2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2025 INFINITI QX80

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured subtle yet impactful aesthetic updates. Its sharper headlights and taillights, along with black fender flares, added a refined edge. The grille, enhanced with chrome inserts, contributed to its sophisticated look. The optional AMG Line package further elevated its sporty appeal, complemented by standard 19-inch wheels, with an option for 21-inch wheels. Inside, the cabin maintained a classic Mercedes-Benz feel, rich with leather and soft-touch surfaces. However, the combination of open-pore walnut trim and Bahia Brown seating gave it a dated appearance, which could be improved with lighter leather options.

The 2025 INFINITI QX80 underwent its first redesign since 2017, growing slightly in size while retaining its body-on-frame architecture. This new frame improved torsional and lateral stiffness significantly. The QX80's styling updates were most noticeable at the front, with a larger grille and a creased hood. The stacked-headlight setup and full-width LED taillights modernized its look. The vehicle offered four trim levels, with varying wheel sizes and a standard panoramic moonroof. Inside, the cabin featured a high-tech makeover with a large horizontal display and ambient lighting, though shiny black plastic trim detracted from its premium feel.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of powertrains, including the entry-level GLE 350 with 255 horsepower, the GLE 450 with a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, and the GLE 580 with a 4.0-liter V8. The new 450e plug-in hybrid, however, stood out with a 2.0-liter turbo inline four-cylinder engine producing 381 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. Despite being slower to 60 mph than the GLE 450, it impressed with a 55-mile all-electric range. The 450e featured a smooth transition between electric and gas modes, though its driving dynamics were less sporty compared to rivals like the BMW X5 xDrive50e.

The 2025 INFINITI QX80 introduced a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6, replacing the previous 5.6-liter V8. This new engine delivered 450 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The QX80 felt more energetic, though the active sound enhancement added an artificial noise. The air suspension and adaptive damping improved ride quality, but the vehicle's size and body-on-frame construction limited handling. The QX80 offered an off-road setting and impressive ground clearance, but its ride remained average for its class.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE excelled in interior luxury, with standard heated front seats and optional ventilation and massage functions. Features like heated and cooled cup holders, ambient lighting, and a panoramic sunroof enhanced comfort. The GLE could tow up to 7,700 pounds and offered 31.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 74.9 cubic feet with the second row folded. However, the non-extending sun visors were a minor drawback.

The 2025 INFINITI QX80's redesign increased cargo space significantly, offering 22 cubic feet with all seats up, 59 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 101 cubic feet with both rows down. The power liftgate and power-folding seats made reconfiguration easy. Passenger space was generous, with improved legroom and available heated, ventilated, and massaging seats. The QX80 boasted an 8,500-pound towing capacity, surpassing most competitors.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and the MBUX infotainment system. While the screen was smaller than some Mercedes models, it was user-friendly, with voice control and a touchpad. The augmented reality navigation system and off-road page provided useful information. However, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto had connectivity issues.

The 2025 INFINITI QX80's cabin included dual 14.3-inch screens and a smaller 9-inch touchscreen for controls. Google built-in apps offered familiar navigation and voice recognition. The infotainment system's graphics felt dated, and the lower touchscreen required firm presses. All models featured Klipsch sound systems, with higher trims offering a 24-speaker setup. The QX80 also included a 360-degree camera system with multiple viewing angles.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered advanced driver aids, with standard blind-spot monitoring and optional features like lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control. It received high safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, though some features required additional cost.

The 2025 INFINITI QX80 came with standard safety features, including forward collision warning and blind-spot monitoring. It offered ProPilot Assist for highway driving, though it required driver-initiated lane changes. Crash-test ratings were unavailable at the time of publication.