Audi A4 vs Jaguar XE
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
Too close to call on resale: both keep about 59% of their value over three years. Decide on the deal, not the badge.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| A4 | XE | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 774 800 | R 785 024 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 13 542/m | R 13 721/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 78% | 78% |
| Retained after 3 years | 59% | 59% |
| Value after 3 years | R 453 682 | R 459 669 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 321 118 | R 325 355 |
| Value after 5 years | R 329 778 | R 334 130 |
| Our tier | Premium (established) | Premium (established) |
Audi A4 →
For three decades the A4 was Audi's core sedan in South Africa, running through five generations from 1995 until the new A5 replaced it in 2025. Buyers knew it for refinement and solid build rather than outright sportiness. Used examples are plentiful and prices are soft, making it a common value buy among premium sedans.
Known for: refined quattro executive staple
Jaguar XE →
Jaguar's 3 Series rival arrived in South Africa in 2015 but never dented German dominance in the segment. Sales dwindled to a trickle before the model was dropped in the brand's global wind-down. Used prices are low, which makes it a lot of car for the money if you budget for JLR running costs.
Known for: sharp handling, slow sales
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Audi A4 or the Jaguar XE?
They are close to inseparable: 59% vs 59% retained after three years. Buy on price, spec and the deal you can get, not on resale.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The Audi A4 loses about R 321 118 over three years and the Jaguar XE loses about R 325 355. 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 Audi A4 runs about R 13 542 per month and the Jaguar XE about R 13 721, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.