2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB vs 2021 INFINITI QX80

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 showcased a blend of Nissan Armada and Infiniti design elements. Its body-on-frame construction, shared with the Armada, was evident in the roofline profile and rear window curve. The QX80's front end, however, was distinctly Infiniti, featuring a grille and headlight design introduced in 2018. This gave the SUV an assertive yet not overly aggressive look. Standard LED headlights, taillights, and fog lights, along with 20-inch wheels on the base model and 22-inch wheels on higher trims, added to its appeal. Inside, the QX80's interior closely resembled the Armada, with wood trim, contrast stitching, and leather upholstery enhancing its luxury feel. However, some elements, like the foot-operated parking brake, felt less high-end.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB slotted between the GLA and GLC in Mercedes' SUV lineup, available in GLB250 and AMG GLB35 specifications. The GLB250 offered FWD or 4Matic AWD, while the AMG GLB35 featured a more powerful drivetrain and sophisticated AWD system. The AMG GLB35 also introduced new features like the AMG Night Package Plus and Rose Gold paint color. Our test vehicle, an AMG GLB35, came with options like metallic paint, 21-inch wheels, heated front seats, and AMG Performance steering wheel, bringing the total price to $57,250. The GLB's design was functional, with a steep windshield angle, nearly vertical rear window, and short overhangs. The interior, however, was beautifully rendered with high-definition displays, artistic air vents, and ambient lighting, though the controls required some acclimation.

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. RWD was standard, with 4WD available as a $3,100 option. The engine was responsive, making highway overtaking stress-free, though transmission shifts could have been smoother. The QX80's body-on-frame construction, combined with independent suspension and Hydraulic Body Motion Control on Sensory models, provided a comfortable ride, though some shudders were detectable over bumps. The SUV felt less composed in corners, with noticeable body roll, but the speed-sensitive power steering promoted a relaxed driving style. The QX80 excelled in towing and off-road capability, with a maximum towing capacity of 8,500 pounds and a 4WD drivetrain with low range and a forward skid plate.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, with the AMG GLB35 version producing 302 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The AMG GLB35 also included an AMG SpeedShift eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, AMG Performance variable 4Matic AWD, and AMG Sport Exhaust system. It accelerated to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds, with an EPA fuel economy rating of 22 mpg in combined driving. The AMG GLB35 emphasized performance, with an AMG High-Performance Braking System, AMG Ride Control adaptive damping sport suspension, and Direct Steer variable steering system. However, the powertrain exhibited some lag in throttle response, and the ride was firm, especially with the optional 21-inch wheels. The AMG GLB35 excelled on twisty roads, offering a fun driving experience, though it could be firm, loud, and finicky in other driving situations.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 offered a three-row seating configuration, with standard second-row captain’s chairs and an optional eight-seat configuration. Standard features included a 10-way-adjustable power driver’s seat, an eight-way front passenger’s seat, and a driver’s memory system. Passenger space was competitive, with enough room for adults in the third row. Cargo space was 16.6 cubic feet with all three rows in place, 49.6 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 95.1 cubic feet with both the third row and second-row captain’s chairs folded. The center console could open from both the front and back, though storage space was fairly small.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB was designed for comfort and cargo, with an optional third-row seat suitable for children. Standard equipment included dual-zone automatic climate control and eight-way power-adjustable front seats. The GLB offered simulated leather upholstery, with options for real leather, heated and ventilated front seats, and a panoramic glass sunroof. The rear doors opened wide to reveal comfortable seating for two adults, with enough legroom unless the second row was slid forward. The optional third-row seat reduced storage space, making the GLB less suitable for those needing a three-row SUV. The power rear liftgate revealed a 22 cubic-foot cargo area, expandable to 62 cubic feet with the second-row seat folded.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 featured the Infiniti InTouch dual-screen infotainment system with 8.0-inch upper and 7.0-inch lower touchscreens, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a built-in WiFi hotspot, and navigation. Standard features included Bluetooth, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a 13-speaker Bose audio system, with optional upgrades like a 17-speaker Bose system and a Theater Package rear-seat entertainment system. The touchscreens were backed by analog controls, though the user interface was not intuitive. The Smart Rearview Mirror and Around View Monitor 360-degree camera system were helpful tech features.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB's MBUX infotainment system included a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Mercedes Me connected services. The optional Premium Package added satellite radio, while the Multimedia Package included a navigation system with augmented reality. Additional upgrades included wireless smartphone charging, a Burmester premium surround-sound audio system, WiFi service, and an MBUX Interior Assistant gesture control system. The MBUX system was user-friendly, with natural voice recognition and a digital assistant that responded accurately to prompts.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with five stars for side crash tests, four stars for frontal crash tests, and a three-star rollover rating. The IIHS had not tested the QX80. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and Backup Collision Intervention.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB test vehicle did not have the optional Driver Assistance Package, which added 12 driving assistance and collision-avoidance technologies. Standard safety features included Active Brake Assist, blind-spot monitoring, Mercedes-Benz emergency call service, rain-sensing wipers, an Attention Assist driver monitoring system, and Exit Warning Assist. Crash-test ratings for the GLB were unavailable.