Audi Q3 vs Mercedes-Benz GLB
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
Too close to call on resale: both keep about 61% of their value over three years. Decide on the deal, not the badge.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| Q3 | GLB | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 814 200 | R 1 012 287 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 14 231/m | R 17 693/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 80% | 80% |
| Retained after 3 years | 61% | 61% |
| Value after 3 years | R 498 481 | R 619 757 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 315 719 | R 392 530 |
| Value after 5 years | R 371 952 | R 462 445 |
| Our tier | Premium (established) | Premium (established) |
Audi Q3 →
One of Audi's best sellers in South Africa, the Q3 entered its third generation here in 2026 in SUV and Sportback body styles. Petrol and diesel engines are both offered, which is now rare in the segment. Used stock from the previous generation is plentiful and holds value reasonably well for a premium SUV.
Known for: family-friendly premium compact suv
Mercedes-Benz GLB →
A boxy compact SUV with seven seats, positioned since 2020 as the affordable family Mercedes. It shares its platform with the GLA but trades style for space. Local volumes are modest and used prices sit close to GLA money.
Known for: boxy seven-seat compact suv
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Audi Q3 or the Mercedes-Benz GLB?
They are close to inseparable: 61% vs 61% 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 Q3 loses about R 315 719 over three years and the Mercedes-Benz GLB loses about R 392 530. 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 Q3 runs about R 14 231 per month and the Mercedes-Benz GLB about R 17 693, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.