Mercedes-Benz GLC vs Infiniti QX50
July 22 2021,
It is normal to compare proposals of the same category across the automotive industry. It's fair game. However, when one product is dominant within a segment, it becomes difficult for the vehicle that is opposite it.
The model we're talking about here, the Infiniti QX50, is a good example. It's a great car, but despite its good looks, it can't compete with something like the Mercedes-Benz GLC. Wherever one dares to make a comparison, the German manufacturer's creation has the upper hand. The following is a glimpse of that.
The prestige
There's no denying it, Infiniti and Mercedes-Benz are playing the luxury card. However, Infiniti is still working on defining its image and the brand is slow to establish itself on the market. As for Mercedes-Benz, the question doesn't even arise. For over 100 years, the name has been synonymous with quality and prestige.
Resale value
All this has an effect on the resale value. In the case of the GLC, we're talking about a product that retains its value very well on the market after three years. It's barely 20% depreciation, which is exceptional. For the QX50, it's more like 30% to 40%, which is the norm for many vehicles. There's a reason why the Mercedes-Benz representative is about three times more popular with Canadian consumers; buyers recognize what it does for them.
A choice of engine
When you choose a luxury model, you like to have choices. This is true for the equipment, but also for the engines that can be found under the hood. Mercedes-Benz responds to Intiniti's unique proposition with three mills: a 4-cylinder, a V6 and a V8, all turbocharged. Power figures range from 255 to 503 horsepower, including 385 for the mid-range version (AMG 43, the other two being the GLC 300 and AMG 63 S).
Infiniti sees its model being served by a 2-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder, an engine capable of delivering 268 horsepower. That's good, but for those who want choice, we're limited here.
More importantly, the two companies have different approaches to the transmission. Mercedes-Benz relies on a traditional nine-speed automatic transmission. Infiniti, on the other hand, opts for a continuously variable transmission (CVT). While the latter is efficient, it doesn't really belong in a luxury vehicle, as its handling is anything but smooth. With a luxury SUV, you want that smoothness.
The styling, the ride, the richness of the materials found on board, everything is to the advantage of Mercedes-Benz. That's great about Infiniti, let's be clear about that; it just gives you an idea of the very high quality put forward by the German-born company.
