2021 INFINITI QX50 vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS, a continuation of the third generation introduced in 2020, evolved from the GL-Class, which debuted in 2006. Initially intended to replace the G-Class, the GL-Class instead found its niche among affluent families seeking a luxurious, three-row SUV. The GLS name was adopted midway through the second generation. Despite its size, the 2021 GLS appeared less bulky than its predecessors, thanks to softened angles and clever design elements. Inside, the GLS boasted a futuristic cabin dominated by a massive digital screen spanning nearly two-thirds of the dashboard, emphasizing its tech-centric controls.

The GLS lineup included the GLS 450, GLS 580, and the high-performance AMG GLS 63. Standard features on the GLS 450 encompassed remote keyless entry, nine USB ports, dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, and a power liftgate. The GLS 580 added a V8 engine, heated-and-cooled front seats, massaging front seats, and more. The AMG GLS 63, our test model, stood out with aggressive bodywork, a quad-outlet exhaust, and a chrome, slotted grille. Inside, it featured a performance-inspired flat-bottomed sport steering wheel with a leather stripe at top-dead-center.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 distinguished itself in the luxury compact crossover segment with its unique VC-Turbo engine and distinctive design. The QX50's large honeycomb grille and athletic hood bulges gave it a sporty appearance. The rear featured a crooked chrome strip, adding character. Our test vehicle's 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's cabin featured soft-touch materials, aluminum trim accents, and a leather-wrapped, heated steering wheel. The front seats offered heating and cooling, enhancing comfort in various weather conditions. The interior controls were user-friendly, with actual knobs and buttons for radio and climate settings. While the gear shift lever was traditional, the Park button took some getting used to. Overall, the QX50's interior was well-designed and functional.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine, producing 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The GLS 580 featured a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8, delivering 483 hp and 516 lb-ft. Both models used a nine-speed automatic transmission and Mercedes' 4MATIC all-wheel drive system. The AMG GLS 63, with a hand-crafted 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, generated 603 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque. It could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds and had a top speed of 174 mph. All engines included Mercedes' EQ Boost 48-volt mild-hybrid system, adding extra power when needed.

The AMG GLS 63 featured an adaptive air suspension system, adjustable ground clearance, and double-wishbone front suspension. It offered multiple drive modes, including Individual, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+, controlled by a dial on the steering wheel. The GLS 63's E-Active Body Control provided a smooth ride, even on rough roads, and made the large SUV feel maneuverable in tight spaces.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 offered a single powertrain: a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). This combination produced 268 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. The QX50's VC-Turbo engine adjusted the compression ratio for optimal power and efficiency. While the engine operated smoothly, the CVT's simulated shift points provided a more familiar driving experience.

Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available for an additional cost. Our test model featured Infiniti's intelligent AWD, which performed well on a rainy, 360-mile drive. The QX50's drive mode selector offered Standard, Sport, Eco, and Personal modes, adjusting engine torque, transmission shift points, and steering effort. Sport mode provided brisk acceleration and increased steering effort, while Eco mode prioritized fuel efficiency but felt sluggish.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered three rows of spacious seating, with ample headroom and legroom for first- and second-row occupants. Seven-passenger seating was standard, with optional second-row captain's chairs reducing capacity to six. The third row was less spacious but still suitable for adults. The GLS provided 17.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 42.7 cubic feet with the third row folded and 87.4 cubic feet with both rows folded. The driver and front passenger enjoyed numerous storage compartments, including a combination cup-holder/wireless-charging pad and a center console with butterfly doors.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50, despite being a compact vehicle, felt spacious inside. It offered ample hip and shoulder room, and headroom was plentiful 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, expanding to 64.4 cubic feet with the seats folded. Our test vehicle included the optional Cargo package, which added a reversible cargo area protector, cargo blocks, and nets.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS featured the MBUX infotainment system with a massive touch screen and a trackpad controller. It included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though a USB-C cable was required for connection. The MBUX voice-control system responded to commands like "Find me a gas station" and could be activated by saying "Hey Mercedes." The digital dash extended to the fully-digital instrument panel, both controlled by touch-sensitive pads on the steering wheel. The right pad controlled the infotainment screen, while the left pad controlled the instrument panel.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 came with Infiniti's InTouch infotainment system, featuring dual display screens—an 8-inch upper LCD/VGA and a 7-inch lower color unit. It included voice recognition, Infiniti InTouch Services, and a 16-speaker Bose Performance Series premium audio system. Pairing a smartphone via Bluetooth was easy, and Apple CarPlay integration worked seamlessly. The QX50 also featured Infiniti's Around View Monitor with front and rear sonar and moving-object detection. ProPilot Assist, an advanced driving assistance system, was standard on all but the base Pure trim level.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with numerous driver-assistance features, including Active Brake Assist, forward-collision avoidance, rain-sensing wipers, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic high beams. Other standard safety features included automatic parking assist, a surround-view camera system, a driver-drowsiness monitor, and crosswind assist. Available safety tech included lane-keep assist, lane-change assist, adaptive cruise control, and a following-distance indicator. The GLS also featured a full array of airbags, traction control, self-tensioning seatbelts, and a tire-pressure monitoring system.

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 Pure trim level. Traffic sign recognition was standard on Essential and higher trim levels. The QX50 received four out of five stars for rollover resistance from the NHTSA and Good ratings from the IIHS for crash protection.