Audi Q7 vs BMW X5
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
| Q7 | X5 | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 1 958 000 | R 1 814 637 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 34 223/m | R 31 717/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 79% | 79% |
| Retained after 3 years | 60% | 60% |
| Value after 3 years | R 1 177 750 | R 1 091 517 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 780 250 | R 723 120 |
| Value after 5 years | R 869 719 | R 806 039 |
| Our tier | Premium (established) | Premium (established) |
Audi Q7 →
Audi's seven-seat flagship SUV has sold here since 2006 and now starts near R2 million in 55 TFSI Platinum form. Diesel 45 TDI versions did the volume work for family and towing duty over the years. Early used examples are affordable, but air suspension and electronics repairs can get expensive.
Known for: seven-seat quattro family hauler
BMW X5 →
One of the first premium SUVs in South Africa, the X5 has been on sale since 2000 and remains a status benchmark. The xDrive30d diesel has been the perennial volume derivative. It is a used-market staple, though out-of-plan running costs on older examples are high.
Known for: the original premium suv staple
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Audi Q7 or the BMW X5?
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 Q7 loses about R 780 250 over three years and the BMW X5 loses about R 723 120. 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 Q7 runs about R 34 223 per month and the BMW X5 about R 31 717, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.