2021 INFINITI QX80 vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 showcased a blend of Nissan Armada and Infiniti design elements, with its body-on-frame construction reminiscent of traditional SUVs. Its profile, marked by the roofline and rear window curves, echoed the Armada, while the front-end styling was distinctly Infiniti, featuring a bold grille and headlight design. The QX80's exterior was equipped with standard LED lighting and varied wheel sizes depending on the trim. Inside, the QX80's interior bore a strong resemblance to the Armada, with added luxury touches like wood trim and leather upholstery. However, the interior's design and features, such as the foot-operated parking brake, might not have met the exclusivity expectations of some luxury SUV buyers.

In contrast, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe presented a more modern and athletic aesthetic. Its Selenite Gray paint and 22-inch forged aluminum wheels contributed to a sporty appearance, reminiscent of an athletic sneaker. The GLE Coupe's interior was luxurious, featuring high-end materials and a dual-screen setup for instrumentation and infotainment. The cabin was enhanced with ambient lighting and premium leather, providing a high-tech and sumptuous feel. Despite its complexity, the interior design aimed for simplicity, though it required some acclimatization for new users to navigate its technology effectively.

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 body-on-frame construction, combined with independent suspension and Hydraulic Body Motion Control on higher trims, provided a comfortable ride, though it exhibited some body roll in corners. The QX80 excelled in towing and off-road capabilities, with a maximum towing capacity of 3,855 kilograms. However, its size and wheel-and-tire combinations were not ideal for tight trails or off-road traction.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE 53 Coupe featured a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-6 engine with 429 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque, enhanced by an EQ Boost mild-hybrid system. Its performance was further elevated by a SpeedShift nine-speed automatic transmission and AMG Performance 4Matic+ AWD system. The GLE Coupe offered multiple driving modes and an adaptive air suspension, providing a nimble and composed ride. In Sport+ mode, the GLE Coupe demonstrated impressive performance on challenging roads, though its size and weight were noticeable. The vehicle's brakes and suspension effectively managed body motions, ensuring a confident driving experience.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 offered a three-row seating configuration, accommodating seven or eight passengers depending on the trim. The interior featured power-adjustable front seats with heating and cooling, though the thigh support was lacking. Passenger space was competitive, with ample room in the third row for adults. Cargo space was limited compared to competitors, with 470 litres behind the third row and up to 2,694 litres with seats folded. The centre console provided limited storage, and the front-door cupholders were not well-designed for holding drinks securely.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe, while technically seating five, was more comfortable for four passengers. The front seats offered numerous adjustments, including heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The back seat provided ample legroom, and the cargo hold offered 655 litres, expanding to 1,790 litres with the rear seats folded. The GLE Coupe included comfort upgrades like a four-zone climate control system and an in-cabin fragrance system, enhancing the overall luxury experience.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 featured the Infiniti InTouch dual-screen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 17-speaker Bose audio system. The system included analog controls, but the user interface was not intuitive, requiring trial and error to navigate. The Smart Rearview Mirror and Around View Monitor 360-degree camera system were notable features, enhancing visibility and ease of driving.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe came equipped with the MBUX infotainment system, featuring dual 12.3-inch screens. The system included navigation, satellite radio, and smartphone integration, with options for wireless charging and a Burmester audio system. MBUX was user-friendly, with natural voice recognition and multiple interaction methods. However, the touchpad on the centre console was prone to accidental activation. Additional options included gesture recognition and augmented video for navigation.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with standard safety features like blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. The ProACTIVE grade included additional features like Backup Collision Intervention. The IIHS had not tested the QX80.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe was equipped with numerous safety features, including forward-collision warning and blind-spot monitoring. The Intelligent Drive Package added 13 driver assistance systems, enhancing safety and collision avoidance. The GLE Coupe's lane-keeping assistance and adaptive cruise control were finely tuned for seamless operation. Crash-test results for the GLE Coupe were unavailable, but the standard GLE received top safety ratings.