2020 INFINITI QX80 vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE was a vehicle that, despite its lineage, struggled to captivate with its exterior design. It retained a somewhat rushed appearance, reminiscent of its predecessors, and lacked the striking proportions seen in competitors like BMW and Audi. The AMG trim attempted to add a sporty flair, but it fell short when compared to the likes of the BMW X5 M or Porsche Cayenne Turbo. However, the interior of the GLE was a different story. It was a masterpiece of quality and design, featuring a bold red and black color scheme and luxurious materials like wood, metal, and leather. The interior was both a visual and tactile delight, although some controls, like the gear selector, felt flimsy. Overall, the GLE's interior exuded a sense of luxury and pampering, albeit at a high price point.

In contrast, the 2020 INFINITI QX80 presented a more commanding exterior presence, thanks to its 2018 refresh. It featured modern details like LED lighting and adaptive front lighting, enhancing its road presence. The QX80's interior offered plush seating in the first two rows, though the third row was best suited for small children due to limited legroom. The cabin boasted leather-appointed seats with available Alcantara upholstery, providing a touch of luxury. The QX80's interior was generally attractive, with a straightforward infotainment system, though it lacked the high-tech features found in some competitors. Cargo space was generous, with 95.1 cubic feet available when the second and third rows were folded.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE excelled in performance, offering a range of powertrains and advanced suspension systems. The base GLE 350 featured a 255-horsepower engine, while the GLE 450 boasted a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six with 362 horsepower. The AMG GLE 53 took it further with 429 horsepower, thanks to an electric supercharger. The GLE 580 and AMG GLE 63 S delivered even more power, with 483 and 603 horsepower, respectively. The GLE's hybrid setup, with a 48-volt battery, enhanced performance but didn't significantly improve fuel efficiency. The GLE's air suspension systems, including E-Active Body Control, provided exceptional ride quality and handling, making it feel agile despite its size. It could tow up to 7,700 pounds, adding to its versatility.

The 2020 INFINITI QX80, powered by a 5.6-liter V8 engine with 400 horsepower, offered a smooth but less fuel-efficient ride. Its seven-speed automatic transmission was generally smooth, though clunky when downshifting. The QX80's fuel efficiency was among the lowest in its class, with the RWD version achieving 14 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway. The QX80's off-road capabilities were commendable, with drive modes for various terrains. It featured two steering systems, with the Limited model offering vehicle-speed-sensitive power-assist steering. The QX80's suspension provided a comfortable ride, and it had an impressive towing capacity of 8,500 pounds.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered spacious seating for up to seven with an optional third row. The second-row seats had power controls for added comfort, and the cargo capacity was 34 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 75 cubic feet with all rows folded. The Coupe variant, however, had less cargo space due to its sloping roofline. The GLE's MBUX infotainment system was user-friendly, with seat controls on the doors and rocker switches for suspension settings. The Coupe's rear doors were narrow, making entry and exit challenging.

The 2020 INFINITI QX80 provided plush seating for seven, with captain's chairs in the second row. The third row had limited legroom, making it suitable for small children. The QX80's interior featured leather-appointed seats with available Alcantara upholstery. The driver's seat was 10-way power-adjustable, and the front seats were heated and climate-controlled. The QX80 offered ample cargo space, with 16.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 95.1 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The infotainment system was straightforward, though not as modern as some competitors.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE boasted a 12-inch touchscreen with Interior Assistant, allowing gesture control for various functions. The system was intuitive, with search bars and larger type for easy navigation. The AMG models featured a Track Pace app for performance tracking. The GLE's technology included a head-up display, ambient lighting with 64 colors, and a natural voice assistant. It also offered semi-automated functionality for lane changes and curve navigation. The GLE's technology was extensive, providing a wealth of features for tech-savvy drivers.

The 2020 INFINITI QX80 came with an 8-inch upper and 7-inch lower infotainment touchscreen, allowing for split functionality. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, and a 13-speaker Bose stereo. Buyers could upgrade to a rear-seat entertainment system and a 17-speaker Bose system. The infotainment system was functional but lacked modern design elements. SiriusXM services were available with a complimentary four-year trial, providing real-time traffic and weather information.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with top scores in crash tests and standard forward emergency braking. It offered optional features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and 360-degree cameras. The GLE's safety features included Pre-Safe Sound and Pre-Safe Impulse Side, enhancing occupant protection in a crash.

The 2020 INFINITI QX80 had a good roster of standard safety features, including 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 risk of rollover according to NHTSA.