2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2022 INFINITI QX80

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 shared a strong family resemblance with the Nissan Armada, which wasn't necessarily a drawback as both SUVs were considered good-looking. The QX80's size was deemed just right, and its unique front-end styling, featuring a distinctive Infiniti grille, set it apart. The tasteful integration of LED lighting and conservative use of chrome added to its upscale appearance, while the stylish 22-inch dark chrome alloy wheels further enhanced its exterior.

Inside, the QX80's cabin featured more upscale materials compared to the Armada, but Nissan's design theme was still evident. The Sensory-trim test vehicle boasted tasteful wood trim and attractive quilted semi-aniline Saddle Brown leather seats. However, despite its luxurious interior, the QX80's style was seen as outdated compared to its competitors. While the cabin was comfortable and upscale, it fell short of the high bar set by other premium full-size SUVs.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450, in its base form, offered a more subtle and less flashy look compared to rivals like the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator. Mercedes avoided a gaudy grille, opting for a more refined design. The AMG GLS 63 performance model and the Maybach version added visual drama with features like flared wheel arches, chrome accents, and larger wheels.

The Maybach model offered added luxuries like reclining rear seats, while the AMG version featured a performance-oriented interior with stainless steel trim and heavily bolstered Nappa leather seats. The GLS 450's interior, even in its basic form, felt luxurious with leather upholstery, a panoramic roof, and ambient lighting. The digital instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen were well-integrated, and the overall interior quality was high, though some ergonomic issues were noted.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 was powered by a robust 400-horsepower, 5.6-liter V8 engine, delivering 413 lb-ft of torque. This engine was one of the QX80's strengths, providing strong performance and a pleasing exhaust note. However, it was also thirsty, and Infiniti recommended premium fuel. The seven-speed automatic transmission offered smooth and seamless shifts, and the QX80's power delivery was linear and consistent. The vehicle's off-road capability, thanks to its Nissan Patrol-based platform, was commendable, with options for 2WD and 4WD. The QX80 had a maximum towing capacity of 8,500 pounds and managed to control body lean well during cornering, thanks to the Hydraulic Body Motion Control system.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and Mercedes' EQ Boost mild-hybrid system. The gasoline engine produced 362 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, with the electric motor adding 21 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque in short bursts. The GLS 450's engine provided ample power, and the electric assist was well-integrated. The inline-six engine offered smooth performance, making it suitable for a luxury vehicle. However, the suspension exhibited poor body control, leading to excessive motion over bumps and in corners. The GLS 450 had a towing capacity of 7,700 pounds, which was lower than some competitors.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 required a climb to enter due to its tall ride height, aided by a grab handle for easier ingress. The cabin offered a spacious and airy feel, with good front-seat head- and legroom. Forward visibility was commendable, though the sideview mirrors were a bit small. The power-sliding moonroof was smaller compared to panoramic designs in other models. The QX80 could seat up to eight passengers with the optional second-row bench seat, but the third row was cramped for adults. Cargo space was limited, with 16.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 49.6 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 95.1 cubic feet with all seats folded.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with a seven-seat configuration, with an optional six-seat version featuring second-row captain's chairs. The second-row seats could slide forward and fold for third-row access, and the bench seat could slide fore and aft to increase legroom. The GLS offered 17.4 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats in place, expanding to 42.7 cubic feet with the third row folded and 84.7 cubic feet with both rows folded. The GLS featured one-touch power-folding seats and a power tailgate, with the air suspension lowering for easier loading. However, some ergonomic issues were noted, such as the touchscreen being too far away and the center console grab handles lacking a clear purpose.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 featured a new 12.3-inch Infiniti InTouch display with Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The display also included navigation, voice recognition, and Infiniti InTouch connected services. A Bose 13-speaker premium sound system was standard, with a 17-speaker Performance Series Bose system available on the top Sensory trim. The QX80 also had multiple USB ports, illuminated steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, and a wireless smartphone charger. However, the dual-screen rear entertainment system lacked HDMI adapters, and the QX80 did not include Infiniti's ProPilot Assist advanced driving-assistance system.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, featuring a 12.3-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, navigation, SiriusXM satellite radio, and natural-language voice recognition. A 13-speaker Burmester audio system was standard, with an optional head-up display. The MBUX system offered multiple control options, including voice recognition, a touchpad controller, and the touchscreen. The voice recognition system was the easiest to use, while the touchpad controller was found to be too sensitive. The touchscreen and instrument cluster had good graphics, but the navigation system had some issues, such as suggesting a longer route unnecessarily.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 came equipped with a range of standard safety features, including forward automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring with lane-departure prevention, forward-collision warning, backup collision intervention, a smart rearview mirror, and adaptive cruise control. Additional safety features for 2022 included driver attention alert, front knee airbags, and seat belt pre-tensioners for second-row outboard passengers. The QX80 received a three-star rating for rollover resistance from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), with the structurally similar 2021 model receiving four stars for overall crash protection.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS included standard safety features such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, a driver-attention monitor, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, a surround-view camera system, Crosswind Assist, parking assist, and Pre Safe. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, second-row side airbags, and advanced driver-assistance features like Active Steering Assist, Evasive Steering Assist, Active Lane Change Assist, Trailer Stability Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, and Active Emergency Stop Assist. Crash-test ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and NHTSA were not available at the time of publication.