2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2022 INFINITI QX80

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE, despite its lineage, was often seen as a vehicle that struggled to match the aesthetic appeal of its competitors. Its exterior design, while promising with an aggressive front, seemed to lose its charm past the A-pillar, making it reminiscent of its predecessors. The flat taillights and contoured rear attempted to add some flair, but the overall look was often compared unfavourably to rivals like the BMW X5 or the Porsche Cayenne. However, the interior of the GLE was a different story. It was a masterpiece of quality and design, with a bold red and black colour scheme that was both luxurious and eye-catching. The use of materials like wood, metal, and leather was exquisite, although some elements like the gear selector felt less robust. The GLE's interior was a testament to Mercedes' commitment to luxury, even if the exterior didn't quite match up.

In contrast, the 2022 INFINITI QX80 shared a platform with the Nissan Armada, which was evident in its design. However, the QX80 managed to carve out its own identity with a distinctive front grille and tasteful use of LED lighting and chrome. The 22-inch dark chrome alloy wheels added a touch of elegance to its imposing presence. Inside, the QX80's cabin was adorned with upscale materials, including quilted semi-aniline leather seats and wood trim, which elevated its appeal. Despite these efforts, the design felt somewhat dated compared to its competitors. The QX80's interior was comfortable and attractive, but it struggled to meet the high expectations set by the premium full-size SUV market, where luxury and innovation were paramount.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE was a marvel of engineering, offering a range of advanced suspension and engine configurations. The base GLE 350 featured a reliable coil-sprung setup, while the GLE 450 introduced AIRMATIC air springs with adaptive dampers. The AMG models took it further with AMG Ride Control+ and E-Active Body Control, providing an unparalleled driving experience. The GLE 53 Coupe, with its electric supercharger, delivered instant throttle response, although it wasn't as exhilarating as expected. The hybrid EQ Boost system added 21 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, enhancing performance without significantly improving fuel efficiency. The GLE's towing capacity of 3,500 kg was impressive, and its ride quality and steering were exceptional, making it a standout in its class.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80, powered by a robust 400-horsepower 5.6-litre V8 engine, offered a thrilling driving experience with its smooth and linear power delivery. The seven-speed automatic transmission, while lacking a few gears compared to competitors, provided seamless shifts and quick kickdowns for passing. The QX80's off-road capabilities were notable, thanks to its body-on-frame construction and standard 4WD with a computer-controlled transfer case. With a towing capacity of 3,855 kg, the QX80 was well-suited for hauling heavy loads. Despite its size, the QX80 managed to control body lean effectively, thanks to the Hydraulic Body Motion Control system, although it reminded drivers of its nearly three-ton curb weight during sharp turns.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a spacious interior, with most models accommodating five passengers, while an optional third row increased capacity to seven. The Coupe body style, however, was limited to five seats. Cargo capacity was generous, with 630 litres behind the second row and 2,055 litres with all rows folded. The Coupe's sloping roofline reduced space, offering 655 litres behind the second row and 1,790 litres with all seats down. The MBUX infotainment system improved usability, with intuitive controls and a simplified interface, although some features required setup before driving.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80, with its tall ride height, required a climb to enter, aided by a grab handle on the A-pillar. The cabin was spacious, with good head- and legroom in the front seats, although the third row was cramped for adults. The QX80 could seat up to eight passengers with a second-row bench or seven with captain's chairs. Cargo space was limited compared to competitors, with 470 litres behind the third row, 1,404 litres with the third row folded, and 2,694 litres with all seats down. The power-operated liftgate and third-row seats were slow to operate, but the illuminated kick plates and welcome lighting added a premium touch.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE was a technological powerhouse, featuring a 12-inch touchscreen with Interior Assistant for gesture control. The system offered a range of features, including seat massage, navigation with augmented reality, and a natural voice assistant. The AMG models included a Track Pace app for performance tracking. The GLE's infotainment system was highly customizable, with sharp displays and ambient lighting with 64 colours. The semi-automated driving features added convenience and safety, making the GLE a leader in automotive technology.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80, while not a technological marvel, offered a respectable suite of features. The 12.3-inch Infiniti InTouch infotainment system provided Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM connectivity. A Bose 17-speaker sound system and wireless smartphone charger were standard. The dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system, although lacking HDMI adapters, added entertainment options for passengers. However, the absence of Infiniti's ProPilot Assist highlighted the QX80's older architecture, limiting its advanced driver-assistance capabilities.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE earned top safety ratings, with a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. It offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and evasive steering assist. The Pre-Safe Sound and Pre-Safe Impulse Side systems enhanced occupant protection, while the brakes and stability control provided additional safety measures.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 came equipped with a range of standard safety features, including forward automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-departure warning. The NHTSA rated the 2021 QX80 with four stars for overall crash protection, but the 2022 model had not been fully rated. The QX80's safety features were competitive, although it lacked some advanced systems found in newer models.