QX56 / QX80 Z62 vs GL / GLS X166 (GL / GLS): which is better?
Infiniti QX56 / QX80 Z62 (2010–present) vs Mercedes-Benz GL / GLS X166 (GL / GLS) (2012–2019): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Infiniti QX56 / QX80 Z62
Mercedes-Benz GL / GLS X166 (GL / GLS)Specifications
| Infiniti QX56 / QX80 Z62 | Mercedes-Benz GL / GLS X166 (GL / GLS) | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2010–present | 2012–2019 |
| Body | SUV | crossover SUV |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 5.6 V8 | 4.7 V8 Biturbo (GL500) |
| Power, up to | 405 hp | 435 hp |
| Torque, up to | 560 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Gearbox | automatic | automatic |
| Drive | all-wheel drive | all-wheel drive |
| Length | 5 290 mm | 5 120 mm |
| Width | 2 030 mm | 1 934 mm |
| Height | 1 925 mm | 1 850 mm |
| Wheelbase | 3 075 mm | 3 075 mm |
| Fuel tank | 100 L | 100 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 517 225 ₸ | ≈ 510 925 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
Infiniti QX56 / QX80 Z62
Pros
- Gearbox Jatco RE (Nissan/Infiniti automatic): generally reliable
- Powerful versions: up to 405 hp
- All-wheel-drive versions available
- Large fuel tank: 100 L
Cons
- Engine Nissan VK56 (5.6 V8): catalytic converters break down and debris gets into the cylinders
- Gearbox Jatco RE (Nissan/Infiniti automatic): at high mileage, shift shocks and valve body wear
Engine (Nissan VK56 (5.6 V8)): catalytic converter breakdown with debris entering the cylinders; oil leaks at high mileage.
Gearbox (Jatco RE (Nissan/Infiniti automatic)): generally reliable; at high mileage — shocks and valve body wear.
Mercedes-Benz GL / GLS X166 (GL / GLS)
Pros
- Powerful versions: up to 435 hp
- All-wheel-drive versions available
- Conventional automatic, no robotized gearbox or CVT
- Large fuel tank: 100 L
Cons
- Engine Mercedes M254/M256/M276/M278/M176: complex engines, expensive to repair
- Gearbox Mercedes 7G-Tronic (722.9): control board failure (speed sensors)
Engine (Mercedes M254/M256/M276/M278/M176): engines are complex and expensive to repair; oil leaks and chain issues occur on M276/M278 at high mileage.
Gearbox (Mercedes 7G-Tronic (722.9)): control board failure (speed sensors); valve body wear.
Which one to choose
- GL / GLS X166 (GL / GLS) — if you care more about: power, torque, kz tax 2026.
The condition of a specific car matters more than the model: check the service history and get the engine and gearbox inspected before buying.
FAQ
Which is more powerful: QX56 / QX80 Z62 or GL / GLS X166 (GL / GLS)?
QX56 / QX80 Z62: up to 405 hp, GL / GLS X166 (GL / GLS): up to 435 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: QX56 / QX80 Z62 — about 517 225 ₸, GL / GLS X166 (GL / GLS) — about 510 925 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.