2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2021 INFINITI QX80

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 showcased a blend of Nissan Armada and Infiniti design elements, maintaining a body-on-frame construction that emphasized its robust SUV nature. Its front-end styling, introduced in 2018, featured a distinctive Infiniti grille and headlight design, offering an assertive yet refined appearance. Standard LED lighting and large alloy wheels added to its commanding presence. Inside, the QX80 shared similarities with the Armada, enhanced by wood trim and leather upholstery, though it retained a somewhat utilitarian feel with features like a foot-operated parking brake.

In contrast, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC embraced a timeless aesthetic with soft curves and rounded edges, complemented by modern LED headlights. Its design echoed the elegance of Mercedes sedans, providing a car-like feel. The GLC’s interior was a masterpiece of design, with flowing lines and a minimalist approach that set a high standard for luxury SUV cabins. The GLC Coupe offered a sleek profile, though at the expense of cargo space, while the conventional SUV format balanced style and practicality.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 was powered by a 5.6-litre V8 engine producing 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque, paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission. Its 4WD system was standard in Canada, enhancing its off-road capabilities. Despite its size, the QX80 delivered a comfortable ride, thanks to independent suspension and Hydraulic Body Motion Control on higher trims. However, it exhibited noticeable body roll in corners and had a less refined transmission. Its towing capacity of 3,855 kilograms was impressive, though its off-road prowess was limited by its size and wheel design.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 255 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission and 4MATIC AWD. The GLC offered multiple drive modes, providing a balance of comfort and responsiveness. For those seeking more power, the AMG GLC 43 and AMG GLC 63 S offered significantly enhanced performance with their twin-turbocharged engines, delivering up to 503 horsepower.

The QX80 offered a spacious three-row configuration, accommodating up to eight passengers. Standard features included power-adjustable front seats with heating and cooling, though thigh support was lacking. Cargo space was generous but not class-leading, with a maximum of 2,694 litres. The interior provided ample storage, though some areas, like cupholders, were not optimally designed.

The GLC provided 1,600 litres of cargo space with rear seats folded, while the Coupe variant offered slightly less. Interior storage was well thought out, with deep door pockets and retractable cupholders. Rear-seat space was adequate, though the Coupe’s design compromised headroom. Overall, the GLC made efficient use of its interior space.

The QX80 featured the Infiniti InTouch dual-screen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 17-speaker Bose audio system. While it offered numerous features, the user interface was not intuitive, requiring trial and error to navigate. Helpful tech like the Smart Rearview Mirror and Around View Monitor enhanced driving ease.

The GLC’s MBUX infotainment system, part of the Premium Package, included a 10.25-inch touchscreen and advanced voice control. The system was intuitive, with touch-sensitive steering wheel pads for easy navigation. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were well integrated, though switching between apps could be cumbersome.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 received a four-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, with standard features like blind-spot monitoring and automatic emergency braking. The ProACTIVE grade added advanced safety interventions, though some features required upgrades.

The GLC’s best safety features were part of the Intelligent Drive Package, including automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning. While effective, the parking sensors were overly sensitive, causing distractions.