2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2025 INFINITI QX80

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC underwent a generational redesign, yet it maintained a familiar aesthetic to avoid alienating its loyal fanbase. The exterior changes were subtle, with new taillights and repositioned door handles that now sat beneath the bodywork crease. The headlights were narrower and more aggressive, while the taillights were connected by a trim piece across the back. The trunk design was updated, with less chrome and a more pronounced rear bumper. The GLC Coupe retained its steeply sloping profile, resembling an inflated hatchback, with a distinctive grille that differentiated the AMG models from the GLC 300. Inside, the GLC's interior was luxurious, featuring two-tone leather upholstery and a wood-and-metal dash treatment. The cabin was filled with screens, buttons, and ambient lighting, offering a gadget-heavy experience typical of Mercedes.

The 2025 INFINITI QX80 received its first redesign since 2017, growing slightly in length and width while retaining its body-on-frame architecture. The new frame improved torsional and lateral stiffness significantly. The QX80's styling was more expressive, with a larger grille extending onto the hood and a stacked-headlight setup that gave it a distinctive look. The rear end retained its shape but featured full-width LED taillights. The interior was updated with a high-tech makeover, including a large horizontal display and 64-color ambient lighting. The cabin offered various leather upholstery options, with the Autograph models featuring semi-aniline leather across all rows. The QX80's interior was spacious, with increased legroom and headroom, making it comfortable for passengers in all three rows.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC 43 was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine from AMG, producing 416 horsepower, surpassing the previous generation's 385 hp V6. The engine was supported by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. The base GLC 300 offered 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque from its mild-hybrid turbo-four engine. The GLC 300 was rear-wheel-drive, with an optional all-wheel-drive 4Matic model. The AMG GLC 43 featured a nine-speed automatic transmission with a multi-clutch system, providing faster shifts and better torque handling. The performance suspension offered improved handling but resulted in a firmer ride, making it less suitable for daily commuting.

The 2025 INFINITI QX80 was equipped with a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, replacing the previous 5.6-liter V8. The new engine delivered 450 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, compared to the outgoing V8's 400 hp and 413 lb-ft. A nine-speed automatic transmission replaced the old seven-speed, with standard rear-wheel drive and optional four-wheel drive. The QX80's air suspension and adaptive damping provided a compliant ride, with adjustable ride height for off-road and aerodynamic purposes. Despite its size, the QX80's handling was average for a large body-on-frame SUV, with the air suspension unable to completely smooth out bumps.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC's cabin was driver-focused, with controls angled toward the driver. The front seats offered heat and memory functions, with optional ventilation and heated rear seats. The GLC SUV provided 21.9 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 59.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The GLC Coupe offered 17.6 cubic feet of cargo volume, expanding to 52.6 cubic feet with the seats down.

The 2025 INFINITI QX80's redesign increased cargo space by 6%, 17%, and 28% behind the first, second, and third rows, respectively. The QX80 offered 22 cubic feet with all rows in place, 59 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 101 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. The interior was easily reconfigurable with power-folding seats and a power liftgate. Passenger space was generous, with increased legroom and headroom, making the third row comfortable. The QX80 had a maximum towing capacity of 8,500 pounds.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC featured an 11.9-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen running the third-generation MBUX infotainment system. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with optional navigation, a Burmester 3D surround sound system, and a head-up display. The Pinnacle trim added augmented reality navigation. The GLC offered an Advanced USB package with six USB-C ports.

The 2025 INFINITI QX80 had dual 14.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment, with a smaller 9-inch touchscreen for climate control. It was the first Infiniti model with Google built-in apps, including Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Google Play Store. The QX80 supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. All models had Klipsch sound systems, with higher trims featuring a 24-speaker version with Individual Audio tech. The QX80 offered a 360-degree camera system with multiple viewing angles and an Invisible Hood view.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, with an "Acceptable" rating for the standard front crash-prevention system. Standard safety features included active brake assist, attention assist, blind-spot and exit warning assist, adaptive braking technology, and active parking assist. The optional Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control, active steering assist, and active lane-keeping assist.

The 2025 INFINITI QX80's crash-test ratings were unavailable at the time of publication. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and a trailer blind-spot warning system. The QX80 offered ProPilot Assist highway-driving assistance, with adaptive cruise control and automated lane centering. The advanced version allowed for hands-free driving and automated lane changes.