Audi Q8 e-tron vs Mercedes-Benz EQC
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
Too close to call on resale: both keep about 44% of their value over three years. Decide on the deal, not the badge.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| Q8 e-tron | EQC | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 1 990 000 | R 1 575 000 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 34 782/m | R 27 528/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 67% | 67% |
| Retained after 3 years | 44% | 44% |
| Value after 3 years | R 881 459 | R 697 637 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 1 108 541 | R 877 363 |
| Value after 5 years | R 594 892 | R 470 832 |
| Our tier | Premium EV | Premium EV |
Audi Q8 e-tron →
Sold first as the e-tron and later renamed Q8 e-tron, this was Audi's first electric SUV in South Africa from early 2022 in SUV and Sportback forms. Production ended globally in early 2025 when the Brussels plant closed. Used prices have collapsed relative to the near R2 million launch price, making it one of the steepest depreciators in the country.
Known for: audi's first electric suv
Mercedes-Benz EQC →
Mercedes' first modern EV reached SA in 2022 at around R1.58 million and was discontinued globally soon afterwards. Few were sold locally. Used values have dropped sharply, as is typical of first-generation EVs.
Known for: short-lived first mercedes ev
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Audi Q8 e-tron or the Mercedes-Benz EQC?
They are close to inseparable: 44% vs 44% 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 Q8 e-tron loses about R 1 108 541 over three years and the Mercedes-Benz EQC loses about R 877 363. 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 Q8 e-tron runs about R 34 782 per month and the Mercedes-Benz EQC about R 27 528, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.