      Q7 a bit too big for our single-car garage, unfortunately..

      Yea I did notice GLC43 and SQ5 facelifts throughout the years but also fixed a few of the common issues.

  • mlburnian on 28/02/2023 - 20:57
    +2

    Second hand stelvio quadrifoglio

    • Commander Shepard on 02/03/2023 - 00:54

      Was looking for this reply.

      • mlburnian on 02/03/2023 - 19:45

        Yea it’s basically a poor man’s ferrari

  • hopper on 28/02/2023 - 21:11
    -1

    Looking to Buy Either Mercedes GLC 43 AMG or Audi SQ5

    No offense, but I think for 5 mins before buying a hotwheels car from kmart for my son….. Guess I need to drive my hyundai for other decade…

  • CouponSteve on 28/02/2023 - 22:10
    +2

    Having driven all the cars in question last year, my opinion is:

    1. Macan S
    2. X3 M40
    3. GLC43
    4. SQ5

    Everyone has different priorities. Go for what you like. They are all brilliant cars.

  • OzzyOzbourne on 28/02/2023 - 22:18
    +1

    I find my 43 AMG a bit faster, but my GF SQ5 is definitely more comfortable. Swings and roundabouts really.

  • zeoko on 28/02/2023 - 22:21
    +1

    Why why why? Why do you guys need to rub salt on my wound? Everytime I see post as these, I wonder how people are able to afford such costly cars?

    • Shiny Mew on 01/03/2023 - 08:22
      +1

      Doctors/dentists, tradies, mining workers, software devs, Whirlpool admins. Plenty of high-paid jobs out there.

  • matt-ozb on 28/02/2023 - 22:35
    +1

    You're a bit behind the times … the glamorous brands these days are not Audi, Merc, BMW … they are at the low end and you will not be seen as cool driving those cars.

    These days the cool brands are Toyota, Kia, Hyundai.

    Most people don't take a second glance at any BMW, Audi, Merc these days .. they have very poor quality and reliability .. but when you see a Toyota, Kia, Hyundai, then they turn heads and people are envious.

    Went for a drive in my mate's SQ5 .. nothing special at all .. would take a Kia Sorrento in preference.

    • dlakers3peat on 28/02/2023 - 23:48
      +1

      Not sure if you are being serious or not.

  • factor on 01/03/2023 - 07:08

    Sorry to hear you are priced out of the housing market. These mobile homes are certainly much cheaper.

  • TheMindsetTraveller on 01/03/2023 - 07:21

    Buy the GLC43, and you can cruise the streets with cheetojesus in his Ford Raptor, impressing all the blokes on the outside.

  • nimnomnimy on 01/03/2023 - 08:07

    i always find it funny when you come asking for specific advice and have an army of people trying to convince you to get something totally different as if you hadn’t thought of it yourself.

    chiming in as an audi owner, i absolutely love my car and find it hard to even consider upgrading it.

    the only thing i hate is getting ripped off every service, eg- acc / lane assist camera $4000, average service $1500-2000

    they try to charge $200 for wiper blades which take like 6 seconds to replace.

    it’s probably the same with all euro places so consider the long term cost is much more than the purchase price

    • maverickjohn on 01/03/2023 - 10:27

      100% this.
      Even I did this by asking about the ix3 but I'm not trying to dismiss their choices . Mine was more around have you considered etc..which he did. But his choices are all great cars.
      I'm BMW biased so not seeing it as an option made it fairly neutral. In the vote

      • xdigger on 01/03/2023 - 13:37

        Any thoughts on the new iX1 vs iX3?

        • Killer Inc on 01/03/2023 - 15:44

          BMW is lazy.. they use the same base as the normal X1 n X3..

          no front boot space..

          Unlike Tesla designed to have front and rear boot space.

          • maverickjohn on 01/03/2023 - 22:42

            @Killer Inc: This is true but it drives extremely well.

          • nimnomnimy on 01/03/2023 - 22:47

            @Killer Inc: my brother in law said his tesla didn’t even come with a key fob and it was another $175 option + $18 if you want the band for the key.

            also if you buy the key fob, it doesn’t come with a battery lol

            add to that no carplay. personally i think electric cars are still 5-8 years away from being worthwhile given the state of charging infrastructure and price

        • maverickjohn on 01/03/2023 - 22:43

          IX1 will have new dash interior and better battery so probably the way to go. Ix3 is obviously bigger and a little more luxury

  • Shiny Mew on 01/03/2023 - 08:19
    +1

    Out of an interest, why an SUV and not a (dynamically superior) wagon such as an RS4 or Alpina B3?

    • Killer Inc on 01/03/2023 - 09:56

      Personally, i would choose a wagon over an SUV, however, this is a compromise between my partner, she wants an SUV, I want a powerful wagon = "Sporty SUV" :|

  • zeppeybabey on 01/03/2023 - 08:40
    +1

    You should look further into the X3 40M - the B58 inline 6 cyl engine is a monster. A capable, robust engine. Smooth power delivery across the spectrum. Easily and safely tuned (if you go that route) to make 300kw easily.

    • Killer Inc on 01/03/2023 - 09:57

      X3M just a bit out of my price range, we test-drove X3m40i a few weeks ago and my partner is not a fan of BMW :\

  • Metre on 01/03/2023 - 10:18
    +1

    Q5, GLC, Macan is all near the end of their current run, with the brand new GLC coming Q2 2023.

    Performance/prestige/comfort - Macan
    Luxury/tech/comfort - 2023 GLC
    Tech/Performance per $ - Q5/X3
    Good resale? - probably none

    Edit: If you want a good performance SUV go for a Formentor VZx and potentially save yourself $60K.

    • Killer Inc on 01/03/2023 - 15:30

      Good point, i did look at Cupra.. good value for money i must say! underbody is technically VW

      I got a suspicious feeling that the new GLC 43amg will be a 2ltr turbo,hybrid -_- yea it will provide good mileage, be cheap to run and more powerful…

  • Austin 316 on 01/03/2023 - 11:06
    +1

    Have you looked at the BMW iX? It's a little more than $130k but you might be able to find dealer demos in that range, if you use your bargaining skills learn on Ozbargain :)

    • Killer Inc on 01/03/2023 - 15:32
      +1

      yes and im not looking for EV

      • Austin 316 on 01/03/2023 - 15:44

        Ah, yes. Missed that point about not wanting an EV.

  • AG87 on 01/03/2023 - 12:00

    There's a new RX coming out soon watching a chasing cars review on the YT no issues with the cvt (i think the stigma needs to go out the window if you haven't driven this specific model) they have heavily praised it, I would warrant to check it out. Otherwise for the money I would at the new Mazda cx-60 or hold out for the larger cx-90 bigger 3L engines with torque converters that's coming out.

  • Morphio25 on 01/03/2023 - 15:11
    +3

    Where's the option for both are a waste of money?

    • ozwog05 on 01/03/2023 - 19:19

      *sniff * wadiyatalkinabeet.

    • MrFrugalSpend on 01/03/2023 - 23:39
      +1

      Indeed - Post about picking high cost of ownership German prestige SUVs… a staple of keeping up with the Jones's at private school pickup time… OP must not like retaining money and cares too much about seeking other people's approval (hence the post and car choices) - what are they doing on here on OzB!? Isn't there a different forum to debate the merits of which one will make the neighbour more envious?

  • mirz on 01/03/2023 - 16:31

    Q7 50 tdi is another good option if you like Porsche Cayenne.

    • Killer Inc on 02/03/2023 - 09:56

      Q7 just a bit too long? Cayenne is a good size

  • Blargman2001 on 01/03/2023 - 16:36
    +1

    I would save your money and get a house with space for two cars first. Then you can get what you want and she can get what she wants.

  • bobolo on 01/03/2023 - 16:52

    I would say SQ5

    Never was a fan of the "mid tier" AMG's….if GLC43 owners were given a choice between a 43 or a 63 for the same cost, all of them will choose the 63 everytime - so the assumption is always a case of simply "can't afford the proper one"

    Either way I also have a strong dislike for fake exhaust holes

  • [Deactivated] on 01/03/2023 - 18:47
    +2

    Kia EV6 GT for 100k over these models.

    Yes, it's not an Audi or Mercedes…but it's craps on both models mentioned in literally everyway

    I do like both the Audi and the Mercedes, looks wise they're both very nice.

    The Kia will out perform both models by alot - 0-100 in 3.5 seconds and it should be much cheaper to run.

    I'm pretty sure it's designed by the Ex Audi designer.

    Honestly, it would be a hard choice but being I'm single I'd like the fastest car 🤣🤣🤣
    EV would also be way cheap to run, and have better resale I would believe.

    • Killer Inc on 02/03/2023 - 09:53
      -5

      Yes EV are fast and improving year by year. and I love FAST cars too.

      I've driven a Tesla Model 3 Performance.. 3.5s 0-100k. but soulless.

      another problem with EVs is battery replacement in 5-8yrs time.. cost of replacement, and the battery waste

      Im not after an iPad on wheels yet. I want a dino juice-powered Car, that makes lots of noise to ensure pedestrians can hear me over their expensive noise-cancelling earphones before Jay-walking on roads.

      • [Deactivated] on 02/03/2023 - 13:14

        🤣🤣🤣

        I didn't neg you btw.

        I get it, but EV will hold value much better.

        I think only V8s+ will hold value.

        Unfortunately most these new models with high tech, I think repairing will cost alot.
        Esp tech issues, I'm not sure if want to own one out of warranty.

      • CowFrogHorse on 02/03/2023 - 19:27

        and where do you go fast in your car ?

        Because the speed limit is 110…

        • [Deactivated] on 03/03/2023 - 19:16

          I like to go fast til 110

      • JafferMoney on 03/03/2023 - 09:57

        LoL…the battery has 8 years warranty…not sure where you got 5-8 year REPLACEMENT from. Also, 8 year warranty doesn't mean it will fail at 8 years and 1 day.

        What ALOT of people forgot is that 8 years is quite a while away, so much more advancements to come in that period of time.

        ICE cars will become dinosaurs, there is no point really comparing ICE to EVs, it's like comparing dial up to high speed internet.

      • CowFrogHorse on 06/03/2023 - 00:05

        The less you drive the less you have to worry about running over pedestrians…

        If you dont drive you never have to worry about running over pedestrians.

  • Jowly on 01/03/2023 - 19:07

    National Bank Graduate

  • stemcell on 01/03/2023 - 20:39

    No matter how much money you have in your imagination you will still have imaginary blank buttons, update this thread with a photo as over the years on here its all dreams.

  • Shamdog on 01/03/2023 - 21:22

    What about the new Mazda CX-60s? They look very schmick as well as a plug in hybrid variant.

    • Killer Inc on 02/03/2023 - 11:11

      Good shout, however, we are after Euro SUV

      • Chael Sonnen on 02/03/2023 - 14:08

        Why does it have to be Euro? Is it the design/styling, brand name, etc?

        • Euphemistic on 02/03/2023 - 15:42

          So they don’t have to use indicators, can push in to queues and park anywhere.

        • Killer Inc on 03/03/2023 - 10:15

          Always wanted to own a Euro car.

          Driven lots of JDMs.. time for a change

  • lightcn on 01/03/2023 - 21:49
    +2

    Mitsubishi Magna. Get one of them. They were absolutely troopers. Close enough to an SUV too. Heaps of space inside the car. Saw one the other day that was still in mint condition.

    • Killer Inc on 02/03/2023 - 09:47

      Those were used to be bullet proof back in the days!

  • Enzalicious on 01/03/2023 - 21:54
    +1

    So I currently drive an Audi sq5 (diesel)
    Love the way the car handles, drives, and feels. Not much to dislike about the car.

    I did look at the glc 43 & M40i as well.
    I didn’t like the interior on the Merc, and at that point in time there was a lot of noise around “tyre crabbing” with the merc that put me off. Especially how Mercedes was treating their customers that had concerns. It may have been resolved now, not sure.

    I did like the BMW and the only reason I didn’t buy it was that the salesman was a dick. I wasn’t considering the Audi at that point but the dealership wasn’t too Far away so I thought I’d just check it out. I went and drove it and got an offer too good to refuse so bought it.

    I now have a RWD model Y on order for the wife. However, wife is starting a new job with a company car so now I’m considering canceling the Y order or selling the Audi. Tough decision as I really like driving the Audi, but the tax benefits are too good to resist for the Model Y.

    Good luck with your decision. I think they’re all fun cars that have pros and cons.

    • Killer Inc on 02/03/2023 - 09:45

      Thank you for sharing your experience.

      I did find Merc's customer service is a snob and tyre issue, but they might have fixed it. not sure.. might look up the merc forum for a recent review.

      I get the Model Y is great with all the tax benefits, i think it would be down to your lifestyle if you want to keep the SQ5.

      If financially viable, keep the Model Y n flip it for profit? If there is still a shortage of Tesla.

  • Mysterious Laptop on 01/03/2023 - 22:12
    +1

    I would 1000% avoid the merc, the all-new shape is just being released here in Australia. Personal preference would be the facelifted X3 M40i for sure

    • Killer Inc on 02/03/2023 - 09:37

      X3m40i is nice, but the driving dynamic is kinda ok.. compared to Audi SQ5

  • Commander Shepard on 02/03/2023 - 01:00
    +2

    We had a BMW X5 F15 30d for a few years. Was a great car and very reliable. Would happily buy another modern BMW. Especially if it had that B58!!!

    If I want to buy something a bit different. I would go a green Stelvio.

    • Killer Inc on 02/03/2023 - 09:25
      -1

      Stelvio looks good but not sure about Italian reliability

  • AustriaBargain on 02/03/2023 - 02:16

    The Audi is ugly for the price.

  • Dack Smith on 02/03/2023 - 06:35

    The Mercedes for sure, you got to flaunt that wealth and get some accolades on the post Covid Australian roads.

  • Hangryuman on 02/03/2023 - 08:48

    'Mercedes GLC43 AMG vs Audi SQ5'

    either sounds like a wanktastic choice

    • Killer Inc on 02/03/2023 - 09:25

      U can beat it ;)

  • DingoBilly on 02/03/2023 - 09:05

    Humblebrag.

    But also, get an EV. Why the (profanity) are you buying a petrol car at the moment? Makes no sense.

    • Killer Inc on 02/03/2023 - 09:35
      -2

      Because I like Noisey!! EV cars r soulless!

      OK serious answer, I don't want an EV car, wants to enjoy ICE as long as i can

    • CowFrogHorse on 02/03/2023 - 19:28
      -1

      What makes you think EV are good for the envionrment ?

      For starters all those batteries and the metal for the body etc dont grow on trees, they come from mines which run on oil.

  • Bargainitis on 02/03/2023 - 09:26
    +1

    weird flex haha

    • Blargman2001 on 02/03/2023 - 16:03
      +1

      Yeah, really strange. All of the people in my life that I know can actually afford these cars live in palatial mansions on half acre blocks 5 minutes from the CBD, yet OP can't even afford space for two cars…

  • echelon6 on 02/03/2023 - 12:42

    who's buying premium brand new 100k+ cars that are not EVs these days

    • [Deactivated] on 02/03/2023 - 13:15
      +1

      Because the EV Audi and Mercedes are all 200k, hence I said the Kia EV6 GT for 100k is a bargain.

    • Killer Inc on 02/03/2023 - 13:54

      lots of ppl who are really really into noisy cars! or don't have the luxury to charge at home because lots of apartments / strata don't have the infrastructure / budget to upgrade.

      • p1 ama on 02/03/2023 - 20:41

        lots of ppl who are really really into noisy cars!

        Then be cool and get an import RX7 with custom exhaust. I love how you're talking about SUVs like they're the not literally "utility vehicles".

        • echelon6 on 03/03/2023 - 09:24

          right

          if you NEED a suv or minivan then just be practical about it

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