Alfa Romeo Giulia 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 53%, worth about R 70 185 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| Giulia | C-Class | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 1 176 900 | R 943 506 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 20 570/m | R 16 491/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 73% | 78% |
| Retained after 3 years | 53% | 59% |
| Value after 3 years | R 622 653 | R 552 468 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 554 247 | R 391 038 |
| Value after 5 years | R 452 602 | R 401 585 |
| Our tier | Weak-franchise mainstream | Premium (established) |
Alfa Romeo Giulia →
Alfa's rear-drive 3 Series rival reached South Africa in 2017, led by the 375 kW Quadrifoglio whose first allocation sold out in days. The current range starts around R1.18 million, with Quadrifoglio order books reopened in 2026 at just over R2 million. Reviewers rate it the driver's pick of the segment, but it resells well below equivalent BMWs.
Known for: sharp steering in the 3 series class
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 Alfa Romeo Giulia or the Mercedes-Benz C-Class?
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class. It keeps about 59% of its price after three years against 53% for the Alfa Romeo Giulia, a gap of 6 points.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The Alfa Romeo Giulia loses about R 554 247 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 Alfa Romeo Giulia runs about R 20 570 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.