2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2025 INFINITI QX80

The 2025 INFINITI QX80 underwent its first redesign since 2017, growing slightly in length and width while maintaining its height. It retained its body-on-frame architecture, but with a new frame that significantly improved torsional and lateral stiffness. The QX80's styling became more expressive, particularly at the front, with a larger grille and a distinctive stacked-headlight setup. The rear end maintained its general shape but featured full-width LED taillights. The QX80 was offered in four trim levels, with varying wheel sizes and designs. The interior received a high-tech makeover, with a large horizontal display and ambient lighting, although some materials felt less premium.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS lineup included the GLS 450, GLS 580, AMG GLS 63, and Maybach GLS 600, with prices ranging from $91,600 to $181,350. The GLS 450 test vehicle featured the new Manufaktur Edition Package, adding AMG wheels, styling packages, and premium interior materials. The GLS offered a comfortable and luxurious interior, similar to the smaller GLE-Class, but with some body creaks noted. The standard upholstery was artificial leather, with various leather grades available. The GLS featured dual 12.3-inch displays, a Burmester sound system, and a user-friendly MBUX infotainment system.

The 2025 INFINITI QX80 was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 450 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, replacing the previous 5.6-liter V8. It featured a nine-speed automatic transmission with standard rear-wheel drive and optional four-wheel drive. The new engine and transmission provided a more energetic driving experience, although the active sound enhancement added an artificial noise during acceleration. The QX80 offered air suspension and adaptive damping, allowing for adjustable ride height and improved aerodynamics. Despite its size, the QX80's handling was average for a large SUV.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 was equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine, producing 375 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, with mild-hybrid assist. It featured a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard 4Matic all-wheel drive, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.8 seconds. The GLS offered multiple driving modes, including Comfort, Eco, Sport, Off-Road, and Individual. It had a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds and a standard Airmatic adaptive suspension, providing a smooth ride. The GLS exhibited occasional delays in responsiveness, but its tailored feel and quiet cabin made it a comfortable daily driver.

The 2025 INFINITI QX80's redesign increased cargo space by 6%, 17%, and 28% behind the first, second, and third rows, respectively. It 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 QX80 featured a power liftgate and power-folding second- and third-row seats, with a 40/20/40 split-folding second-row bench or reclining captain’s chairs. Passenger space was generous, with increased legroom in the first and third rows. The QX80 had a maximum towing capacity of 8,500 pounds.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered standard seven-passenger seating, with a six-passenger configuration available. It featured a four-zone climate control system, heated and ventilated front seats, and various comfort upgrades. The GLS had a six-passenger seating configuration with power-operated second-row captain’s chairs and a pass-through to the third row. The third-row seat provided good thigh support, but legroom was snug. The GLS had 17.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 42.7-48.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 84.7 cubic feet with the second row folded. Storage locations were limited, but the glove compartment was large.

The 2025 INFINITI QX80 featured dual 14.3-inch screens, one for the instrument cluster and the other for the infotainment touchscreen. A smaller 9-inch touchscreen handled additional controls. The QX80 was the first Infiniti model with Google built-in apps, including Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Google Play Store. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The QX80 had Klipsch sound systems, with a 14-speaker system for Pure and Luxe models, and a 24-speaker version for Sensory and Autograph models. It offered a 360-degree camera system with multiple viewing angles and a digital rearview camera.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS featured dual 12.3-inch displays with the MBUX infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a navigation system with augmented reality enhancement. It included a standard Burmester surround-sound system, with an optional high-end Burmester 3D audio system. Additional options included gesture control, a head-up display, a rear passenger tablet, and rear infotainment screens. The MBUX system was user-friendly, with a digital assistant that could execute various commands. The assistant occasionally struggled with specific requests, but overall, it performed well.

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 Nissan’s ProPilot Assist highway-driving assistance system, with adaptive cruise control and automated lane centering. The more advanced ProPilot Assist 2.1 version allowed for hands-free driving and automated lane changes, although lane changes had to be initiated by the driver.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS included nearly 40 safety and driver-assistance systems, such as Pre-Safe, Crosswind Assist, and Active Emergency Stop Assist. It featured a Car-to-X Communication system for future road hazard warnings. The GLS had front and rear parking sensors, a surround-view camera system, and a hands-on driver-assistance system with a touch-sensing steering wheel. The system required active driver participation and occasionally struggled with curves, but it was easy to override. The GLS braked harder than necessary in some situations, but overall, it provided a smooth and refined driving experience.