| 2011 Infiniti M vs 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | January 30, 2010 | AUTORIVALS.NET |
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| Mercedes-Benz's redesigned E-Class jumped ahead with a fresh new look than most of its competitors, namely the BMW 5 Series, Cadillac, CTS, and Infiniti M, for the 2010 model year. But that up-to-date feeling is short-lived in the auto industry, and others are already catching up. Along with BMW, Infiniti has released details of the next generation M. And like Mercedes-Benz, it's a dramatic difference than its predecessor. | ||
| 2011 Infiniti M | vs | 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class |
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| The upcoming M and the E-Class are polar opposites in terms of styling. The E-Class favors sharp, distinct lines on a boxy shape. Surfaces are rigid, angular and distinct compared to the voluptuous, curvy M. The M draws its design themes from the Infiniti G and the exquisite Essence concept shown in 2009 (see below). The swoopy body panels manage an impressive drag coefficient of 0.27 and zero lift at the front and rear. | ||
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| The M gets a coupe-like roofline versus the E-Class' more traditional sedan shape. It seems that each automaker is aiming at different demographics. The E-Class will more likely appeal to older, more traditional men (and women) while the M appeals to a younger, more modern crowd. Not to say that each demographic won't cross shop a little bit, but when I see the M or E-Class pull up next to me, I already imagine what kind of driver will be behind the wheel. | ||
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| Both rear designs don't seem to finish off well. The M's short rear deck applies a lot of curvature which looks unbalanced. It's not ugly but not as sensual as the front design. Infiniti engineers could have toned down the curves a little toward the rear. The E-Class however, could benefit from the tiniest bit of curves or something to give the dull rectangular rear some personality. The LED tail lights dazzle at night but during the day they look rather bland. | ||
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| It's hard to beat Mercedes in designing an upscale interior. Infiniti tries and comes close but fails with overuse of wood accents flowing into a bulged center stack. The interior curvature mimics the exterior but shouldn't. I would say the top half looks good right until the center stack starts flowing outward. It might be better ergonomically but other automakers have already found another way (for better or worse) of controlling the functions (BMW iDrive, Audi MMI, Lexus Remote Touch, and Mercedes-Benz COMAND). The E-Class' information screen housing is the only upsetting thing about the otherwise exquisite interior. | ||
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PROS +Voluptuous shape +Coupe-like roofline CONS -Disproportioned rear -No performance version |
PROS +Traditional design +Mercedes knows interiors CONS -Flat, boring rear |
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| Video Source: Road2Road.com via YouTube | Video Source: Cars.com via YouTube |
| 2011 Infiniti M | vs | 2009 Infiniti Essence Concept |
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2011 BMW 5 Series vs 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class (Quick Look)
2011 BMW 5 Series vs 2011 Infiniti M
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