2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2020 INFINITI QX80

The 2020 INFINITI QX80 was the flagship SUV in Infiniti’s lineup, offering a substantial size advantage over its smaller siblings, the QX50 and QX60. For 2020, it was available in two trims: Luxe and Limited. The QX80's exterior, refreshed in 2018, boasted a commanding presence with modern features such as LED headlights with high beam assist, adaptive front lighting, and LED taillights. The SUV also included conveniences like power-folding mirrors, a power-sliding moonroof, and roof rails. Inside, the QX80 offered three interior color schemes and a mix of materials, though some trim pieces fell short compared to competitors. The cabin was generally upscale with soft-touch materials, but the center stack's piano-black plastic was prone to fingerprints.

In contrast, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC embraced a timeless aesthetic with soft curves and rounded edges, maintaining a modern yet less aggressive look compared to some rivals. The GLC's exterior featured a long hood and wide grille, giving it a dramatic stance reminiscent of a raised C-Class or E-Class sedan. Inside, the GLC's cabin was a work of art, with flowing lines and a minimalist approach. The interior was considered a benchmark for compact luxury SUVs, offering a choice between a conventional SUV format and a crossover "coupe" body style. Standard features included 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, and a power liftgate, while the interior boasted synthetic leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and a 10.2-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The 2020 INFINITI QX80 was powered by a 5.6-liter V8 engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque, paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission. Despite its weight, the QX80's powertrain managed the load well, though the transmission was less smooth when downshifting. Fuel efficiency was a weak point, with the RWD model achieving 14 mpg city and 20 mpg highway, while the 4WD version dropped to 13 mpg city and 19 mpg highway. The QX80 offered Normal, Snow, and Mud drive modes, and its steering systems varied by trim. The SUV's Hydraulic Body Motion Control system and rear auto-leveling suspension contributed to a smooth ride and an 8,500-pound towing capacity.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 came with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. The GLC offered rear-wheel drive or optional 4MATIC AWD, with drive modes including Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+. The powertrain was responsive, though there was occasional lag from a stop. The AMG GLC43 and AMG GLC63 variants provided significantly more power, with the latter's twin-turbo V8 delivering up to 503 horsepower. The GLC's steering was precise, and it balanced refinement with responsiveness.

The 2020 INFINITI QX80 offered plush seating in the first two rows, with tighter third-row seating best suited for children. It accommodated seven passengers with standard captain’s chairs in the second row, and a 60/40 split-folding bench was optional. The QX80 featured leather-appointed seats, a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, and heated and climate-controlled front seats. Cargo space was generous, with 16.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 49.6 cubic feet behind the second row, and 95.1 cubic feet with all seats folded. A power liftgate was standard.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 provided 56.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, dropping to 19.4 cubic feet with them up. The GLC Coupe's cargo space was slightly less, at 49.4 cubic feet with seats folded. The GLC's interior offered ample storage, with a sizable center console and deep door pockets. Rear-seat space was decent, with adequate legroom and headroom, though the Coupe's roofline reduced headroom. The SUV was recommended over the Coupe for better space utilization.

The 2020 INFINITI QX80 featured an 8-inch upper and 7.0-inch lower infotainment touch screen, allowing navigation and audio system information to be displayed simultaneously. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, satellite radio, Bluetooth, and a 13-speaker Bose stereo. Optional upgrades included a rear-seat entertainment system and a 17-speaker Bose system. The infotainment system was functional but not particularly modern.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC came with the MBUX infotainment system, featuring a 10.25-inch touchscreen, a center console touch controller, and advanced voice control. The system was intuitive, with touch-sensitive pads on the steering wheel for customization. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, though switching between radio and smartphone apps required navigating through menus. Overall, the system was user-friendly and well-integrated.

The 2020 INFINITI QX80 offered standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, and a surround-view camera system. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control. The QX80 received "good" scores in some IIHS crash tests and had a moderate rollover risk according to NHTSA.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC included standard safety tech such as automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and a driver drowsiness monitor. Optional features included a 360-degree parking camera and dynamic cruise control. The parking sensors were sensitive, sometimes triggering false positives, but could be deactivated.