Audi Q5 vs Mercedes-Benz GLC
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
Too close to call on resale: both keep about 62% of their value over three years. Decide on the deal, not the badge.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| Q5 | GLC | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 1 018 200 | R 994 839 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 17 796/m | R 17 388/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 81% | 80% |
| Retained after 3 years | 62% | 61% |
| Value after 3 years | R 633 454 | R 609 075 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 384 746 | R 385 764 |
| Value after 5 years | R 477 147 | R 454 474 |
| Our tier | Premium (established) | Premium (established) |
Audi Q5 →
The Q5 has been Audi's strongest SUV seller in South Africa since 2009, valued for refinement and the long-serving 2.0 TDI drivetrain. The latest generation opens with the 40 TDI quattro at just over R1 million. It resells more easily than Audi's sedans, though normal German premium depreciation still applies.
Known for: best-selling audi suv in sa
Mercedes-Benz GLC →
Since arriving in 2016 the GLC has become Mercedes' best-selling SUV in South Africa. It puts C-Class underpinnings into the midsize SUV shape local premium buyers favour, with a coupe body sold alongside. Consistent demand keeps used values firmer than the equivalent sedan's.
Known for: best-selling mercedes suv in sa
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Audi Q5 or the Mercedes-Benz GLC?
They are close to inseparable: 62% 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 Q5 loses about R 384 746 over three years and the Mercedes-Benz GLC loses about R 385 764. 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 Q5 runs about R 17 796 per month and the Mercedes-Benz GLC about R 17 388, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.