2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class vs 2026 INFINITI QX80

$89,200 · Crossover

$83,750 · SUV

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class radiates stately luxury and efficiency, boasting 375 hp from its sophisticated AWD platform and achieving a respectable 21 MPG combined, positioning it as the composed choice for premium cruising. Conversely, the brand-new 2026 INFINITI QX80 arrives like a powerhouse, flexing a massive 450 hp and an imposing 516 lb-ft of torque from its RWD architecture, though it drinks premium fuel at a combined 18 MPG rate. The GLS offers a slightly tighter footprint at 205.0 inches long, while the QX80 dominates the road at 211.2 inches and provides significantly more utility with 22 cu ft of cargo space versus the GLS’s 17.4 cu ft. This contest pits effortless refinement against brute force, separated by a $5,450 MSRP gap, making choices about performance priority versus absolute space critical.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

The GLS-Class wins for commuting due to its superior 21 MPG combined fuel economy compared to the QX80's 18 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 INFINITI QX80

The 2026 QX80 is better suited for families because it offers substantially more cargo capacity at 22 cu ft compared to the GLS's 17.4 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 INFINITI QX80

The QX80’s raw performance advantage, delivering 450 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, appeals more to driving enthusiasts than the GLS’s 375 hp.

💰 Best Value

2026 INFINITI QX80

The QX80 presents better value by offering 75 more horsepower for a lower MSRP of $83,750 versus the GLS starting at $89,200.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class if...

You prioritize better fuel economy, achieving 24 highway MPG.
You prefer the stability and sure-footedness of All-Wheel Drive standard.
You desire a slightly smaller, more manageable vehicle at 205.0 inches in length.

Choose the INFINITI QX80 if...

You crave maximum power with 450 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque.
You need the most expansive cargo area, featuring 22 cubic feet.
You want a lower entry price point, beginning $5,450 less expensive than the Mercedes-Benz.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class	INFINITI QX80
Length	205.0"	211.2"
Width	79.9"	83.3"
Height	71.8"	76.6"
Wheelbase	123.4"	121.1"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	INFINITI
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Front Cross Traffic Alert	✓	—
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Brake Drying	✓	—
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Preparation System	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Adaptive Headlights	✓	—
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Cornering Lights	✓	—
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Power Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	2
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	—
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	INFINITI
Base Engine Displacement	3.0 L	3.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 6	V6
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	gas
Horsepower	375 hp @ 5800 rpm	450 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque	369 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm	516 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm
Number of Valves	24	24
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	INFINITI
Transmission Type	9-speed shiftable automatic	9-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	rear wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	—
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	INFINITI
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	19/24 MPG	16/20 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	21 MPG	18 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	452.2/571.2 mi.	377.6/472.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	23.8 gal.	23.6 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	INFINITI
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	—
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Front View Camera	✓	✓
Side View Camera	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Automatic Parking Assist	✓	—
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Power Rear Seat Easy Entry	✓	—
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Four Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	INFINITI
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	14.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Premium Speaker Brand	Burmester	—
Stereo Power	590W	600W
Speaker System	13	14
Subwoofer Count	2	1
Surround Audio	Discrete	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	With Real Time Traffic
Satellite Radio Trial Period	6 months	3 months
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	✓
Klipsch Speakers	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	INFINITI
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass Extended	1st Row Power Glass Extended
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Reverse Tilt Dual Mirrors	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	INFINITI
Front Head Room	39.4 in.	39.1 in.
Front Leg Room	40.3 in.	43.8 in.
Front Shoulder Room	59.3 in.	64.2 in.
Front Hip Room	60.8 in.	59.9 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	10-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	✓	—
Driver Seat Memory Settings	3	2
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	10-way	8-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	✓	—
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	3	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Driver Seat Ventilation	✓	—
Passenger Seat Ventilation	✓	—

Rearseats

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	INFINITI
Rear Head Room	40.2 in.	37.8 in.
Rear Leg Room	41.9 in.	39.2 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.5 in.	63.7 in.
Rear Hip Room	60.0 in.	59.9 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	—
Power Folding Third Row Seat	✓	✓
Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓
Fixed Center Armrest	—	✓
Heated Rear Seats (Multi-Level)	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	INFINITI
Wheel Material	Alloy	Alloy
Wheel Size	21 x 11.0 in.	20 x 8.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	315/40R21	275/60R20
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Full Size Non-Matching
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Underbody Mounted

Suspension

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	INFINITI
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	INFINITI
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 60000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	6 yr./ 70000 mi.
Hybrid Component Warranty	6 yr./ 62000 mi.	—
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	7 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 60000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	3 yr./ 45000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class and 2026 INFINITI QX80.

How significant is the power difference between the GLS-Class and the new QX80?

The difference is substantial; the 2026 INFINITI QX80 boasts 450 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, which outguns the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class’s 375 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque by 75 horsepower.

Which vehicle is more practical for hauling cargo?

The 2026 INFINITI QX80 is clearly more practical for cargo, offering 22 cubic feet behind the rear seats, significantly more than the 17.4 cubic feet available in the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class.

Does the required premium fuel in the GLS affect running costs compared to the QX80?

Yes, the GLS mandates premium unleaded and returns 21 MPG combined, whereas the QX80 only recommends premium and returns 18 MPG combined, potentially leading to higher refueling frequency for the QX80 despite its lower mandatory fuel requirement.

Is the extra size of the QX80 noticeable in everyday driving?

The QX80 is considerably larger, measuring 211.2 inches long and 83.3 inches wide, compared to the GLS's 205.0-inch length and 79.9-inch width, which could make navigating tight city spaces more challenging.

How does the drivetrain (AWD vs RWD) affect their intended use?

The GLS utilizes All-Wheel Drive for enhanced grip and stability in varying conditions, aligning with its luxury mission, while the QX80 is primarily Rear Wheel Drive, which often appeals to traditional performance driving dynamics before engaging its capable four-wheel drive system.

Considering the MSRP, is the performance jump in the QX80 worth the price delta?

At an MSRP of $83,750, the QX80 is $5,450 cheaper than the GLS, meaning enthusiasts receive 75 extra horsepower and a larger body for a lower initial outlay.