2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2022 INFINITI QX80

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC was a testament to the brand's commitment to a timeless aesthetic, characterized by soft curves and rounded edges. While it maintained a modern aggression with its menacing LED headlights, it avoided the overly sharp grille designs seen in some competitors. The GLC's long hood and wide grille gave it a dramatic stance, reminiscent of a raised C-Class or E-Class sedan, emphasizing its car-like characteristics. Inside, the GLC's cabin was an artful blend of soft lines and curves, with a flowing dash and a floating centre touchscreen. Mercedes-Benz was moving towards larger screens and a minimalist approach, but the GLC's interior design set a high standard for compact luxury SUV cabins.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 shared a platform with the Nissan Armada, but its unique front-end styling, including the distinctive Infiniti grille, set it apart. The tasteful integration of LED lighting and conservative use of chrome added to its upscale appearance. The QX80's cabin featured upscale materials, such as wood trim and quilted semi-aniline leather seats, but its design was beginning to show its age. Despite this, the cabin remained a comfortable and attractive space. However, in the premium full-size SUV market, where expectations are high, the QX80's interior fell short compared to its main competitors.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 was powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 255 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. It featured a nine-speed automatic transmission and 4MATIC all-wheel drive. The GLC offered various drive modes, including Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+, but even in Comfort mode, the engine provided ample power. The AMG GLC 43 and AMG GLC 63 S variants offered more potent powertrains, with the latter boasting a twin-turbo V8 producing 503 horsepower.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 was equipped with a robust 400-horsepower, 5.6-litre V8 engine, delivering 413 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission, provided smooth and linear power delivery. The QX80's 4WD system, based on the Nissan Patrol, offered impressive off-road capability, with a computer-controlled transfer case and ample ground clearance. The QX80's towing capacity was a generous 3,855 kilograms, and its Hydraulic Body Motion Control system helped manage body lean during cornering.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC offered 1,600 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded, while the GLC Coupe's fastback profile reduced this to 1,400 litres. The GLC provided decent rear-seat space, with ample legroom and headroom in the SUV variant. The Coupe's low roofline compromised headroom, making the SUV a more practical choice.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 required a climb to enter due to its tall ride height. Inside, the cabin felt spacious, with good head- and legroom in the front seats. The QX80 could accommodate up to eight passengers, but the third row was cramped for adults. Cargo space measured 470 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,694 litres with all seats folded. The power-operated liftgate and third-row seats were convenient but slow to operate.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC featured the MBUX infotainment system with a 10.25-inch touchscreen, centre console touch controller, and advanced voice-control system. The system was intuitive, offering both touch and controller options. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, though switching between the GLC's radio and smartphone apps required navigating through menus.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 featured a 12.3-inch Infiniti InTouch infotainment system with Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. A Bose 17-speaker sound system was standard, along with a wireless smartphone charger. The dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system was included, but the lack of HDMI adapters was a drawback. The absence of Infiniti's ProPilot Assist was notable, as it limited the QX80's advanced driver-assistance capabilities.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC required the purchase of the Intelligent Drive Package for advanced safety features like automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring. Parking sensors and hands-free parking assist were part of the Premium Plus Package, though the sensors were overly sensitive.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 came with standard safety features, including forward automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and forward-collision warning. Additional features included driver attention alert and front knee airbags. The QX80 received a three-star rollover resistance rating from NHTSA, with the structurally similar 2021 model receiving four stars for overall crash protection.