Infiniti M vs Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class wins on money kept: 56% retained after three years vs 50%, worth about R 425 210 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| M | E-Class | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 651 154 | R 1 331 478 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 11 381/m | R 23 272/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 71% | 77% |
| Retained after 3 years | 50% | 56% |
| Value after 3 years | R 325 000 | R 750 210 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 326 154 | R 581 268 |
| Value after 5 years | R 231 602 | R 533 167 |
| Our tier | Orphan & discontinued | Premium (established) |
Infiniti M →
Infiniti's 5 Series rival arrived with the 2012 SA launch as the M30d diesel and M37 petrol, loaded with equipment for around R651,000. It found very few local buyers. Used examples are near-invisible in the classifieds and priced accordingly.
Known for: kit-heavy executive sedan rarity
Mercedes-Benz E-Class →
The E-Class has long been the choice of established professionals who find the C-Class too small. Recent generations sell in modest numbers new but keep a solid reputation for comfort and technology. Depreciation is heavy in the first few years, typical of large German sedans.
Known for: comfort-first executive sedan
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Infiniti M or the Mercedes-Benz E-Class?
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class. It keeps about 56% of its price after three years against 50% for the Infiniti M, a gap of 6 points.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The Infiniti M loses about R 326 154 over three years and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class loses about R 581 268. Fuel, insurance and servicing can narrow or widen that, but the depreciation gap is the number to start from.
What do they cost per month?
On typical finance (10% deposit, 72 months, 11.75%), the Infiniti M runs about R 11 381 per month and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class about R 23 272, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.