2021 INFINITI QX80 vs 2021 BMW X5

The 2021 BMW X5 was a testament to BMW's renowned craftsmanship, fitting seamlessly into the brand's SUV lineup. Its design was unmistakably BMW, from the iconic kidney grille to its body shape, ensuring it stood out as a luxury SUV. However, this familiarity also meant it could blend in with other BMW models in a crowded parking lot. The X5 featured full adaptive LED headlights and a choice of matte aluminum or high-gloss black finishes, depending on the trim. The M Sport models added a sporty flair with body-coloured trim and unique styling elements. Inside, the X5's interior was consistent with BMW's design language, featuring a mix of leather and soft-touch materials, though it was criticized for its abundance of black plastic. The M Sport models offered a more aggressive interior design with exclusive features.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 combined elements from both the Nissan Armada and Infiniti's design language. While its body-on-frame construction was shared with the Armada, the QX80's front-end styling was distinctly Infiniti, giving it an assertive yet refined appearance. Standard LED lighting and large alloy wheels added to its luxury appeal. Inside, the QX80's interior was reminiscent of the Armada, with Infiniti's touch of wood trim and leather upholstery. Despite its luxurious feel, the interior lacked exclusivity, with some elements like the foot-operated parking brake feeling out of place in a high-end vehicle. The QX80's spacious interior offered competitive passenger space, though it didn't lead the class. Cargo space was ample but fell short compared to rivals like the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator.

The 2021 BMW X5 offered a range of powertrains, all paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base xDrive40i model featured a 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine producing 335 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque, with all-wheel drive as standard. The M50i variant boasted a twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8, delivering 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. The high-performance X5 M offered 600 hp, increasing to 617 hp with the Competition Package. A new addition for 2021 was the xDrive45e plug-in hybrid, combining a 3.0-litre engine with a 24-kWh battery for 389 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque, offering up to 50 km of all-electric range. Despite its power, the X5's driving dynamics were criticized for lacking the engaging handling expected from BMW, with steering issues at both low and high speeds. The plug-in hybrid's charging was convenient, and its fuel efficiency was notable, with the xDrive45e achieving 4.7 litres-equivalent per 100 km when using both electricity and gas.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 was powered by a 5.6-litre V8 engine paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission, delivering 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque. While not as powerful as some competitors, the engine was responsive, making highway overtaking stress-free. The transmission, however, lacked smoothness. The QX80's body-on-frame construction provided a truck-like ride, but its independent suspension and rear auto-leveling feature ensured a comfortable experience. The ProACTIVE models included Hydraulic Body Motion Control to reduce body roll, though the QX80 still felt less composed in corners. Its 4WD system and off-road capabilities were commendable, with a maximum towing capacity of 3,855 kg. Despite its size, the QX80's speed-sensitive power steering promoted a relaxed driving style.

The 2021 BMW X5 made efficient use of space, with well-placed cupholders and a wireless phone charging pad. The front seats were comfortable for short trips but could feel hard on longer journeys. Rear seating was spacious, with an optional third row available. The split liftgate and adjustable vehicle height made loading cargo easy, though the doors didn't open wide enough for easy access to the second row. The xDrive45e model offered slightly less cargo space due to its battery, but the difference was minimal for most buyers.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 offered a standard seven-seat configuration with second-row captain's chairs, while an eight-seat option was available on the ProACTIVE grade. The front seats featured power adjustments and lumbar support, though they lacked thigh support for long trips. Passenger space was competitive, with ample room in all three rows. Cargo space was generous but not class-leading, with 470 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,694 litres with the second and third rows folded. The power liftgate and folding third row made switching between passenger and cargo modes convenient. However, storage space in the centre console was limited, and the front-door cupholders were poorly designed.

The 2021 BMW X5 came equipped with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system included a digital gauge cluster, a 10-speaker sound system, and various connectivity options. Optional upgrades included a head-up display, premium audio systems, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The iDrive system required some acclimatization but was user-friendly once mastered. However, the wireless Apple CarPlay had connectivity quirks, often taking over music operations unexpectedly.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 featured the InTouch dual-screen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 17-speaker Bose audio system. The system included a rear-seat entertainment setup and various connectivity options. Despite the array of controls, the user interface was not intuitive, requiring trial and error to navigate. The Smart Rearview Mirror and Around View Monitor provided helpful driving aids, enhancing visibility and safety.

The 2021 BMW X5 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. However, the Driving Assistance Professional Package had issues with lane-keeping and adaptive cruise control, particularly in bright sunlight or rain. The X5 received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and mostly Good ratings from the IIHS, despite being subject to several recalls.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with high marks for side crash tests. Standard safety features included blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. The ProACTIVE grade added advanced features like Backup Collision Intervention. While the QX80's safety features were common among luxury SUVs, Infiniti made many of them standard.