Infiniti Q50 vs Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class wins on money kept: 59% retained after three years vs 51%, worth about R 350 205 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| Q50 | C-Class | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 399 000 | R 943 506 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 6 974/m | R 16 491/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 71% | 78% |
| Retained after 3 years | 51% | 59% |
| Value after 3 years | R 202 262 | R 552 468 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 196 738 | R 391 038 |
| Value after 5 years | R 145 182 | R 401 585 |
| Our tier | Orphan & discontinued | Premium (established) |
Infiniti Q50 →
Infiniti's volume model in SA, launched in 2014 from R399,000 with a Mercedes-sourced 2.2 diesel plus a 3.5 hybrid and later a 2.0 turbo petrol. It undercut the 3 Series and C-Class on price and standard kit. Depreciation turned brutal once the brand left in 2019, which makes it a lot of used car per rand today.
Known for: undercutting the germans on spec
Mercedes-Benz C-Class →
South Africa's home-grown Mercedes, built in East London and exported around the world. For decades it has been the default premium sedan for local professionals and a big seller by premium standards, with coupe and estate versions offered along the way. Used supply is deep across every generation and diesel C220d derivatives are especially sought after.
Known for: locally built premium sedan staple
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Infiniti Q50 or the Mercedes-Benz C-Class?
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class. It keeps about 59% of its price after three years against 51% for the Infiniti Q50, a gap of 8 points.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The Infiniti Q50 loses about R 196 738 over three years and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class loses about R 391 038. 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 Q50 runs about R 6 974 per month and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class about R 16 491, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.