2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs. 2022 Acura MDX vs. Infiniti QX60: still no threats on the horizon
February 16 2022,
The Mercedes-Benz GLE is the big leader in the mid-size luxury SUV category. When it arrived on the market in 1997, it set the standard, and since then, people have been trying to emulate it in every way possible. That's the highest form of compliment.
There is very little threat to it in its segment, as consumers have long recognized its great qualities. But this year, two models are being completely revamped in the category, which forces us to take a closer look at the offering to see if the GLE is threatened in any way.
After a short analysis, the answer is clear: no! Here's what we found.
Options under the hood
With any luxury model, it's interesting as a buyer to be faced with different options. At Mercedes-Benz, there are three of them, including one that bears the letters AMG and pushes the power to 429 horsepower. It's also possible to opt for a more economical solution, but just as convincing, with a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder (255 horsepower) in the entry-level 350 version.
The important thing is that you have a choice.
Acura offers two solutions. The traditional approach with the familiar 3.5-liter V6 engine (290 horsepower) and a new one with the Type S model and a 3-liter turbocharged 6-cylinder. The sportiness looks good, but with 355 horsepower, it's far from what Mercedes offers.
And Infiniti? Only one engine, a 3.5-liter V6 that's good for 295 horsepower. For comparison, the 6-cylinder engine at Mercedes offers 362 horsepower at worst.
The style
Style is often a matter of taste, and the three models compared have their strengths. However, the Mercedes-Benz image is difficult to replicate. What's more, you have two body styles to choose from with the GLE: the regular version and the coupe-style variant. The latter lends weight to the sporty designation contained in the SUV acronym.
The drive
You really have to get behind the wheel of an AMG product to appreciate how incredible the work of the engineers in this division is. They manage to take a massive SUV like the GLE and turn it into a ballerina on the road.
At Acura, the Type S model offers more than the regular variant, but the expected handling will be worlds away from what you'd find in a GLE AMG. As for Infiniti, there is no sporty version of the model.
In closing, there is one intangible element that is important to note. Owning a Mercedes-Benz product is an experience in itself. You don't get the same satisfaction or prestige from driving an Acura or Infiniti product. This feeling is priceless and puts the GLE far ahead of its competitors in the luxury SUV market.
