Audi e-tron GT vs BMW i5
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
Too close to call on resale: both keep about 42% of their value over three years. Decide on the deal, not the badge.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| e-tron GT | i5 | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 2 715 000 | R 1 812 000 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 47 454/m | R 31 671/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 65% | 65% |
| Retained after 3 years | 42% | 42% |
| Value after 3 years | R 1 131 530 | R 755 187 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 1 583 470 | R 1 056 813 |
| Value after 5 years | R 736 542 | R 491 571 |
| Our tier | Premium EV | Premium EV |
Audi e-tron GT →
Audi SA launched the e-tron GT alongside its electric SUV range in early 2022, with the RS version as the halo at R3.3 million. It shares its platform with the Porsche Taycan. Sales were tiny and depreciation has been brutal, in line with most R2 million-plus EVs in South Africa.
Known for: taycan-based electric flagship
BMW i5 →
Launched alongside the latest 5 Series, the i5 gives South Africa an electric executive sedan, topped by the M60 performance flagship. Sales are a small fraction of the petrol and diesel 5 Series. Like most large EVs here it sheds value quickly.
Known for: electric 5 series
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Audi e-tron GT or the BMW i5?
They are close to inseparable: 42% vs 42% 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 e-tron GT loses about R 1 583 470 over three years and the BMW i5 loses about R 1 056 813. 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 e-tron GT runs about R 47 454 per month and the BMW i5 about R 31 671, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.