2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs 2022 INFINITI QX60

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, known for its iconic boxy design, was a testament to rugged luxury. Its straight-edged, two-box design harkened back to its military roots, yet it was embraced by the elite as a status symbol. The G-Class featured a retro exterior that stood out in the Mercedes-Benz lineup, with a hand-built construction in Graz, Austria. Inside, the G-Class offered a sophisticated ambiance with a 12.3-inch widescreen infotainment screen and a matching virtual instrument panel, allowing for a customizable and immersive driving experience. Despite its luxurious appeal, the G-Class remained a capable off-road machine, often seen in bold custom colors and adorned with extravagant features.

In contrast, the 2022 INFINITI QX60 underwent a complete redesign, presenting a dramatic and attractive crossover SUV. Its exterior boasted a prominent grille, slim LED headlights, and a floating roof design, creating an elegant and modern appearance. The QX60's interior was spacious and luxurious, with quilted leather upholstery and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display. The cabin was designed for comfort and convenience, featuring intuitive controls and ample storage. The QX60's craftsmanship and build quality were evident, making it a refined choice for those seeking a premium crossover experience.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class was a powerhouse, with the G550 model featuring a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine producing 416 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque. It utilized a nine-speed automatic transmission and permanent four-wheel drive, offering a dynamic driving experience with various driving modes, including "G-mode" for off-roading. The G550 could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds, while the AMG G63 variant, with 577 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque, achieved the same in 4.5 seconds. Despite its size, the G-Class handled well on various terrains, thanks to its advanced suspension system and locking differentials. However, its fuel economy was a downside, with ratings of 13 mpg city/19 mpg highway for the G550.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 featured a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 295 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. It was paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, providing a smooth and responsive driving experience. The QX60's suspension system, with MacPherson struts and an independent multilink setup, offered a comfortable ride, while its electric power steering delivered good feedback. The QX60 excelled on highways and suburban streets, providing a serene ride for passengers. Its fuel economy was competitive, with ratings of 21 mpg city/26 mpg highway for FWD models and slightly lower for AWD versions.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class offered impressive utility, with 38.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row and up to 68.6 cubic feet with the second row folded. It had a payload capacity of over 1,000 pounds and could tow up to 7,700 pounds. The G-Class's interior was spacious, with ample headroom and legroom, and featured luxurious touches like heated seats and a sunroof. However, some luxury features were only available in expensive packages, and the lack of hands-free access for the tailgate was a minor drawback.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 provided a versatile interior, with up to 14.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row and 75.4 cubic feet with both rows folded. The second-row seats could slide and fold for easy access to the third row, and the Autograph trim offered captain's chairs for added comfort. The QX60's interior was designed for convenience, with ample storage, charging ports, and a spacious center console. Its towing capacity was 3,500 pounds, expandable to 6,000 pounds with the towing package.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class featured twin 12.3-inch HD screens for the instrument panel and infotainment system, offering a customizable and immersive experience. The COMAND system, controlled via unique Touch Control buttons on the steering wheel, provided intuitive access to various functions. The G-Class included a Burmester Surround Sound system, WiFi, and standard connectivity features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, wireless device charging was not available.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 boasted a 12.3-inch InTouch Interactive display with wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto. It featured a WiFi hotspot, multiple USB charge points, and a wireless charging pad on higher trims. The QX60 offered advanced connectivity features, including a navigation system, Infiniti InTouch services, and Amazon Alexa integration. The Autograph trim included a head-up display and a smart rearview mirror, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class came equipped with a range of standard safety features, including active brake assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Its rugged construction provided safety advantages in certain crashes, but its size and weight required responsible driving. The G-Class had not been rated by IIHS or NHTSA for crash-worthiness.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including multiple airbags, forward emergency braking, and blind-spot warning. It also featured ProPilot Assist, lane-departure warning, and an around-view monitor camera system. While the 2022 model had not been rated by IIHS or NHTSA, the previous generation received high safety ratings, suggesting similar performance for the new model.