2021 INFINITI QX80 vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE had a mixed reception regarding its exterior design. While it showed promise with an aggressive nose and sloping hood, it seemed to lose its distinctiveness past the A-pillar, making it hard to differentiate from older models. The flat taillights and contoured rear helped somewhat, but it still lacked the pitch-perfect proportions seen in competitors like BMW, Audi, and Jaguar. Even in AMG trim, the GLE struggled to match the visual appeal of rivals such as the BMW X5 M and Porsche Cayenne Turbo. However, the interior was a different story. Mercedes significantly improved the GLE's interior, making it a masterpiece of quality, layout, colors, and textures. The red and black interior of the tested GLE Coupe was both loud and luxurious, surpassing even Porsche and Audi in opulence. The twin arching grab handles, LED lighting, and a mix of wood, metal, leather, and suede made the interior a delight to touch and operate.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80, on the other hand, combined elements from both the Nissan Armada and Infiniti's design language. The body-on-frame construction was evident, but the front-end styling was distinctly Infiniti, giving it an assertive yet not overly aggressive look. Standard LED headlights, taillights, and fog lights added to its appeal, with higher trims featuring 22-inch wheels. Inside, the QX80's design closely mirrored the Armada, with wood trim, contrast stitching, and standard leather upholstery adding a touch of luxury. However, the dashboard and switchgear were still recognizably Nissan, and the foot-operated parking brake felt out of place in a luxury SUV. Despite these quirks, the interior felt properly luxurious, though it might disappoint buyers seeking exclusivity.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE excelled as a multi-purpose vehicle, offering a range of advanced suspension and engine setups. The base GLE 350 featured a coil-sprung setup, while the GLE 450 introduced AIRMATIC self-leveling air springs. The AMG models took it further with AMG Ride Control+ and E-Active Body Control, which could lean the GLE into turns like a motorcyclist. The GLE 53 Coupe tested had an electric supercharger for instant throttle response, though it wasn't as thrilling as expected. The GLE 580 and AMG GLE 63 S offered more power with twin-turbo V8 engines. All GLE models, except the base GLE 350, were hybrids, featuring a 48-volt battery system that provided additional horsepower and torque. Fuel efficiency varied, with the GLE 450 achieving 21/26/23 mpg, slightly better than the GLE 350 4Matic's 19/26/22 mpg. The GLE's driving experience was exceptional, with a towing capacity of up to 7,700 pounds and a ride quality that was both comfortable and controlled.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 came with a 5.6-liter V8 engine and a seven-speed automatic transmission, delivering 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque. While it lagged behind competitors like the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator in power, it still provided a responsive driving experience. The QX80's body-on-frame construction was complemented by independent suspension and Hydraulic Body Motion Control on Sensory models, ensuring a comfortable ride. However, the QX80 struggled with body roll in corners, and its size made it less agile. The speed-sensitive power steering helped maintain a relaxed driving style. Off-road capabilities were decent, with a 4WD drivetrain featuring low range and a forward skid plate, but the QX80 lacked advanced off-road aids found in competitors. Towing capacity was impressive at 8,500 pounds, surpassing the Escalade but falling short of the Navigator's 8,700 pounds.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a spacious interior, with most models being two-row SUVs and an optional third row for seating up to seven. The second-row seats had power controls for recline and fore-aft adjustments, and the third row was accessible via a button that folded the second-row seats. The GLE Coupe, however, was limited to five seats, with less cargo space due to its sloping roofline. Cargo capacity was 34 cubic feet behind the second row and 75 cubic feet with all rows folded, while the Coupe offered 23 and 61 cubic feet, respectively. The new MBUX infotainment system improved usability, featuring a single touchpad and simplified interface. Seat controls, rocker switches, and steering wheel shortcuts were easy to use, though the thumbpads on the steering wheel were less intuitive.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 came standard with a seven-seat configuration, featuring second-row captain's chairs and a center console. An eight-seat configuration was optional. The front seats were 10-way adjustable for the driver and eight-way for the passenger, with heating and cooling on Sensory models. However, the front seats lacked thigh support, which could be uncomfortable on long trips. Passenger space was competitive but not class-leading, with the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator offering more room. Cargo space was 16.6 cubic feet with all rows in place, 49.6 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 95.1 cubic feet with both the third and second rows folded. The center console could open from both the front and back, but storage space was limited. The front-door cupholders were poorly shaped, and phone storage was inadequate.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured a 12-inch touchscreen with Interior Assistant, capable of reading hand gestures. The system included a touchpad and thumbpad controls, with a simplified interface and search bars for easy navigation. The AMG models had a Track Pace app for virtual pit crew functions and GPS lap timing. The Seat Kinetics system made small adjustments for comfort, and the car could be equipped with features like perfume canisters, heated armrests, and automatic bolsters. The head-up display and instrument panel were highly customizable, and the ambient lighting offered 64 colors. The navigation system projected front camera feeds with overlay arrows, and the voice assistant responded to "Mercedes" commands. The GLE also featured semi-automated driving functions, making it one of the most technologically advanced SUVs.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 came with the Infiniti InTouch dual-screen infotainment system, featuring 8.0-inch upper and 7.0-inch lower touchscreens, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a 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 rear-seat entertainment package. The touchscreens were supplemented by analog controls, but the user interface was confusing and required trial and error to operate. The Smart Rearview Mirror could switch to a streaming-video display, eliminating blind spots, and the Around View Monitor provided 360-degree camera views. However, the overall infotainment experience was less intuitive compared to the GLE.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE earned the Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, scoring top marks in six crash tests, for headlights, and for its standard forward emergency braking. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration had not rated the GLE. Standard safety features included blind-spot monitoring and a driver attention monitor. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, evasive steering assist, front cross-traffic braking, and semi-automated control. The GLE also featured Pre-Safe Sound and Pre-Safe Impulse Side, which played "pink noise" to reduce hearing damage in a crash and inflated side bolsters to better position occupants during a side impact.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 received a four-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, with five stars for side crash tests, four stars for frontal crash tests, and a three-star rollover rating. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety 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. These features were standard, unlike many other luxury brands that offer them as options.