2019 INFINITI QX80 vs 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC

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's exterior was characterized by 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 bulkiness. The QX80's imposing stature was further emphasized by 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. However, the interior quality was slightly marred by poorly insulated doors that allowed cold air to seep in.

In contrast, the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC sported a refreshed front fascia with a trapezoidal grille and angled LED headlights, drawing inspiration from the A-Class and CLS-Class. While the GLC's design was not particularly striking, it was functional and understated. The GLC 300, the mass-market model, lacked visual drama, but AMG versions added flair with wide tires and a vertical-bar grille. The GLC Coupe's fastback roof added a touch of excitement to the design. The interior of the GLC was a standout feature, with high-quality materials and impeccable fit and finish. The 2020 model introduced a 10.3-inch touchscreen and a reconfigured steering wheel with more buttons, enhancing the driving experience. The GLC's interior was praised for its luxurious feel, although the exterior design left some wanting more.

The 2019 INFINITI QX80 excelled in towing capacity, boasting an impressive 8,500-pound tow rating, surpassing many competitors. Its 5.6-liter V8 engine delivered 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque, providing ample power for both passengers and cargo. The 7-speed automatic transmission offered quick shifts, and the QX80's steering was light yet stable. The vehicle featured a fully independent suspension with Hydraulic Body Motion Control, enhancing on-road performance. However, its fuel economy was poor, averaging 15 mpg, with EPA ratings of 13 mpg city and 19 mpg highway.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 featured a new turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine, producing 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. The 9-speed automatic transmission improved performance, making the GLC 300 more responsive than previous models. The AMG GLC 43, with its twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 engine, delivered 385 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque, providing exhilarating performance. The GLC 300's fuel economy was better than the QX80, with EPA ratings of 21 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. However, the GLC 300's steering and handling were criticized for being vague and lacking precision.

The 2019 INFINITI QX80 offered spacious seating for seven passengers, with an optional second-row bench for eight. The captain's chairs in the second row were luxurious and comfortable, and the third-row seats were power-reclining and folding. The QX80 provided 95.1 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats flat, making it roomy and versatile. The interior featured standard 3-zone climate control, but lacked a cooled drink bin and 4-zone climate control.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC accommodated four adults comfortably, though the back seat's reclining mechanism was cumbersome. Cargo space was limited, with 19 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 57 cubic feet with them folded. The GLC's interior was a blend of digital and physical controls, with the MBUX system offering a customizable and user-friendly experience. The seat controls were conveniently located on the doors, and the infotainment system was intuitive once familiarized.

The 2019 INFINITI QX80's technology was outdated, with a low-resolution monochrome display on the instrument panel. The navigation system was poorly rendered, and the vehicle lacked modern features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a head-up display. 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 lacking for a luxury vehicle.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC featured the advanced MBUX system, which included augmented reality navigation and a cloud-based voice assistant. The system could suggest destinations and display Yelp reviews. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and wireless device charging was optional. The GLC also offered an Off-Road Engineering Package for enhanced driving modes. While some features were not fully integrated, the GLC's technology was impressive and forward-thinking.

The 2019 INFINITI QX80 came with standard forward automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, while other safety features like lane-departure warning and adaptive cruise control were optional. The QX80 received a 4-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with poor frontal crash test results. The IIHS had not tested the QX80, and its older body structure was a concern.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC was named a 2019 Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, scoring top ratings in all crash tests. The GLC also received a 5-star rating from the NHTSA. New for 2020 was Exit Warning Assist, which alerted occupants to approaching cyclists or cars. Other safety features included Pre-Safe Sound and Predictive Brake Priming, showcasing Mercedes' commitment to safety.