Audi A6 vs Lexus ES
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
Too close to call on resale: both keep about 60% of their value over three years. Decide on the deal, not the badge.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| A6 | ES | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 1 184 100 | R 851 500 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 20 696/m | R 14 883/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 79% | 80% |
| Retained after 3 years | 60% | 60% |
| Value after 3 years | R 705 682 | R 513 433 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 478 418 | R 338 067 |
| Value after 5 years | R 518 290 | R 379 692 |
| Our tier | Premium (established) | Premium (established) |
Audi A6 →
Audi's executive sedan fought the 5 Series and E-Class locally through several generations before quietly dropping off the new-car price lists around 2024, with a new generation expected back by 2027. It built its name on comfortable cruising and strong diesel engines. Depreciation is steep, so used A6s deliver a lot of car for the money.
Known for: comfortable long-distance executive cruiser
Lexus ES →
South Africa only got the ES nameplate in 2013, and the front-wheel-drive ES 300h hybrid is now the cheapest way into a new Lexus sedan. It undercuts the German midsize establishment on price and running costs while offering more cabin space. Resale is average for the class but reliability complaints are rare.
Known for: comfort and value against german rivals
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Audi A6 or the Lexus ES?
They are close to inseparable: 60% vs 60% 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 A6 loses about R 478 418 over three years and the Lexus ES loses about R 338 067. 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 A6 runs about R 20 696 per month and the Lexus ES about R 14 883, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.