Infiniti Q70 vs BMW 5 Series vs Mercedes-Benz E-Class: Which one presents the best value for money?

The Infiniti Q70

The Q70 was initially badged the M30d in South Africa before the brand implemented the ‘Q’ badge when naming all of its products in 2014. The Q70 models brought to South Africa were powered by either a 3.7-litre naturally aspirated V6 petrol engine or a 3.0-litre turbodiesel. 

For our purposes, we have focussed on the diesel models as these appear to be more popular when searching for used examples. The engine in this model is the V9X motor from the Renault-Nissan Alliance which is generally regarded as good from a reliability perspective. The models seen on autotrader.co.za range from 2013 to 2015, meaning that the cars that we compare it with will have to be of a similar age.

 

Related: 4 extras you should retrofit on a used Infiniti Q50

 

The BMW 5 Series

The 5 Series that we have chosen for this comparison is the sixth-generation F10 variant sold from 2010-2016. The 5 Series has long been considered the most fun to drive entrant within this segment, making this a good choice for those looking for a dynamic edge within their executive saloon.

Since we have chosen the 3.0-litre diesel Infiniti for this comparison we have selected the 530d model from the 5-Series range. We have selected pre-facelift examples as these are comparable with the Infiniti from a used price perspective.

 

Related: Which BMW 5 Series trim depreciates the fastest?

 

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The E-Class that we have selected for the purposes of this comparison is the fourth generation or W212 generation which was sold between 2010 and 2016. The E-Class has become renowned for its refinement, comfort and on-board technology within this segment, making it a good option for the executive looking for a relaxing automotive experience.

Much as with the Infiniti and the BMW, we have selected the 3.0-litre turbodiesel model. The E-Class received a massive update in 2013, however, when looking at residual values, the pre-facelift model works better when comparing it with the Infiniti and BMW.

 

Related: 6 extras you should retrofit on a used Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupé

 

The Specs

	Infiniti Q70	BMW 5 Series	Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Engine output	175 kW/ 550 N.m	190 kW/ 560 N.m	195 kW/ 620 N.m
Claimed 0-100 km/h time	6.9 seconds	6.0 seconds	6.2 seconds
Claimed fuel consumption	7.5 L/100km	5.5 L/100km	6.2 L/100km
Tyre size	245/40 R20	245/45 R18 front and 275/40 R18 rear	245/45 R17
Top Speed	250 Km/h	250 km/h	250 km/h
Airbags	6 airbags	6 airbags	9 airbags

 

Used Infiniti Q70

Analysing these three products as used propositions revealed some interesting information. There are just two Q70s listed on AutoTrader, the 2013 model listed is a massive R140 000 less expensive, despite the fact that it is two years older and has 45 000 more kilometres on the clock. With so few Q70s for sale, and considering that the brand is no longer selling new cars in South Africa, one might think that they would be retailing for a steal, however, this segment is notorious for poor resale values, meaning that its German rivals can be had for a similar price.

 

Used BMW 5 Series

When viewing the BMW 5 Series models in 530d guise, the pricing appears to be more consistent and varies slightly according to the vehicle’s age and mileage. There were four 530d models within our search criteria and all five reflected a consistent pattern in terms of residual values whereby newer cars or those with lower mileage commanded a small premium over the older or higher mileage examples.

 

Used Mercedes E-Class

Looking at the E-Class, the models found that are comparable to the 5 Series and Infiniti varied in price, depending on mileage. The two examples that we have listed are both 2013 models, however, the price difference is R100 000 and the mileage difference is 50 000km.

 

Verdict

When new, the Mercedes-Benz and BMW would have had varied list prices as the optional extras available for these cars would have likely inflated their pricing quite a bit. This is where the Infiniti would have provided the best value as it was sold with a host of features as standard. However, since we are looking at these as used propositions, the German products will have depreciated quite severely, offering a degree of pricing parity with the Infiniti, eliminating any prices associated with the extras specified.

Having looked at all three competitors, we have to conclude that the BMW 530d will represent the best value. There are more examples of the 5 Series to choose from, all within a similar price bracket and with reasonable mileage. There are simply too few Infiniti models on sale while the Mercedes-Benz E-Class becomes expensive if you’re looking at newer, lower mileage examples.

Examples found on our site

• Infiniti Q70
• BMW 5 Series
• Mercedes-Benz E-Class

 

Recommended Next: 

Lexus ES 300h EX running costs vs BMW 520d vs Mercedes-Benz E200