2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2021 INFINITI QX80

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS carried over from its third generation introduced in 2020. Originally launched as the GL-Class in 2006, it was meant to replace the G-Class but ended up appealing to a different set of luxury SUV buyers. The GLS featured softened angles and lines, making it appear less bulky than its predecessors. Inside, it boasted a futuristic cabin with a massive digital screen spanning nearly two-thirds of the dash, emphasizing its tech-reliant controls. The GLS was available in three trims: GLS 450, GLS 580, and the high-performance AMG GLS 63, each offering a range of luxurious features and options.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80, reflecting its Nissan Armada roots, combined elements from both brands. While it retained the body-on-frame construction of the Armada, the QX80's front-end styling was distinctly Infiniti, giving it an assertive yet not overly aggressive look. Standard features included LED headlights, taillights, and fog lights, with higher trims riding on 22-inch wheels. Inside, the QX80's design closely mirrored the Armada, with added luxury touches like wood trim and leather upholstery. However, some elements, such as the foot-operated parking brake, felt less premium.

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 with 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 its hand-crafted 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, delivered an impressive 603 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque, enabling it to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds. All engines included Mercedes’ EQ Boost 48-volt mild-hybrid system, adding an extra 21 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque when needed. The GLS 63 also featured an adaptive air suspension system, multiple drive modes, and E-Active Body Control for a smooth and composed ride.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 came with a 5.6-liter V8 engine and a seven-speed automatic transmission, producing 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque. Rear-wheel drive was standard, with 4WD available as an option. The QX80's engine was responsive, making highway overtaking stress-free, though the transmission shifts could have been smoother. The body-on-frame construction, combined with independent suspension and Hydraulic Body Motion Control on Sensory models, provided a comfortable ride. However, the QX80 felt less composed in corners, with noticeable body roll. The QX80 excelled in towing and off-road capability, with a maximum towing capacity of 8,500 pounds and a 4WD drivetrain featuring low range.

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 also suitable for adults, a rarity among three-row SUVs. 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 the second and third rows folded. The driver and front passenger enjoyed numerous storage compartments, though the center console was relatively small.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 also featured three rows of seating, with a standard seven-seat configuration and an optional eight-seat layout. The front seats offered 10-way and eight-way adjustability, respectively, with heating and cooling on Sensory models. Passenger space was competitive, though not class-leading, with sufficient room for adults in the third row. Cargo space measured 16.6 cubic feet with all seats in place, 49.6 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 95.1 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. The center console could open from both the front and back, but overall storage space was limited.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with the MBUX infotainment system, featuring a massive touch screen and a trackpad controller. The system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though a USB-C cable was required. The MBUX voice-control system could understand complex commands, and the digital dash extended to a fully-digital instrument panel, both controlled by touch-sensitive pads on the steering wheel. The system had a learning curve but offered extensive functionality once mastered.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 featured the Infiniti InTouch dual-screen infotainment system, with 8.0-inch and 7.0-inch touchscreens, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a built-in WiFi hotspot, and navigation. The system also 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. However, the user interface was not intuitive, with small screens and confusing controls. The Smart Rearview Mirror and Around View Monitor 360-degree camera system were helpful features for driving the large SUV.

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. Additional safety features included automatic parking assist, a surround-view camera system, a driver-drowsiness monitor, and crosswind assist. Optional 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 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. 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.