2021 INFINITI QX80 vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE, despite its lineage, was not universally praised for its exterior design. It retained a somewhat rushed appearance, reminiscent of its predecessors, with a front that promised more than it delivered past the A-pillar. The flat taillights and contoured rear attempted to counteract its minivan-like tendencies, but it struggled to match the aesthetic appeal of competitors like the BMW X5 or the Volvo XC90. However, the interior was a different story. The 2021 redesign brought a more streamlined and cohesive look, with a luxurious interior that boasted high-quality materials and a striking red and black colour scheme. The interior was a sensory delight, with wood, metal, leather, and suede elements, although some controls felt flimsy. Overall, the GLE's interior exuded a sense of luxury and pampering.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80, on the other hand, showcased a blend of Nissan Armada and Infiniti styling elements. Its body-on-frame construction was evident, but the front-end styling was distinctly Infiniti, giving it an assertive yet not overly flashy look. The QX80 featured standard LED lighting and offered larger wheels on higher trims. Inside, the QX80's design closely mirrored the Armada, with added luxury touches like wood trim and leather upholstery. However, the interior still felt more Nissan than Infiniti, with some features like a foot-operated parking brake detracting from its luxury aspirations. While the interior was comfortable and felt luxurious, it lacked the exclusivity some buyers might expect from a high-end SUV.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE excelled in performance with its advanced suspension and engine setups. It offered five suspension configurations, with the base GLE 350 using a coil-sprung setup for reliability and comfort. The GLE 450 featured AIRMATIC self-leveling air springs, while the AMG models boasted AMG Ride Control+ and E-Active Body Control, allowing the GLE to lean into turns like a motorcyclist. The GLE 53 Coupe included an electric supercharger for instant throttle response, and all models except the GLE 350 were hybrids with EQ Boost, providing additional horsepower and torque. The GLE's fuel efficiency was average, with the AMG GLE 53 Coupe averaging 14.7 L/100 km. All GLE models in Canada came with standard 4MATIC AWD, and the GLE's towing capacity was impressive at 3,500 kg. The driving experience was exceptional, with the GLE handling like a smaller sedan and offering a smooth ride and precise steering.

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 QX80 featured independent suspension with rear auto-leveling, providing a comfortable ride despite its body-on-frame construction. The QX80's handling was less composed in corners, with noticeable body roll, but its speed-sensitive power steering promoted a relaxed driving style. The QX80 excelled in towing and off-road capability, with a maximum towing capacity of 3,855 kg and a 4WD drivetrain with low range. However, its size and wheel-and-tire combinations limited its off-road prowess.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a spacious interior, with most models being two-row SUVs and an optional third row for seven-passenger seating. The second-row seats featured power controls, and the third row was accessible with a button press. The Coupe body style seated five, with limited rear space due to the sloping roofline. Cargo capacity was generous, with 630 litres behind the second row and 2,055 litres with all rows folded. The Coupe offered less cargo space. The GLE's usability was enhanced by the MBUX infotainment system, with intuitive controls and a simplified interface.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 came standard with a seven-seat configuration, with an eight-seat option on the ProACTIVE grade. The front seats offered power adjustments and lumbar support, but lacked thigh support. Passenger space was competitive, with ample room in all three rows. Cargo space was limited compared to competitors, with 470 litres behind the third row and 2,694 litres with all seats folded. The QX80 featured a power liftgate and power-folding third row for convenience. The centre console offered limited storage, and the front-door cupholders were not well-designed for holding drinks.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured a 12-inch touchscreen with Interior Assistant, allowing gesture control for shortcuts. The system was intuitive, with search bars and larger type for easy navigation. The AMG models included a Track Pace app for track enthusiasts. The GLE offered numerous luxury features, including seat kinetics, ambient lighting with 64 colours, and a natural voice assistant. The semi-automated functionality provided advanced driving assistance, making the GLE a tech-savvy choice.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 came with the Infiniti InTouch dual-screen infotainment system, featuring 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 operate. The Smart Rearview Mirror and Around View Monitor provided helpful driving aids, enhancing visibility and safety.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE received top safety ratings, with a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It offered a range of safety and driver assistance features, including blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and evasive steering assist. The GLE's advanced safety systems provided comprehensive protection for occupants.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with five stars for side crash tests. It offered standard safety features like blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. The ProACTIVE grade included additional safety features, providing a solid safety package for a luxury SUV.