Audi A5 vs Lexus RC
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
The Audi A5 wins on money kept: 59% retained after three years vs 55%, worth about R 278 846 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| A5 | RC | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 1 123 000 | R 1 713 400 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 19 628/m | R 29 947/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 78% | 76% |
| Retained after 3 years | 59% | 55% |
| Value after 3 years | R 657 570 | R 936 416 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 465 430 | R 776 984 |
| Value after 5 years | R 477 983 | R 653 753 |
| Our tier | Premium (established) | Premium (established) |
Audi A5 →
Originally the coupe, cabriolet and Sportback offshoot of the A4, the A5 nameplate took over as Audi's compact executive sedan in South Africa from August 2025. The new generation runs a 2.0 TFSI in front-wheel drive or quattro form and starts around R1.12 million. Older A5 coupes and Sportbacks are widely available used at a big discount on their original prices.
Known for: sleek styling on a4 mechanicals
Lexus RC →
The RC coupe reached South Africa in 2015 and ended its run sold only as the V8-powered RC F. Lexus SA confirmed it was discontinued at the end of 2023 after just four registrations that year. Its rarity and naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V8 give it a small enthusiast following on the used market.
Known for: rare v8 coupe
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Audi A5 or the Lexus RC?
The Audi A5. It keeps about 59% of its price after three years against 55% for the Lexus RC, a gap of 4 points.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The Audi A5 loses about R 465 430 over three years and the Lexus RC loses about R 776 984. 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 A5 runs about R 19 628 per month and the Lexus RC about R 29 947, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.