BMW 3 Series vs Jaguar XE
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
Too close to call on resale: both keep about 59% of their value over three years. Decide on the deal, not the badge.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| 3 Series | XE | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 920 231 | R 785 024 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 16 084/m | R 13 721/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 78% | 78% |
| Retained after 3 years | 59% | 59% |
| Value after 3 years | R 538 839 | R 459 669 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 381 392 | R 325 355 |
| Value after 5 years | R 391 678 | R 334 130 |
| Our tier | Premium (established) | Premium (established) |
BMW 3 Series →
Rosslyn built the 3 Series for local and export markets until 2018, and it remains the definitive compact executive sedan in South Africa. Huge used supply across the E90, F30 and G20 generations makes it one of the most traded premium cars in the country. The M3 is a sought-after used buy, though running costs are serious.
Known for: compact executive benchmark built in sa for decades
Jaguar XE →
Jaguar's 3 Series rival arrived in South Africa in 2015 but never dented German dominance in the segment. Sales dwindled to a trickle before the model was dropped in the brand's global wind-down. Used prices are low, which makes it a lot of car for the money if you budget for JLR running costs.
Known for: sharp handling, slow sales
Common questions
Which holds value better, the BMW 3 Series or the Jaguar XE?
They are close to inseparable: 59% vs 59% 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 BMW 3 Series loses about R 381 392 over three years and the Jaguar XE loses about R 325 355. 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 BMW 3 Series runs about R 16 084 per month and the Jaguar XE about R 13 721, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.