2026 INFINITI QX80 vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS

$83,750 · SUV

$90,250 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the imposing 2026 INFINITI QX80 and the refined Mercedes-Benz GLS often comes down to balancing raw power against efficiency and overall size. If you need maximum muscle for towing or highway passing, the QX80 delivers a commanding 450 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, significantly outperforming the GLS’s 375 hp and 369 lb-ft. However, this power comes at a cost; the QX80 achieves a combined 18 MPG, while the GLS is noticeably thriftier at 21 MPG combined. Furthermore, the QX80 is substantially larger, measuring 211.2 inches long compared to the GLS's 205.0 inches, translating to 22 cu ft of cargo space versus the GLS's 17.4 cu ft. Buyers must weigh the QX80's sheer size and power advantage against the GLS's $90,250 MSRP (compared to the QX80's $83,750) and superior fuel economy.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS

The Mercedes-Benz GLS offers better city/highway efficiency at 19/24 MPG, which matters more during daily stop-and-go driving than high peak horsepower.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 INFINITI QX80

The INFINITI QX80 provides superior space for family gear, boasting 22 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the GLS's 17.4 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 INFINITI QX80

The 2026 QX80 is the clear performance leader, offering 450 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque versus the GLS's 375 hp.

💰 Best Value

2026 INFINITI QX80

The QX80 undercuts the GLS by $6,500 while delivering a significant 75 hp and 147 lb-ft torque advantage.

Choose the INFINITI QX80 if...

You prioritize raw power and prefer the higher output of 450 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque.
You frequently haul large amounts of luggage or gear, as it offers 22 cu ft of cargo space.
You are looking for a more budget-friendly entry price, starting at $83,750.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLS if...

Fuel efficiency is a top concern, as it achieves a better 21 MPG combined rating.
You need the added grip and security of standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) versus the RWD setup of the QX80.
You prefer a slightly more maneuverable footprint, as the GLS is 6.2 inches shorter in length (205.0 inches).

Key Dimensions

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

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	INFINITI	Mercedes-Benz
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
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
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Preparation System	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Fog Lights	✓	—
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	2	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Front Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Cornering Lights	—	✓
Front Power Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	—	✓

Engine

Feature	INFINITI	Mercedes-Benz
Base Engine Displacement	3.5 L	3.0 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	inline 6
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	450 hp @ 5600 rpm	375 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	516 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm	369 lb-ft @ 1800 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	INFINITI	Mercedes-Benz
Transmission Type	9-speed shiftable automatic	9-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	rear wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

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

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	INFINITI	Mercedes-Benz
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Front View Camera	✓	✓
Side View Camera	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	✓	—
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	✓	—
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Automatic Parking Assist	—	✓
Power Rear Seat Easy Entry	—	✓
Four Zone Climate Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

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

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

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

Rearseats

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

Tires and Wheels

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

Suspension

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

Warranty

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

Frequently Asked Questions

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

How much of a difference is there in fuel economy between the two SUVs?

The Mercedes-Benz GLS is significantly more efficient, achieving 21 MPG combined (19 City/24 Highway). The INFINITI QX80 lags behind with an 18 MPG combined rating (16 City/20 Highway).

Is the extra cost of the Mercedes-Benz GLS worth the efficiency gain?

The GLS costs $6,500 more MSRP ($90,250 vs $83,750). While it saves on fuel, buyers must weigh that against the QX80 offering 75 more horsepower for less money.

Which vehicle is physically larger and what does that mean for storage?

The 2026 QX80 is the larger vehicle, measuring 211.2 inches long and offering 22 cu ft of cargo space. The GLS is shorter at 205.0 inches and provides 17.4 cu ft of cargo volume.

If I want the most power, which vehicle should I choose?

The 2026 INFINITI QX80 is the clear power leader, boasting 450 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. The Mercedes-Benz GLS offers 375 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque.

Do these vehicles require different types of gasoline?

Both vehicles list premium unleaded, but the QX80 recommends it while the GLS requires premium unleaded fuel for its engine.

How do the drive types compare for various road conditions?

The standard configuration for the QX80 is Rear Wheel Drive, whereas the GLS comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, which generally provides better traction in poor weather conditions.