Luxury for Families: INFINITI QX80 vs. Mercedes-Benz GLS

Compare the INFINITI QX80 vs. Mercedes-Benz GLS on space, tech, driver assistance & value. See which luxury SUV fits your lifestyle—then test drive at Ed Hicks INFINITI.

When it comes to full-size luxury SUVs, the INFINITI QX80 and Mercedes-Benz GLS rise to the top. These standout vehicles offer bold performance, generous interior space, advanced technology, and refined comfort, making them ideal for families who expect more from their daily drive or weekend road trips.

Whether you’re seeking first-class luxury or long-term peace of mind, both SUVs deliver in their own unique ways. In this guide, we compare the GLS vs. QX80 to help you find the right match for your family and lifestyle. 

Room to Relax: Interior Space & Comfort

From the school drop-off line to visiting Grandma in San Antonio, every drive needs to be comfortable with plenty of room for your crew and cargo. Let’s compare the interior space and passenger comfort in the INFINITI QX80 vs. Mercedes GLS. 

INFINITI QX80

• Spacious cabin with seating for up to 8 passengers
• Standard leather-appointed seating with available quilted semi-aniline leather
• Ample third-row space is comfortable even for adults on longer trips
• 95.1 cubic feet of max cargo space when second- and third-row seats are folded
• Tri-zone automatic climate control keeps everyone comfortable.
  

Mercedes-Benz GLS

• Luxurious feel with attention to detail with seating for up to 7 passengers
• Standard MB-Tex upholstery with optional Nappa leather and wood accents
• Third row is slightly tighter, best suited for children or short trips
• Up to 84.7 cubic feet of cargo space with rear rows folded down
• Also features tri-zone climate control with enhanced rear climate options in higher trims

Key Takeaway: Both SUVs offer upscale interiors, but the QX80 gives families more space and flexibility, especially with an adult-friendly third row and more cargo room.

Innovative Features for Modern Families: Tech & Infotainment

When you picture a luxury car, you probably imagine something high-tech. The QX80 and GLS both offer great tech features and easy-to-use infotainment systems. Here’s how they compare. 

INFINITI QX80

• Dual touchscreens (8″ upper, 7″ lower) for navigation and controls
• Standard wireless Apple CarPlay®, wired Android Auto™, and a 13-speaker Bose® premium audio system
• Rear-seat entertainment available with dual 8″ screens
• Easy-to-use interface, ideal for busy families and long drives

Mercedes-Benz GLS

• 12.3″ digital instrument cluster and 12.3″ infotainment display with MBUX interface
• Standard Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, plus voice assistant and gesture controls
• Optional Burmester® surround sound and rear-seat entertainment
• Slightly steeper learning curve for tech due to advanced system features

Key Takeaway: The GLS offers a more modern display setup and futuristic features, while the QX80 focuses on intuitive functionality. 

Confidence on the Road: Driver Assistance

When toting around your most precious cargo — your passengers — you want to feel confident behind the wheel. Let’s look at the driver assistance features for the Mercedes GLS vs. INFINITI QX80.

INFINITI QX80

• Standard features include Forward Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Warning, Lane Departure Warning, and Backup Collision Intervention
• Available ProPILOT Assist offers semi-autonomous driving support
• Surround-view monitor makes parking a breeze, even in tight spaces

Mercedes-Benz GLS

• Includes Active Brake Assist, Blind Spot Assist, and ATTENTION ASSIST® as standard
• Available options include Active Steering Assist, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, and more advanced highway features

Key Takeaway: Both models offer strong driver assistance tech, but the QX80 includes a wide range of family-focused features standard without the need for upgrades.

Towing Capacity & Performance

If you’re planning a trip to Whitecap or a different beach, you may need to bring some extra gear along. You’ll need a luxury SUV that’s up to towing. 

INFINITI QX80

• 5.6L V8 engine delivering 400 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque
• Tows up to 8,500 lbs, perfect for boats, trailers, or campers
• Rear-wheel drive standard with available All-Mode 4WD® for off-road confidence

Mercedes-Benz GLS

• 3.0L inline-6 turbo with EQ Boost mild hybrid system (GLS 450) produces 375 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque; optional 4.0L V8 with EQ Boost (GLS 580) produces 510 hp and 538 lb-ft of torque
• Mild hybrid assists with acceleration and efficiency but doesn’t run on electricity alone
• Towing capacity up to 7,700 lbs

Key Takeaway: While both perform well, the QX80 offers more traditional V8 power and towing muscle. The GLS’s mild hybrid system adds efficiency but doesn’t provide fully electric driving.

Fuel Economy: Power vs. Efficiency

Fuel economy might not be the first thing buyers consider in a full-size luxury SUV, but it’s definitely still worth a look.

INFINITI QX80

• EPA-estimated 14 MPG city / 20 MPG highway / 16 MPG combined
• Powered by a traditional 5.6L V8 engine
• Prioritizes raw power and towing over fuel efficiency

Mercedes-Benz GLS

• GLS 450: EPA-estimated 19 MPG city / 24 MPG highway / 21 MPG combined
• GLS 580 (V8 with mild hybrid): 15 MPG city / 20 MPG highway / 17 MPG combined
• Mild hybrid system helps improve fuel economy slightly, especially in stop-and-go traffic

Key Takeaway: The GLS offers better fuel economy overall, particularly in its six-cylinder version. However, if towing power or traditional V8 performance is more important to your family, the QX80’s fuel trade-off may be worth it.

Long-Term Value & Ownership Costs

Even when shopping for a luxury car, price and value can be a determining factor. Here’s how the GLS and QX80 stack up. 

INFINITI QX80

• Starting MSRP around $82,450
• Strong resale value and generous warranty coverage

Mercedes-Benz GLS

• Starting MSRP around $89,200, with top trims reaching well into six figures
• Mercedes-Benz brand commands a premium for both purchase and service

Key Takeaway: The QX80 delivers serious luxury at a more attainable price, while the GLS comes with the value of a well-respected badge.

Two Luxury Giants Ready for a Test Drive

Looking for a luxury SUV that fits your family’s lifestyle? The INFINITI QX80 and Mercedes-Benz GLS both offer high-end comfort and spacious interiors, but you are the only person who knows which family SUV is perfect for you. Before committing to a purchase, go for a test drive to ensure you have the best match. 

The QX80’s blend of affordability, reliability, and premium features makes it a standout choice for those on a tighter budget. Visit Ed Hicks INFINITI today to explore our selection and take a QX80 for a test drive!

If you’re looking for cutting-edge tech and a badge that turns heads, you may want to consider the Mercedes-Benz GLS instead, which you can take on a test drive at Ed Hicks Imports. No matter the make or model you want, you can find the perfect match with Hicks Auto Group.