2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB vs 2019 INFINITI QX50

The 2019 INFINITI QX50, wider and taller than its predecessor, offered two extra inches of ground clearance and more interior space, including a trunk with 31.4 cubic feet of storage behind modular rear seats. Despite the increased space, rear legroom remained ample, even for a 6’4” individual, though the panoramic sunroof slightly compromised headroom. The redesigned interior was spacious, attractive, and filled with high-quality materials, featuring a new infotainment system and a remarkably quiet cabin, thanks to a noise-cancelling system.

Starting at $36,550, the base “Pure” trim of the QX50 came well-equipped with features like LED headlights, a hands-free liftgate, and a forward-collision warning system. The “Luxe” trim, priced at $39,400, added amenities such as a panoramic sunroof and blind-spot monitoring. The top-tier “Essential” trim, at $43,350, included navigation, a 360-degree camera, and leather seats. Optional packages like the $7,500 Sensory package and various safety and convenience upgrades could push the price to $55,285.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB, with its boxy and tall design, sat on a front-wheel-drive platform with optional 4Matic all-wheel-drive. Its long, flat hood, upright windshield, and nearly vertical rear liftgate maximized interior volume. The GLB prioritized function over form, featuring robust roof rails and a spacious interior. Painted in Mountain Gray metallic and equipped with the AMG Line design package, the test vehicle exuded style and attitude.

Starting at $36,600, the GLB 250 4Matic test vehicle, priced at $55,890, included nearly every option package, such as adaptive damping suspension, ambient cabin lighting, and a Burmester premium sound system. The interior featured dual 10.25-inch screens, ambient lighting, and high-quality materials, though some metallic trim pieces revealed its more affordable status. The GLB’s interior design blended high style with simplicity, though it required acclimation for those unfamiliar with Mercedes-Benz controls.

The 2019 INFINITI QX50 featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, boasting the world’s first mass-produced variable-compression engine. This innovative engine produced 268 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, with a 0-60 time of 6.4 seconds. However, the continuously variable transmission (CVT) struggled to manage the power, resulting in a less-than-smooth driving experience. The QX50’s EPA-estimated fuel economy of 24 city and 31 highway miles per gallon was not particularly impressive, and real-world testing yielded only 24 mpg.

The QX50’s ride prioritized comfort over sportiness, with the Direct Adaptive Steering (DAS) system feeling inconsistent and unnatural. The DAS system, included in the ProACTIVE package, could be avoided by choosing a different trim.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB, available in GLB 250 and GLB 250 4Matic specifications, featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 221 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The GLB accelerated to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds, with a wide torque band and an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT) providing a responsive driving experience. The 4Matic AWD system optimized grip and performance, with an Off-Road driving mode for maximum traction.

Equipped with an adaptive damping suspension and 20-inch AMG wheels, the GLB delivered a soft, comfortable ride in Comfort mode and a more engaging driving experience in Sport mode. Despite its modest engine specifications, the GLB offered a fun driving experience, though the brakes faded prematurely during enthusiastic driving. The test vehicle’s fuel economy of 21.4 mpg fell short of the EPA’s 26-mpg estimate.

The 2019 INFINITI QX50’s interior featured high-quality materials and ample space, but the abundance of technology created a cluttered and confusing dashboard. The infotainment system suffered from input delays, and the unconventional shifter design posed a safety concern. Despite these issues, the QX50 offered a comfortable and spacious cabin.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB’s interior measured larger than the more expensive GLC, with an optional third row of seats. The GLB comfortably accommodated four adults, with generous headroom, tall seating positions, and excellent outward visibility. The second-row seat slid forward and back, allowing for flexible cargo and passenger space. The test vehicle’s front seats offered power adjustment but lacked heating and ventilation. Cargo space measured 22 cubic feet behind the second row and 62 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

The 2019 INFINITI QX50’s top-tier Essential trim included advanced safety features like intelligent cruise control and ProPilot assist, but these were only available at a higher price point. The base QX50 came well-equipped with technology, but the infotainment system’s frustrations detracted from the overall experience.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB’s Premium Package, priced at $2,200, upgraded the standard 7-inch screens to twin 10.25-inch displays with lush graphics and fast response. The MBUX infotainment system offered natural voice recognition and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The Multimedia Package added a navigation system with augmented video, while the Parking Assistance Package included a surround-view camera and semi-autonomous parking assistance. The 12-speaker Burmester premium sound system provided excellent audio quality.

The 2019 INFINITI QX50’s safety features were limited to higher trims, with no crash-test ratings available from the NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB came standard with several safety features, including a driver monitoring system, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. Optional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and lane-centering assistance. The GLB’s advanced safety systems operated with accuracy and refinement, though no crash-test ratings were available from the NHTSA or IIHS.