Mercedes-Benz C200 v Infiniti Q50 S head to head
Is Infiniti’s Benz-powered sedan a match for our reigning Car of the Year champion?
The Vitals
Mercedes-Benz C200: from $60,900 plus on-road costs. 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo; 135kW/300Nm; seven-speed auto; 6.0L/100km; RWD
Infiniti Q50 S: from $56,900 plus on-road costs. 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo; 155kW/350Nm; seven-speed auto; 7.3L/100km; RWD
Value
Mercedes-Benz
Drive's reigning Car of the Year winner commands a $4000 premium over the Infiniti but has a generous list of standard equipment that includes 18-inch alloys, sat nav, digital radio, keyless start, faux leather trim, multi-mode ambient interior lighting and powered front seats. The comprehensive safety package includes nine airbags, LED headlights, automated emergency braking and parking and blind spot warning.
Infiniti
The Q50 S matches the C200 for the most part with 18-inch alloys, sat nav, digital radio and leather-faced, powered seats as well as bringing a sunroof as standard equipment. However, it doesn't have quite the same level of safety equipment as the Mercedes, missing out on functions such as automated emergency braking and parking assist. Those are available on the higher grade S Premium, which still undercuts the C200 at $60,500 (plus on-roads).
Winner
Infiniti
Inside
Mercedes-Benz
The all-new C-Class's cabin is one of the classiest in the business and sets new standards for its simple, user-friendly layout and high-quality materials. The larger overall dimensions, compared to its predecessor, have also liberated more space in the rear.
Infiniti
The Q50 offers a similar degree of space, and the front seats are more comfortable than those in the base C200, but the overall appearance – compounded by its confusing double-screen layout in the centre console - isn't as stylish, the finish is as well polished and, with a conventional gear shifter rather than the Benz's column-stalk lever, it doesn't have the same level of small-item storage space.
Winner
Mercedes-Benz
Engine
Mercedes-Benz
The 2.0-litre turbo charged four cylinder in the C200 produces less power and torque than that in the Q50 (135kW and 300Nm) yet is able to match it under acceleration with identical claimed 0-100km/h times of 7.3 seconds while consuming significantly less fuel, rated at 6.0L/100km.
Infiniti
The Q50's motor is actually identical to the C200 (borrowed from Mercedes-Benz) but has the higher output from the next-level-up C250, with 155kW and 350Nm. While that gives it a bit more high-end fizz, it drives with the same degree of smoothness and low-rev urgency but with the penalty of higher fuel consumption.
Winner
Mercedes-Benz
How it drives
Mercedes-Benz
The C200 is one of the most impressive new car arrivals of the past year – highlighted by its Car of the Year crown – on the strength of its beautifully balanced driving dynamics. The steering is precise without being too sharp, the handling is sure footed and the ride comfort is spot-on.
Infiniti
The Q50 doesn't quite manage to find the sweet spot between handling and comfort that the C-Class does as it is a bit sharper over bumps yet not quite as engaging through the bends. Its biggest drawback is the awkward sensation derived from its drive-by-wire steering – a world first – that eliminates the mechanical link between the steering wheel and steering rack.
Winner
Mercedes-Benz
Ownership
Mercedes-Benz
All Mercedes-Benz C-Class models are covered by a three-year/unlimited kilometre warranty. Service intervals are 12 months, or 25,000km, and a capped-price service plan is an optional extra.
Infiniti
The Q50 has a longer four-year warranty but is restricted to 100,000km. Infiniti also has 12-month/25,000km service intervals and a standard capped price servicing plan, which translates to $3732 for the first five years. Bear in mind though that the Q50's initial price advantage is likely to be eliminated when it comes time to move on as it has a much lower re-sale value than the Benz.
Winner
Draw
Verdict
Mercedes-Benz
The C200 might cost more than the Q50 S, but it comprehensively outshines its Japanese rival with a better presented cabin, more engaging driving dynamics, a higher level of safety equipment and stronger long-term ownership prospects.
Infiniti
The Q50 S is the most convincing model in the Infiniti line-up and offers good value. But, despite it having the more powerful engine, the C200 does more with less and sets a pretty high water mark for the compact luxury segment.