BMW 7 Series vs Lexus LS
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
Too close to call on resale: both keep about 54% of their value over three years. Decide on the deal, not the badge.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| 7 Series | LS | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 2 302 104 | R 2 543 600 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 40 237/m | R 44 458/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 76% | 76% |
| Retained after 3 years | 54% | 54% |
| Value after 3 years | R 1 239 425 | R 1 369 444 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 1 062 679 | R 1 174 156 |
| Value after 5 years | R 857 960 | R 947 962 |
| Our tier | Luxury flagship & exotic | Luxury flagship & exotic |
BMW 7 Series →
BMW's flagship sedan has been on sale in South Africa continuously since the 1990s as the main rival to the Mercedes S-Class. Executive and chauffeur buyers dominate the small new market. Depreciation is severe, which makes lightly used examples look like bargains until the maintenance bills arrive.
Known for: flagship limousine with brutal depreciation
Lexus LS →
The LS 400 is the car that launched Lexus, and the flagship sedan was sold in South Africa in small numbers for three decades. Lexus SA confirmed the LS was discontinued at the end of 2023 after registering a single unit that year. Depreciation is severe, which makes used examples strong value for buyers who can stomach it.
Known for: flagship build quality, tiny sales
Common questions
Which holds value better, the BMW 7 Series or the Lexus LS?
They are close to inseparable: 54% vs 54% 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 7 Series loses about R 1 062 679 over three years and the Lexus LS loses about R 1 174 156. 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 7 Series runs about R 40 237 per month and the Lexus LS about R 44 458, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.