2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2021 INFINITI QX80

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 showcased a blend of Nissan Armada and Infiniti design elements, with its body-on-frame construction reminiscent of traditional SUVs. Its profile, including the roofline and rear window curve, mirrored the Armada, while the front-end styling was distinctly Infiniti, featuring a bold grille and headlight design. This gave the QX80 a confident yet understated appearance, setting it apart from more ostentatious luxury SUVs. The interior, while luxurious with wood trim and leather upholstery, retained a strong resemblance to the Armada, which might have left some buyers desiring more exclusivity.

In contrast, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC embraced a timeless aesthetic with soft curves and rounded edges, maintaining a modern yet classic look. Its exterior, with a long hood and wide grille, resembled a raised sedan, emphasizing its car-like characteristics. Inside, the GLC's cabin was a masterpiece of design, with flowing lines and a minimalist approach that set a high standard for compact luxury SUVs. The GLC was available in both conventional SUV and coupe body styles, with the latter offering a sleek appearance at the expense of cargo space.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 was powered by a 5.6-liter V8 engine producing 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque, paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission. While the engine was responsive, the transmission shifts were less smooth. The QX80's body-on-frame construction provided a comfortable ride, aided by independent suspension and Hydraulic Body Motion Control on Sensory models. However, it was less agile in corners, and its size could be a hindrance off-road. The QX80 excelled in towing, with a capacity of 8,500 pounds, surpassing the Cadillac Escalade but slightly trailing the Lincoln Navigator.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivering 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. The GLC offered a balanced driving experience, with precise steering and a responsive powertrain, even in Comfort mode. For those seeking more power, the AMG GLC43 and AMG GLC63 variants provided significantly higher performance, with the latter's twin-turbo V8 producing up to 503 horsepower.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 offered a spacious interior with a standard seven-seat configuration, featuring second-row captain’s chairs. An eight-seat option was available. While passenger space was ample, it wasn't class-leading, and cargo space was limited compared to rivals like the Cadillac Escalade. The QX80's interior included a power liftgate and power-folding third row, but storage solutions were somewhat lacking, with small center console space and poorly shaped cupholders.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC provided 56.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded in the SUV model, while the Coupe variant offered less due to its design. The GLC's interior was well-utilized, with a decent-sized center console and deep door pockets. Rear-seat space was adequate, though the Coupe's roofline reduced headroom. Overall, the GLC's interior was practical and well-designed.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 came with the Infiniti InTouch dual-screen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 13-speaker Bose audio system. However, the user interface was not intuitive, with small screens and complex controls. The Smart Rearview Mirror and Around View Monitor added convenience, but the overall tech experience was hindered by usability issues.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC was equipped with the MBUX infotainment system, offering a 10.25-inch touchscreen, touch controller, and advanced voice control. The system was intuitive, with seamless integration of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The steering wheel's touch-sensitive pads allowed for easy navigation of the digital instrument panel and infotainment screen, providing a user-friendly experience.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with standard features like adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist. While these features were common, Infiniti made them standard, which was a plus.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC came with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring. However, the parking sensors were overly sensitive, causing distractions. Optional features like a 360-degree camera and dynamic cruise control were available, enhancing safety further.