The QX60 was once Infiniti’s first three-row crossover, despite the fact that when it was once introduced in 2012, it was once referred to as the JX35. Its present title, QX60, dates again to the 2014 style 12 months and Infiniti’s then-updated naming construction for its automobiles. Since that point, the QX60 has develop into considered one of Infiniti’s best-selling fashions, interesting to households who want software however need a extra delicate and top class cabin.
For the 2026 style 12 months, the QX60 underwent a mid-cycle refresh that integrated an replace to its powertrain, the advent of ProPILOT Help 2.1, and a higher-fidelity Klipsch audio device. The outside glance is encouraged by way of Infiniti’s Artistry in Movement design language, first noticed at the QX Monograph Idea and the manufacturing model of the redesigned QX80. Even though smaller than the QX80, the QX60 nonetheless provides seating for seven by the use of a bench seat in the second one row.
Very similar to the QX60, the Mercedes-Benz GLC has develop into one of the crucial emblem’s best-selling fashions, succeeding the GLK in 2015, which arguably introduced a extra refined aesthetic to the midsize luxurious phase. Now, Mercedes-Benz is ushering the nameplate into a brand new generation with its first-ever electrical GLC. Greater than a powertrain switch, this is a ground-up redesign that units it aside from its inside combustion predecessors.
Whilst one defines the posh revel in via an inside combustion engine and NASA-inspired ergonomics, the opposite is taking a look to draw consumers via electrification and a software-driven “Welcome House” philosophy. Underneath, we take a more in-depth have a look at how the 2026 Infiniti QX60 stacks up in opposition to the impending 2027 electrical Mercedes-Benz GLC with regards to energy, area, and era.
The beginning worth hole
Just about a $10,000 distinction
When taking a look on the preliminary beginning MSRP, there’s a transparent difference between those two luxurious choices:
- 2026 Infiniti QX60: Beginning MSRP of $51,890 (Natural FWD)
- 2027 Electrical Mercedes-Benz GLC: Estimated beginning MSRP of $60,000.
The Infiniti gifts a decrease barrier to access with a beginning worth about $8,000 beneath that of the Mercedes-Benz.
To start with look, evaluating a three-row midsize SUV just like the Infiniti QX60 to a two-row midsize SUV just like the GLC would possibly look like an asymmetric fit. Within the Mercedes-Benz lineup, the GLE is technically the QX60’s size-equivalent rival. On the other hand, while you have a look at the associated fee tags, the narrative adjustments somewhat bit.
The Infiniti QX60 provides seven-passenger seating and extra shipment capability for a lot not up to the smaller electrical GLC, which seats 5. By way of taking a look at those two in combination, we will be able to see how a lot luxurious and software you’ll if truth be told get on your cash. For lots of households, the selection is not at all times between two automobiles in the similar phase, however slightly between components like rows of seats, gasoline as opposed to electrical, beginning MSRP, and private personal tastes for external styling.
- Base Trim Engine
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2.0-liter turbo inline-4
- Base Trim Transmission
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9-speed computerized
- Base Trim Drivetrain
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Entrance-Wheel Pressure
Two other powertains
Gas engine vs. electrified platform
Infiniti got rid of the QX60’s greater V6 for the 2025 style 12 months, changing it with a 2.0-liter variable compression turbo (VC-Turbo for brief) that creates 268 horsepower and 286 lb-ft. of torque. The turbocharged four-cylinder, hooked up to a nine-speed computerized, is once more the usual engine for the 2026 style 12 months, although Infiniti added new mounting constructions to scale back general engine noise for a quieter trip.
What makes the VC-Turbo distinctive is its on-the-fly compression ratio adjustment for the most efficient conceivable energy supply and gas economic system. The design accommodates a multi-link device that raises or lowers the pistons in actual time based on the driving force’s inputs. The VC-Turbo is smaller and extra compact, translating to extra inner room for the 2026 QX60.
Natural and Luxe trim ranges are usual with all-wheel pressure, whilst the Autograph is usual with all-wheel pressure. Infiniti backs the entirety with a six-year/70,000-mile powertrain guaranty and a four-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper guaranty.
The approaching 2027 Mercedes-Benz electrical GLC, particularly the GLC 400 4MATIC, takes the high-voltage way with speedy torque and long-range potency as the point of interest. Its dual-motor setup delivers 483 horsepower, using an 85-kWh battery with silicon-anode chemistry to beef up power density and supply a spread of as much as 342 miles at the WLTP cycle.
The 800-volt structure helps DC rapid charging to fill up the battery from 10% to 80% in roughly 22 mins. Mercedes-Benz supplies a four-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper guaranty and an eight-year/100,000-mile battery guaranty.
Should you pressure extra miles than the common particular person, Infiniti’s 70,000-mile powertrain protection provides extra respiring room for standard mechanical parts. On the other hand, for the ones making the soar to electrical, particularly for the primary time, the Mercedes-Benz battery guaranty provides peace of thoughts.
Infiniti QX60 vs. QX65: Why you’re paying extra for fewer seats
Mechanical twins with other personalities.
NASA-inspired era vs. virtual magnificence
Google integrated and AI assistants
The QX60 options 0 Gravity seats, a design influenced by way of NASA analysis into impartial posture, or the herbal place the frame assumes in weightless environments. Because the title suggests, Nissan leveraged ergonomic era evolved by way of NASA for astronauts. But, when that idea is moved from a rocket to an SUV, it manner much less fatigue whilst using lengthy distances.
On long commutes, gravity most often puts consistent drive at the decrease again and muscle mass, resulting in the aforementioned fatigue. By way of the use of a novel form and 14 other drive issues to make stronger the backbone from the pelvis to the chest, those seats assist deal with that impartial posture. The end result for the driving force is a discount in muscular fatigue and progressed blood float.
Within the Autograph trim particularly, this center of attention on bodily well-being is paired with open-pore ash wooden and semi-aniline leather-based with kimono-inspired sewing, the latter of which is a favourite function some of the engineers who labored at the QX60 at Infiniti.
Mercedes-Benz counters this with a cabin enthusiastic about what may well be described as virtual magnificence. The electrical GLC has an non-compulsory 39.1-inch MBUX Hyperscreen that stretches around the dashboard, making a command heart for the AI-driven digital assistant.
Past the displays, the internal is designed as a sensory revel in, that includes a breathtaking roof that may light up 162 stars within the glass at night time. When it comes to sustainability, the GLC provides a segment-first vegan inner qualified by way of The Vegan Society, paired with acoustic foam within the chassis to scale back highway and wind noise.
Tech innovation inside of each fashions specializes in making the using revel in extra intuitive. The QX60 emphasizes seamless integration with Google integrated, which brings Google Maps and Assistant immediately into the 12.3-inch touchscreen. That is strengthened by way of ProPILOT Help 2.1 for hands-off highway using and a Klipsch audio device.
Mercedes-Benz takes a software-driven way with its MB.OS supercomputer, powering an AI assistant that learns motive force conduct. For audiophiles, the Burmester 4D device makes use of tactile transducers within the seats to permit you to bodily really feel the bass.
Between the QX60 and the GLC, their cabins cater to very other priorities. The Infiniti QX60 is for the driving force who values bodily convenience, because it feels extra like a high-end front room, with subject material high quality and seat ergonomics taking heart level.
The Mercedes-Benz GLC, on the other hand, seems like a futuristic cockpit constructed for the driving force who needs to be immersed in era. Should you prioritize how you are feeling bodily after a five-hour pressure, the Infiniti is perhaps to win; if you wish to have a wow issue each time you get started the car, the Mercedes is arguably the only to overcome.
- Subject matter
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Oxford
- Particular Characteristic
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Foldable
This 13.5-gallon trunk organizer options compartments to prepare and retailer groceries, sports activities apparatus, emergency provides, and different day by day necessities.
Shipment area and flexibility
QX60 holds a bonus
Whilst each the QX60 and GLC be offering room for his or her house owners, the Eastern SUV supplies extra general software for greater teams and their stuff:
2026 Infiniti QX60 shipment area:
- In the back of 3rd Row: 14.5 cubic toes of area for groceries or small baggage.
- In the back of 2nd Row: 41.6 cubic toes with the 3rd row folded flat.
- Most Capability: 75.4 cubic toes of general quantity with all rear seats stowed.
2027 Mercedes-Benz GLC shipment area:
- Usual Capability: Roughly 20.1 cubic toes in the back of the second one row.
- Most Capability: As much as 61.4 cubic toes with the rear seats folded down.
- Entrance Trunk: Provides an additional 4.5 cubic toes of garage.
The 2027 electrical GLC makes use of its flat battery flooring to supply a decent 61.4 cubic toes of general shipment area, a pleasant soar over earlier gasoline variations. On the other hand, it nonetheless can’t compete with the sheer quantity of the QX60.
Even though the frunk is a artful position to cover a charging cable or a small duffel bag, the QX60 stays the easier software for exact hauling. In case you are packing for a week-long circle of relatives highway travel, the ones further 14 cubic toes within the QX60 are the adaptation between the entirety becoming inside of and having to shop for a roof rack.
QX60 is a sturdy selection
Opting for between those two relies on your way of life, however the 2026 Infiniti QX60 emerges because the simpler winner for the trendy circle of relatives. Whilst the electrical Mercedes-Benz GLC advantages from the entire newest era, its two-row configuration and electric-only powertrain would possibly nonetheless really feel restrictive for many who want most versatility.
The QX60 arguably provides extra of the entirety that issues for day by day software: 3 rows, a variety of shipment area, and a best-in-class 6,000-lbs. towing capability. Whilst you mix that further room with the NASA-inspired seats and a gasoline engine that does not require a charging prevent, the QX60 supplies a extra versatile, comfy bundle for the lengthy haul.
