2010 Mercedes-Benz E550 vs 2011 Infiniti M56 | Track Tested | Edmunds.com

The 2011 Infiniti M56 goes head to head with the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E550 at the Inside Line test track.
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[@fredwilliams7893]

Infinity looks so good. Very stylish.

[@sambo123ify]

I haven’t driven either, but I’ve owned 3 E55’s, and 4 Q45’s something really special about driving a Mercedes, hard to explain

[@SmallTownLee]

@patrickkroell The numbers aren't even close... 0.08 g's is a huge difference, and the infiniti's slalom is actually very good for such a big car.

[@DigableDude]

I'll take the M56 in a Platinum Gray please! The E-class is nice, but I'm a young man and I like excitement over unstated luxury.

[@moemaila]

Thumbs up for the Infiniti!

[@97I30T]

Infiniti has been kicking some ass lately. I love how they can make a car that outperforms a Mercedes in every test shown here and do it for a lot less money

[@jdiwkall]

infinitis are awesome vehicles....they are also cheaper than mercedes and a lot cheaper than BMWs...and more reliable than the German cars. why are Infinitis cheaper? they don't sell as many, but their quality is actually better or about the same.

[@bjc_9975]

joe blow not anymore they aren't Infiniti has lost any strengths that they ever had

[@Johncarson9113]

Yeah I rather have the Infiniti M56. I honeslty dont care what reputation precedes Mercedes, nothing says where starting a family like the E-class, the Infiniti M looks like an enthusiastic car to drive, 420 HP is alot of power. If Im missing out on looking like the average retired old folk driving an E-class then please by all means let that dream pass me by cause its deffintley not mine. The M56 looks very sleek, curvaceous and modern. I rather pay $60,000 for the M56

[@97336cf]

the m is so sleek and futuristic looking

[@motormusique]

Infiniti really upped their game with the new M37/M56. I would easily take this over the new 5 series, E-Class, or A6. The Infiniti looks fresh, because the brand doesn't have to restrict themselves to an established clientele, like the bland new 5 series has done. The Infiniti seems to be more of a solid driver's car too.

[@boblong6796]

Need to add the amg package E550 with 18” wheels and rubber. Should help with the handling. Also need the air suspension package and put into sport mode. My E550 feels much flatter then the one you have tested during hard cornering

[@charged]

All E550's had the air suspension.

[@ReelCinnemonProducts]

For those who want luxury, take the Benz, for those who want more sportiness and performance, go with Infiniti. Personally, I'd take the Infiniti because you don't need to pay that much more for a luxury sports sedan. Whereas for Benz, you need to pay for a 125,000 to 200,000 car for performance. GO NISSAN!!!

[@walih123]

I love both cars but the infiniti does everything effortlessly i mean look at it! The benz looks like its being abused... I would take the M56 anyday over the Eclass

[@realtywithseankemp9704]

walih123 yea because that's a base e class and I do mean base they didn't even option the bigger brakes / wheels or any of the other useful options available. I would take the m56 over this piece of shit any day but the e63 amg? Amg all day

[@mrkongsimr]

THEBADDEST The Infinity Is probably is going to break down much less ,like my G37 . Q70 v8 ís going to be the next .

[@idkwhattonamemyself5513]

@@mrkongsimr My Mercedes has never broken down in the 13 years we have owned it.

[@edgrrr2012]

Dam, the infiniti performed WAY better! They once came close with accelerating in a straight line, but the infiniti raped it when it comes to performance!

[@yoboy63]

Dont pick the benz just cause its a benz. Infiniti has been a strong player in the market. Better technology, comfort, and engines for your money.

[@OrangePHX]

The E550 looks so dated compared to the M56.

[@Archetype_Datsun]

People have been paying upwards of 100k for skyline GTR's for years, they didn't come cheap man especially for the Nissan Skyline GTR R34 there were so many different ones to pick from N1, V-Spec, V-Spec ll, V-Spec lll, Nur etc.....people bought em for there technology ability of having the best awd system ever made with an RB26DETT powering it yeah a 327hp inline 6 twin turbo you can arrgue the awd all you want but no car up to this day can match that awd system , it's just a matter of choice.

[@haloaum]

good on infiniti... and it looks fresh as well... makes the mercedes look very dated.. wish we got the infiniti here in australia

[@KoukiMS6]

@Toyota4Life This isn't a base Benz, the base would be an E350. This is a fair comparison.

[@TheNondiscriminatory]

@rg0r its not hideous. its a different taste- being different does not make it ugly. what about the benz and its plain angular styling? the cts looks way better because it goes all out at that. but this benz looks like 80% angles, 20%-not quite sure? i think the flowing curves of nissans infiniti division look better.

[@Slimecrazy234]

@Howie262 I'm not an Infiniti fan so try again. The E-class is bested by pretty much every other entry in the segment in everything from quietness to handling and acceleration and it's still among the most expensive. In virtually all measurable parameters it is at the bottom of the class. If it had an Infiniti badge the press and you would be killing it as an overpriced and underwhelming car.

[@jkim13055]

@unknownunknowns You have to remember that its AMG that is going to be suppling engines, not MB is itself. But I don't think we'll be seeing a 6.2L M156 V8 or Twin-Turbo AMG V-12/V8 in a Infiniti..

[@Outrageousevil2010]

I love the m56 it stands out from the rest.. had a Eclass .. got and m35 now waiting this now

[@motormusique]

@carmattic I'm pretty sure you'll find younger people driving Infinitis than Benzes. I find that Infiniti drivers tend to more often know a thing or two about cars because it's not a brand that most people instantly remember when they think of luxury cars.

[@dhan219]

Don't worry about the benz new engine is coming very soon. Not sure it will be 2011 or 2012 . The new 4.6 liter V8 comes with twin-turbocharging that delivers 435 PS (429 bhp / 320 kW) and 700 Nm (516 lb-ft) of torque.

[@4MATICbenz]

Anybody else notice how these cars are such sleepers? Most people wouldnt be expecting big luxury sedans to be equalling the pace and acceleration of most sports cars. Too bad the Benz got stock with all-seasons tires and a comfort package, while the Infiniti gets the advantage of a sports suspension and sports tires.

[@gweggorz]

Mercedes is nice, but that Infiniti is a masterpiece.

[@AdamS32828]

I'd definitely take the M. It's better looking, I think the interior looks great, and it's more sporting while being almost just as comfortable. Mercedes, nice try, but Infiniti has you beat.

[@8184Antonio]

Mercedes has been using the same engines for years they need to update .

[@ambientflier]

@Toyota4Life Um...price??? It's not Infiniti's fault that Mercedes cars are so overpriced that you can get a fully loaded M56 for the price of a base benz. Comparing the AMG to this car would be ridiculous.

[@06dgsedan]

So basically the Infiniti won in every single test at the track but still lost the comparison. That sounds reasonable. And this is a test of midsize "SPORT" sedans. Please.

[@Johncarson9113]

@mail22 Thats because an AMG against an M56 is like comparing apples to oranges, you basically just contradicted yourself. Although Infiniti is on the brunt of producing a High peformance line like the BMW M-series, Audi S-line, Mercedes AMG, Lexus F, they as of now have nothing that competes with those performance cars. The BMW 550i and E550 are the M56 competitors, its not Infiniti's fault that they provide more power standard in every trim they offer, if the E550 is slower thats M-Benz fault.

[@grant6730]

@jikotiko That comparison wouldn't make sense since E63 is about $30k more than M56. Now if you put $30k of mod of into M56, then we have a match.

[@Hello6761]

I think it would be fairer to compare the M56 to a Benz with a sport package, sport tires and the new 4.6TT V8.

[@redriver15262]

Wow the infiniti did not sell well AT ALL. I’ve never seen one on the road

[@sspope]

@IsicanA7X No, I don't judge cars by 1/4 mile or 0-60 times, it's about overall package.

[@samg9888]

If your looking for sports/good driving performance you should look for the e550 coupe

[@poll669]

no hard feelings against benz but i kinda like the infinity better

[@jetninjamonkey]

@SmallTownLee I totally agree with you! This is the only time these cars will see any sort of track.

[@Johncarson9113]

You do realize that Mercedes Benz & Infiniti are partners? They will be using the same engines not to mention the new Q50 coupe will ride on the same C-class platform with a longer wheel base.

[@OneOfaKind949]

I would much rather get an Infiniti rather then a Benz.... Event though the Benz is considered more luxurious.... However, where the infiniti is going to excel over the Benz, which is a huge deal in my book is RELIABILITY! Nothing worst then having to pay for repairs on a luxury car out of warranty. So EXPENSIVE! This is why you don't see a lot of Mercedes older then 5 years on the road... unless they are the 70's and 80's turbo diesels.

[@DGCarsAndWheels]

That Infiniti is a gorgeous, powerful and reliable car. Benz is fine, but I’d rather the M56. #infiniti

[@aleksandarfriscic]

i loooove how infiniti bounces at 60-0 test

[@IFPanama]

Infiniti M56 / Q70 won ! 👌 #infiniti

[@psmTARDCORE]

@gunzkevin its aftermarket though these are stock comparisons

[@IRONHIDE110]

my only guess is that it was a hot day when they tested the M and Benz .. cause believe it or not now the Temp here reached 123F degrees .. it's flaming hot .. i lost almost a sec in 1/4 mile runs ( 13.7 sec ) .. intake temp rises HP drops :(

[@JoshsWorld]

If the numbers were reversed, I'd still choose the Infiniti.

[@Johncarson9113]

@E60BMWM5 Its called preference, many people are entitled to it, are they not? Lets say Im shopping for a supercar, my choices are the Lexus LFA at $375K or the Mercedes SLS AMG at $183K, clearly if money was not an object I could opt for the LFA right? But why would I when can get the Mercedes SLS for a fraction of the cost with a longer history of performance engines over Lexus, having access to unlimited funds does not make the more expensive car the better one. I happen to like Infiniti =)

[@4MATICbenz]

Im still not sure about luxury and daily comfort, but the Infinti M56 clearly wins the sport and performance half of this comparison test. It's kind of unfair, though. Had the Benz E550 been equipped with Pirelli PZero performance tires (like the SL550, E550 coupe/conv, and CLS550) it would have just as much potential as the M56S to put down impressive performance figures on the skidpad, slalom, and braking course. Screw those crappy ContiProContact all-season tires!

[@mail22]

@Johncarson9113 I'm not saying compare it to a Mercedes E63 AMG. Mercedes has an optional package for E550 which includes bigger tires and sportier suspension than the standard equipment. The M56 in this video looks like it has the optional 20 inch wheels and sport package. I did NOT contradict myself. Check out mbausa.com

[@number1Schumacherfan]

Compare that NIssan against a car that is trying to achieve the same performance target like the new BMW 550. Then we will see the results.

[@sambo123ify]

Thanks to this Video I went and bought a piece of Garbage M56 after I wrecked my E550 Biturbo Do not ever compare anything to a Mercedes

[@sspope]

@Stompy77 You're forgetting Benz's suspension is made rather for comfort than handling, if you want sharp handling you need a BMW. Plus Infinity has all-wheel steering which although is something that greatly improves slalom and skidpad numbers, it just isn't somthing that enthusiastic drivers like because it feels artificial. Also Mercedes will soon release completely new engine line-up so it's gonna be faster than Infinity.

[@yeeehaaawww3510]

Update 2023 - Mercedes Benz all the way. Top of the food chain in cars

[@MrTONYTONYM]

@samg9888 E550 is a great cruiser but it would not be able to keep up with a porsche cayman on a twisty road.

[@korencek]

did you see how infiniti bounced when breaking to full stop and mercedes not? that's the quality of german engineering.such suspension gives a car more stability on the road.

[@zizithakid16]

The M56 looks way better nd performes better. Nd is alot heavier.

[@Johncarson9113]

@Howie262 Both the Mercedes E-Class and Infiniti M are great cars however I would have to agree with "Frickitt". Keeping AMG out of the equation, the E-class is actually the least fun to drive compared to its upstart rivals like the BMW 5 series and Infiniti M. The E-class is a great luxury sedan and it should be appreciated for what it is, a defined and well rounded manufacturer with opulence as its prime characteristic. The M56 is on par and truthfully a better performer.

[@DocWolph]

Infiniti always seemed more aimed at BMW. A more even match up in terms of goals.

[@Howie262]

@markechio Name something the Infinity has done before Mercedes...... the truth is that Mercedes has done it all, the Japanese can only improve upon what the Germans have already paved the pathway for....... If you dont have respect for Mercedes, the inventor of practically everything on the car and the car itself. then its you sir..... who should look at history. infinity is largely an American brand, not a japanese one by the way.

[@alexross4062]

It seems like in this segment, its the A6>5 series>M56>E550

[@Dragunov302]

infiniti sounds good

[@tomriley123]

@gunzkevin Agreed the MKS would be a perfect match with the Infiniti but the E class is in the luxury segment. It's a pretty brilliant car, but they would have to stick with stock.

[@plagick]

James, I like that it is 420 Hp

[@Johncarson9113]

@NigguhJason Umm, not that I favor one over the other but last time I checked Leather was an option on BMW and Mercedes, leatherette seems to be ultra luxurious for them I guess? I mean honestly for the price you pay on a BMW or Mercedes you would expect a little more standard like Bi-xenon headlights which are sadly an option on a BMW or Mercedes, even electric controled seats are an option on a BMW 3 series..I mean really? A sunroof is the last of your worries, they order like 2 without them.

[@Johncarson9113]

@skater21 LOL so is a Volkswagen Audi or a Toyota Lexus, your point is?? No one cares where they originated from, point is the M56 is clearly the more powerful and better competitor in this segment. Mercedes just offers a reputation, and last time I checked I was buying a car not a badge. The Infiniti M class offers alot more then the E-class in terms of standards. The new M recieved the most cross shoppers for any luxury midsized vehicle in this market, those BMW and MB owners are trading in.

[@EuthanasiA12833]

i was about to get one of these two i was in the process of deciding then...baaaamm i got suspended i would go for the benz e550 coupe frst then infiniti,and lastly the sedn e550

[@sambinoven]

infiniti for me

[@mitchellongwei]

@MrStlover99 a stop is better mate, but the car feels really heavy at the start, compared to an M5

[@mitchellongwei]

@thePS3only yeah, tuners handling are mad grippy.

[@tomriley123]

I hate the Package that has been put on the E class so the Infiniti looks alot better. But the Mercedes is just all around better car! FTW Mercedes!!

[@stevz0r]

@tomriley123 ...that still doesn't say anything about how it's an "all round" better car, does it? The engineering can refer to a wide array of things. Last I checked, JD powers and consumer report do not label Mercs as reliable or durable. The Merc may have more features than the M but it still doesn't make it an all round better car. Not to mention you have to live with the COMAND, which isn't the best thing ever.

[@dchekaldin]

This is a Luxury package Benz. Means no AMG wheels (standard normally on E550)

[@crzygutrsnobrdr]

@motormusique i believe it is.audi does that because there not liek bmw or merc that make 100 different models with tiny differences.and there not the same face ex the a4's face doesent look close to anything..the older ones look a little more alike.but there not that close.

[@ambientflier]

@korencek Wtf are you talking about? The Infiniti and the Benz both squatted under heavy braking and then rebounded at full stop. The Infiniti stopped in 13 feet shorter. Seems like the Benz is the one lacking quality...

[@mitchellongwei]

Thumbs up for the Mercedes-Benz!

[@sleeksilver]

The new E550 runs 0-60 in 4.2 seconds. Car and Driver just published a test including one. The E63 is far faster than what you quoted.

[@Norasbestyoutubechannel781]

A e55 might do 4.2. An e550 is a tick over 5 secs

[@ambientflier]

@Toyota4Life Actually it's not enough said. Not even close. Isn't the E63 an AMG version?

[@ak81]

come on last test merc had sports package. these guys are very tricky !!!!

[@mail22]

You're comparing a fully loaded M56 with a base E550. Why not compare apples to apples? Get a fully loaded E550 Sport with AMG Package that has sport suspension, and bigger tires, and then run the tests.

[@sspope]

@Johncarson9113 Cars equipped with 4-wheel steering aren't particularly fun to drive, it's literally just a feature to help increase these track numbers. It's optional on BMWs too, but you'd be better off avoiding it. Because of it, this test is just unfair. Also Mercedes didn't won the last luxury comparison by track numbers, so I don't really understand why they picked it as a benchmark for a track comparison.

[@Toyota4Life]

@ambientflier Yes it is.. and if their going to throw the BEST SPEC'D M into a comparison why not Math it with the BEST SPEC'D E-Class ? Not a fair comparison when they have a base Benz with non sport package against the sport spec'd Infiiniti. The infiniti had all the bells and whistles the Benz didnt.

[@Primer9]

i love both cars but i just bought a infiniti and its alll sick

[@ambientflier]

@JBBlueConverse That would be throttle sensitivity, not ride quality.

[@IRONHIDE110]

i'm really not sure whats wrong with edmunds these days .. i have a 2011 m56s .. i hit 62mph in 4.75 sec ,1/4 mile in 12.91 .it got 15k mile on it back then and the Temp was 55.4F . and if somebody said it's not stock , i tell him i tried to find any bolt-on to my car but found nothing sadly .. i raced 2 e92 m3's and 4 isf's .stuck head to head with 2 isf's and got beaten by 1 car length by 2 isf's tell 155mph while they hit 1/4 in 12.8 .m3 beat me by 2.5 car length .so my numbers are dead right

[@faYte0607]

@Frickitt Not to mentioned Japanese cars are more reliable than German cars.

[@tomriley123]

@NigguhJasonI agree with you. This car comprarison was for Luxury not Performance. And like he said the Infiniti is just a rebadged Nissan, it's no real luxury vehicle. But for Mercedes making E class's for years there all about luxury sedan's. It's German Engineering at it's best. And like I say you can drive the Queen in comfort in a Mercedes but if you ever need to get somewhere fast here face would be on the glass! (handling and fair speed)

[@Mcmerc01]

The Benz's brakes are less prone to fade...

[@motormusique]

@crzygutrsnobrdr The RS6 isn't available in North America, is it? The A6 does seem like a nice car, but my problem with Audis is that they've tried to make their models look too similar...they all have the same face but with different body styles, and I don't really appreciate that.

[@crzygutrsnobrdr]

@motormusique im a stupid infiniti lover but id take an rs6 over an m56 lol but lets be real.a rs6 is so unrealistic the m56 is the car to have.i have an m35 (07 got it in 08 with 30k miles)have a g37x as a loaner.the g has a weird interior that i dont like but feels much more sporty,handles better,and packs a bigger punch

[@sspope]

@sspope Not to mention the straight line acceleration. 5.5L is pretty old. Mercedes is releasing completely new engines next year, so it should be up to the job again. but you just can’t compare a car dedicated to ride komfort to a sports car on a track. That’s apples to oranges. Besides Mercedes and Nissan have created an aliance and they themselves claim that their customers don’t crossshop.

[@sovietninja3]

@kompleti i've had 2 nissans and both of them had a fucked up transmission, andhad electrical problems

[@Johncarson9113]

@NigguhJason It goes both ways, so you cant call out one over the other, they are both superior to one another in certian areas not every car is meant to drive or look the same. Thats why Pros and Cons exist.

[@wasdwasdwwasd]

The front of the Infiniti looks pumped up.

[@AudiolokoMuzik]

Infiniti is better solution... He is obviosly faster and more beautiful...

[@BeyondXS]

@Johncarson9113 totally agree with you man, i mean, yes mercedes used to be the thing back in the day, unfortunately Infiniti and Lexus are shurely making serious cars with gorgeous designs powerfull engines and the very reliable.

[@MrStlover99]

@mitchellongwei I do, AMG is outrageous. I raced a E500 AMG with my STI. I blasted him from a dig but from a roll, awesome Benz. That big car stayed neck and neck

[@soufang]

@metalman1193 stop comparing cars that aren't IN THE SAME CLASS. the cts v is a super sedan, these are luxury cars

[@nismo007]

You guys now know, Infiniti/Nissan/Renault and Daimler have joined up No offence but the back of that benz looks like the old sonata/camry, i loss respect after they ditched the oval lights

[@rrange]

ok not fare at all becuase, they got the e550 with the junkiest wheels. they needed to get the e550 that has the sporty wheels..everything would of been much different