2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB vs 2021 INFINITI QX50

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB, introduced in 2020, joined Mercedes-Benz's extensive SUV lineup, fitting between the smaller GLA and the larger GLC. Despite its unique measurements, distinguishing the GLB from its lineup-mates required a closer look at the badge. The GLB featured a taut, athletic stance with 7.9 inches of ground clearance, making it more forgiving on soft roads and speed humps. Inside, the GLB impressed with its modern design, highlighted by round shapes across the dash, polished metal HVAC vents, and a single panel housing both the virtual instrument cluster and infotainment screen. The cabin boasted excellent fit and finish, with a beefy steering wheel featuring perforated leather grips.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 stood out in the luxury compact crossover segment with its distinctive design and engineering, particularly its VC-Turbo engine. The QX50's large honeycomb grille and curved hood with athletic bulges gave it a sporty appearance. The rear featured a unique chrome strip, adding character. The panoramic moonroof brightened the cabin and offered stunning views. However, thick B-pillars and a short rear window slightly hindered visibility. The Sensory AWD model came with 20-inch alloy wheels and all-season run-flat tires. Inside, the QX50 offered a spacious cabin with soft-touch materials, aluminum trim, and a leather-wrapped, heated steering wheel. The front seats provided heating and cooling, enhancing comfort in various weather conditions.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB came with a single engine option: a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine producing 221 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with 4MATIC all-wheel drive available for an additional $2,000. The GLB's fuel economy was rated at 23 mpg city/30 mpg highway/26 mpg combined for FWD and 23 mpg city/31 mpg highway/26 mpg combined for AWD. The GLB's curb weight ranged from 3,638 to 3,891 pounds, and it could accelerate from 0-60 mph in 6.9 seconds, with a top speed of 130 mph. The 4MATIC version offered better handling and agility, especially on dry roads and during cornering maneuvers. The Off-Road Engineering Package, standard with 4MATIC, included hill-start assist, downhill speed regulation, and an animation program for off-road maneuvers.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 268 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with paddle shifters and downshift rev-matching. The QX50's VC-Turbo engine adjusted the compression ratio for optimal power and efficiency. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available for $2,000 on most trims and $2,650 on the top Autograph trim. The QX50's drive mode selector offered four modes: Standard, Sport, Eco, and Personal, with Sport mode providing the most responsive performance. The QX50's AWD system ensured composure on various road conditions, including a rainy, construction-laden Interstate drive. The CVT, while not perfect, had been fine-tuned for a smoother experience, with simulated shift points for a more familiar driving feel.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB offered an optional third-row seat, affecting the second row and cargo compartments. The second row's seatback was divided 40:20:40, with adjustable recline angles and a sliding function. The third row, suitable for children or short trips, folded flat when not needed. Cargo space in the five-passenger GLB was 27.0 cubic feet behind the second row and 62.0 cubic feet with the second row folded. In the seven-passenger GLB, cargo space was 5.1 cubic feet behind the third row, 24.0 cubic feet behind the second row, and 56.7 cubic feet with both rows folded. The front seats were highly adjustable and supportive, with available heating and ventilation. The second row was comfortable for two adults, with modern amenities like door pockets, map pockets, and cupholders.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 offered a spacious interior with ample hip, shoulder, and headroom, even with the panoramic moonroof. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed 38.7 inches of legroom, and the sliding second-row seats allowed for flexible legroom or cargo space. The cargo area provided 31.1 cubic feet of space behind the second row with the moonroof, expanding to 64.4 cubic feet with the seats folded. Without the moonroof, cargo space increased slightly to 31.4 and 65.1 cubic feet, respectively. The optional Cargo package included a reversible cargo area protector, cargo blocks, and nets, enhancing practicality. The QX50 also featured numerous cupholders, storage bins, and charging options, including USB ports and a 12-volt charging port.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB came equipped with the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, featuring voice control, natural language understanding, and keyword activation. Standard technology included a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, a 7-inch touchscreen multimedia display, a rearview camera, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, keyless start, cruise control, and a power liftgate. The Premium Package upgraded the displays to 10.25 inches each and added keyless go. The optional Multimedia Package included navigation with augmented reality (AR) and traffic-sign assist. Additional options included a Burmester Surround Sound System, adaptive damping, 64-color ambient lighting, wireless device charging, NFC pairing, parking assistance with surround view, active parking assist, and a head-up display.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 featured the InTouch infotainment system with dual display screens—an 8-inch upper LCD/VGA and a 7-inch lower color unit. Standard technology included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 10-speaker audio system. Higher trims offered a 16-speaker Bose Performance Series audio system, delivering powerful sound quality. The QX50's infotainment system was user-friendly, with seamless smartphone integration. The Around View Monitor with front and rear sonar and moving-object detection made parking easier. ProPilot Assist, available on all but the base trim, combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance, providing a glimpse of autonomous driving.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB featured standard safety technology, including active brake assist, adaptive braking with hill-start assist and brake hold, crosswind assist, attention assist, and emergency call service. Available safety features included active LED headlamps, adaptive high-beam assist, and blind-spot assist. The Driver Assistance Package added advanced features like active distance assist Distronic, active steering assist, active brake assist with cross-traffic function, active speed limit assist, active blind-spot assist, active lane-keeping assist, and Pre-Safe Plus with Pre-Safe Sound. Pre-Safe Sound emitted a brief interference signal to trigger the stapedius reflex, reducing hearing loss from a collision. The 2021 GLB had not been rated by NHTSA or IIHS.

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, automatic collision notification, emergency call, rearview monitor, hill-start assist, and high-beam assist. Lane-departure prevention and blind-spot intervention were standard on all but the base trim. Traffic sign recognition was standard on higher trims. The QX50 received a four-star rollover resistance rating from NHTSA and Good ratings for moderate overlap front and side crash protection from IIHS. It also earned a Superior rating for vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention.