Q5 I (8R) vs GLK X204: which is better?
Audi Q5 I (8R) (2008–2017) vs Mercedes-Benz GLK X204 (2008–2015): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Audi Q5 I (8R)
Mercedes-Benz GLK X204Specifications
| Audi Q5 I (8R) | Mercedes-Benz GLK X204 | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2008–2017 | 2008–2015 |
| Body | crossover SUV | crossover SUV |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 2.0 TFSI | 3.0 V6 (GLK300) |
| Power, up to | 211 hp | 231 hp |
| Torque, up to | 350 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Gearbox | dual-clutch (DCT) | automatic |
| Drive | all-wheel drive | all-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 629 mm | 4 528 mm |
| Width | 1 880 mm | 1 840 mm |
| Height | 1 653 mm | 1 689 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 807 mm | 2 755 mm |
| Fuel tank | 75 L | 66 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 16 475 ₸ | ≈ 42 425 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
Audi Q5 I (8R)
Pros
- All-wheel-drive versions available
- Large tank: 75 L
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Engine VW/Audi EA888 (1.8–2.0 TSI/TFSI): oil consumption (piston rings) on second-generation engines
- Gearbox DSG/S tronic with wet clutch: clutch and mechatronics wear at high mileage
Engine (VW/Audi EA888 (1.8–2.0 TSI/TFSI)): oil consumption (piston rings) on second-generation engines; timing chain stretch and tensioner on early engines; plastic water pump and thermostat housing leaks.
Gearbox (DSG/S tronic with wet clutch): clutch and mechatronic wear at high mileage; wears quickly without oil changes.
Mercedes-Benz GLK X204
Pros
- All-wheel-drive versions available
- Conventional automatic, no robotized gearbox or CVT
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Engine Mercedes M272 (V6): balance shaft and intermediate shaft gear wear on engines before 2008
- Gearbox Mercedes 7G-Tronic (722.9): control board failure (speed sensors)
Engine (Mercedes M272 (V6)): wear of balance shaft and intermediate shaft gears on pre-2008 engines; intake manifold flap leaks.
Gearbox (Mercedes 7G-Tronic (722.9)): control board failure (speed sensors); valve body wear.
Which one to choose
- Q5 I (8R) — if you care more about: torque, wheelbase, fuel tank, kz tax 2026.
- GLK X204 — if you care more about: power.
The condition of a specific car matters more than the model: check the service history and get the engine and gearbox inspected before buying.
FAQ
Which is more powerful: Q5 I (8R) or GLK X204?
Q5 I (8R): up to 211 hp, GLK X204: up to 231 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: Q5 I (8R) — about 16 475 ₸, GLK X204 — about 42 425 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.