BMW 7 Series vs Porsche Panamera
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 | Panamera | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 2 302 104 | R 2 353 000 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 40 237/m | R 41 127/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 76% | 76% |
| Retained after 3 years | 54% | 54% |
| Value after 3 years | R 1 239 425 | R 1 266 827 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 1 062 679 | R 1 086 173 |
| Value after 5 years | R 857 960 | R 876 928 |
| 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
Porsche Panamera →
Porsche's big four-door has been sold in South Africa since 2010 as an alternative to the S-Class and 7 Series. The current car starts around R2.35 million with petrol and E-Hybrid drivetrains, and the earlier diesel found local buyers too. Like most luxury flagships it sheds value quickly, which makes used examples look tempting against their original prices.
Known for: limousine comfort with genuine pace
Common questions
Which holds value better, the BMW 7 Series or the Porsche Panamera?
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 Porsche Panamera loses about R 1 086 173. 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 Porsche Panamera about R 41 127, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.