Audi Q8 e-tron vs Volvo EX90
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 | EX90 | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 1 990 000 | R 2 650 000 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 34 782/m | R 46 318/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 67% | 67% |
| Retained after 3 years | 44% | 44% |
| Value after 3 years | R 881 459 | R 1 173 802 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 1 108 541 | R 1 476 198 |
| Value after 5 years | R 594 892 | R 792 193 |
| 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
Volvo EX90 →
Volvo's electric flagship reached South Africa in April 2025 in a single top-spec Twin Performance form at R2.65m. It seats seven and claims around 600km of range from a 111kWh battery, with free public charging sweeteners at launch. Depreciation on R2m-plus EVs is steep, and this one is no exception.
Known for: flagship electric seven-seater
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Audi Q8 e-tron or the Volvo EX90?
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 Volvo EX90 loses about R 1 476 198. 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 Volvo EX90 about R 46 318, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.