BMW 8 Series vs Lexus LC
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
| 8 Series | LC | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 2 255 352 | R 2 542 800 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 39 420/m | R 44 444/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 75% | 76% |
| Retained after 3 years | 52% | 54% |
| Value after 3 years | R 1 174 648 | R 1 373 531 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 1 080 704 | R 1 169 269 |
| Value after 5 years | R 797 558 | R 952 620 |
| Our tier | Luxury flagship & exotic | Luxury flagship & exotic |
BMW 8 Series →
The original 8 Series coupe was sold here in the 1990s, and the nameplate returned in 2019 as a coupe, convertible and Gran Coupe. Local sales centred on the M850i and the M8. Production ends in 2026 with no direct successor, so remaining stock is on runout.
Known for: v8 grand touring flagship
Lexus LC →
Lexus SA's halo coupe launched in 2017 with a 5.0-litre V8, took a brief local hiatus, then returned in 2024 as the hybrid-only LC 500h at around R2.5 million. Sales are a handful of units a year. The V8 cars in particular are collectible, but new-price depreciation is heavy.
Known for: halo grand tourer, v8 then hybrid
Common questions
Which holds value better, the BMW 8 Series or the Lexus LC?
They are close to inseparable: 52% 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 8 Series loses about R 1 080 704 over three years and the Lexus LC loses about R 1 169 269. 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 8 Series runs about R 39 420 per month and the Lexus LC about R 44 444, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.