2019 INFINITI QX80 vs 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB

The 2019 INFINITI QX80, despite its age, maintained a commanding presence as Infiniti's flagship model. Its design, updated in 2018, featured a more elegant front end compared to its Nissan Armada counterpart. The QX80 boasted slim, slanted LED headlights and a curved rectangular grille with a classic crosshatch pattern. The hood and front bumper had sensuous curves, contrasting with the boxy profile that began behind the windshield. The rear design included LED taillights connected by a chrome strip, breaking up the vehicle's bulk. However, the QX80's imposing stature was evident with its standard 20-inch wheels and tall side mirrors. The Limited trim, introduced in 2019, added two-tone 22-inch rims, unique paint, and a luxurious black-and-white interior with leather and microsuede accents. While the interior quality was top-notch, the doors were thin and poorly insulated, allowing cold air to seep in during freezing conditions.

In contrast, the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB presented a boxy and tall design, emphasizing function over form. Built on a front-wheel-drive platform with optional 4Matic AWD, the GLB featured a long, flat hood, upright windshield, and nearly vertical rear liftgate. Its design prioritized interior volume, with robust roof rails ready for action. The test vehicle, painted in Mountain Gray metallic and equipped with the AMG Line design package, showcased style with 20-inch AMG wheels. Starting at $36,600, the GLB 250 4Matic tested at $55,890, loaded with options like metallic paint, adaptive damping suspension, and a Burmester premium sound system. The interior, with dual 10.25-inch screens and ambient lighting, offered a blend of high style and simplicity, though some metallic trim pieces revealed its more affordable nature. The GLB's interior was a pleasant space, though the transmission shifter's placement required acclimation.

The 2019 INFINITI QX80 excelled in towing capacity, boasting an 8,500-pound tow rating, surpassing competitors like the Mercedes GLS and BMW X7. Its 5.6-liter V8 engine delivered 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque, providing ample power for its size. The 7-speed automatic transmission offered quick shifts, and the steering was light yet stable. The QX80 featured rear-wheel drive as standard, with optional 4-wheel drive available. While not matching the off-road capabilities of some rivals, the QX80's independent suspension and Hydraulic Body Motion Control system provided a controlled ride. However, its fuel economy was poor, averaging 15 mpg.

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, aided by its wide torque band and snappy eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The 4Matic AWD system optimized grip and performance, with an Off-Road mode for maximum traction. The test vehicle, equipped with adaptive damping suspension and AMG wheels, offered a soft ride in Comfort mode and a more engaging experience in Sport mode. Despite its modest engine, the GLB provided a fun driving experience, though its brakes faded prematurely during spirited driving. Fuel economy fell short of expectations, averaging 21.4 mpg.

The 2019 INFINITI QX80 offered seven-passenger seating with standard second-row captain’s chairs and power-reclining third-row seats. An optional second-row bench increased capacity to eight. The QX80 provided 95.1 cubic feet of cargo space with seats flat, or 16.6 cubic feet with all seats upright. The interior featured wide armrests, ample storage, and standard 3-zone climate control. However, it lacked a cooled drink bin and 4-zone climate control, and the heating system was slow to warm up.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB, despite its compact size, offered generous interior dimensions, with optional third-row seating. The GLB comfortably accommodated four adults, with ample headroom and visibility. The second-row seat slid for additional space, and the test vehicle's front seats offered power adjustment. Cargo space measured 22 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 62 cubic feet with seats folded. The GLB's traditional SUV roofline maximized space, making it a practical choice.

The 2019 INFINITI QX80's technology was lacking, with an outdated instrument panel display and a poorly rendered navigation system. It lacked Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and other modern features. The most notable tech feature was the rear-view mirror with a live camera-feed overlay. The rear entertainment system accepted USB and HDMI inputs, but overall, the QX80's tech offerings were disappointing for a luxury vehicle.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB's technology shone with the optional Premium Package, featuring twin 10.25-inch displays with lush graphics and fast response. The MBUX infotainment system included Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and natural voice recognition. The Multimedia Package added navigation with augmented video, and the Parking Assistance Package offered a surround-view camera and semi-autonomous parking. The 12-speaker Burmester sound system provided excellent audio quality.

The 2019 INFINITI QX80 came with standard forward automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, while other features like lane-departure warning and adaptive cruise control were optional. It scored poorly in NHTSA frontal crash tests, with an overall 4-star rating. The IIHS had not tested the QX80.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB included standard safety features like forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking. Optional features in the Driver Assistance Package included adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance. The GLB's safety systems operated with accuracy, though crash-test ratings were unavailable at the time of publication.