2021 INFINITI QX50 vs 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB had a boxy and tall design compared to other small Mercedes SUVs. It sat on a front-wheel-drive platform with an optional 4Matic all-wheel-drive (AWD) system. The vehicle featured a long, flat hood leading to an upright windshield, large side windows, and a nearly vertical rear liftgate. The front and rear overhangs were symmetrical, ensuring visual balance. The GLB prioritized function over form, maximizing interior volume within its narrow and short frame. The robust standard roof rails added to its utilitarian appeal.

Our test vehicle, painted in Mountain Gray metallic and equipped with the AMG Line design package and 20-inch AMG wheels, exuded style and attitude. Prices started at $36,600, but our loaded GLB 250 4Matic had a window sticker of $55,890. The interior featured dual 10.25-inch screens, ambient lighting, and a Burmester premium sound system. The cabin, with red contrast stitching and MB-Tex leatherette and Dinamica suede seats, blended high style with simplicity. However, some metallic trim pieces revealed the vehicle's more affordable status within the Mercedes lineup.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 stood out in the luxury compact crossover segment with its distinctive design and engineering. The large honeycomb grille, curved hood with athletic bulges, and a crooked chrome strip aft of the C-pillar gave it character. The panoramic moonroof brightened the cabin and offered magnificent views. However, thick B-pillars and a short rear window opening slightly hindered visibility.

Our Sensory AWD test vehicle featured 20-inch silver-painted machine finish alloy wheels and all-season run-flat tires. Inside, the QX50 had an attractive cabin with soft-touch materials, aluminum trim accents, and a leather-wrapped, heated steering wheel. The front seats offered heating and cooling, enhancing comfort in various weather conditions. Interior controls were user-friendly, with actual knobs and buttons for radio and climate settings. The gear shift lever, though vertically challenged, was traditional, except for the Park button.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB came in GLB 250 and GLB 250 4Matic specifications, both powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 221 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 258 lb-ft of torque between 1,800 and 4,000 rpm. Mercedes claimed a 0-60 mph time of 6.9 seconds, though it felt faster due to the engine's wide torque band and the snappy eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT). The DCT powered the front wheels unless equipped with 4Matic AWD, which optimized grip and performance. An Off-Road driving mode locked the drivetrain in a 50:50 power split for maximum traction.

The GLB test vehicle, with its adaptive damping suspension and 20-inch AMG wheels, delivered a soft, pillowy ride in Comfort mode, ideal for city and highway driving. In Sport mode, the suspension provided greater road feel, and the turbo powertrain responded instantly. The GLB's unusual driving position and large windows made it fun to drive on mountain roads, despite its modest engine specifications. However, the brakes faded prematurely during enthusiastic driving, cutting short an otherwise enjoyable experience. The fuel economy was 21.4 mpg, below the EPA's 26-mpg estimate.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), producing 268 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. The VC-Turbo engine adjusted the compression ratio for power and efficiency. The engine operated smoothly and quietly, though opinions varied. The CVT, with simulated shift points, provided a familiar sensory experience. Front-wheel drive was standard, with AWD available for an additional cost. Our test model's AWD proved reassuring on a rainy, construction-laden Interstate drive.

The QX50's drive mode selector offered Standard, Sport, Eco, and Personal modes. Sport mode increased steering effort and acceleration, while Eco mode conserved fuel but felt sluggish. The QX50 remained composed and never unsettled during our evaluation, providing a comfortable and confident driving experience.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB offered generous interior dimensions, even more so than the larger GLC. It could accommodate four adults comfortably, with ample headroom, tall seating positions, and large windows. The second-row seat slid forward and back, allowing for extra space for third-row passengers or cargo. The test vehicle's front seats had power adjustment but lacked heating and ventilation. The second-row seat could fit three people, but two was more suitable due to the vehicle's narrow width. Cargo space measured 22 cubic feet behind the second-row seat, expanding to 62 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 felt spacious inside, with plenty of hip and shoulder room and ample headroom, even with the panoramic moonroof. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed 38.7 inches of legroom, allowing for comfortable seating. The sliding second-row seats enabled owners to maximize legroom or cargo space. The cargo area offered 31.1 cubic feet of space behind the second-row seats, expanding to 64.4 cubic feet with the seats folded. Vehicles without the moonroof had slightly more cargo space. The test vehicle's optional Cargo package included a reversible cargo area protector, cargo blocks, and nets, enhancing practicality.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB's Premium Package, costing an extra $2,200, included a blind-spot warning system, keyless entry, and twin 10.25-inch displays. The MBUX infotainment system offered Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and natural voice recognition. The Multimedia Package added a navigation system with augmented video, using the forward-facing camera for turn-by-turn directions. The Parking Assistance Package included a high-definition surround-view camera system and a semi-autonomous active parking assistance system. The 12-speaker Burmester premium sound system provided excellent audio quality.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50's InTouch infotainment system featured dual display screens, voice recognition, and Infiniti InTouch Services. Pairing a smartphone via Bluetooth was easy, and Apple CarPlay integration worked seamlessly. The 16-speaker Bose Performance Series premium audio system delivered powerful audio. The Around View Monitor with front and rear sonar system and moving-object detection made parking easier. ProPilot Assist, available on all but the base Pure trim level, combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance, providing a glimpse of autonomous driving.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB came standard with a driver monitoring system, backup camera, forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and a Pre-Safe front collision preparation system. Optional safety features included second-row side-impact airbags, blind-spot monitoring with Exit Warning Assist, and the Driver Assistance Package. This package added adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assistance, evasive steering assistance, and an automatic emergency stop assistance system. The GLB had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS at the time of publication.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including blind-spot warning, predictive forward-collision warning, forward emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, rear automatic braking, and more. Lane-departure prevention and blind-spot intervention were standard on all but the base Pure trim level. Traffic sign recognition was standard on Essential and higher trim levels. The QX50 received a four-star rollover resistance rating from NHTSA and Good ratings from IIHS for moderate overlap front and side crash protection. The QX50 also earned a Superior rating for vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention.