BMW i3 vs Mini Cooper
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
The Mini Cooper wins on money kept: 62% retained after three years vs 54%, worth about R 91 532 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| i3 | Cooper | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 525 000 | R 607 052 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 9 176/m | R 10 610/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 76% | 81% |
| Retained after 3 years | 54% | 62% |
| Value after 3 years | R 285 399 | R 376 931 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 239 601 | R 230 121 |
| Value after 5 years | R 198 630 | R 283 596 |
| Our tier | Premium (established) | Premium (established) |
BMW i3 →
An early EV pioneer, the i3 was sold in South Africa from 2015 to 2022 in battery-only and range-extender forms. Carbon-fibre construction and rear-hinged doors made it unlike anything else on the road. Used prices fell hard early on, which now makes it one of the cheapest routes into a premium EV.
Known for: quirky carbon-fibre pioneer ev
Mini Cooper →
The modern Mini hatch has anchored the brand in South Africa since 2002 and is now badged Cooper across petrol and electric versions. Fashion appeal keeps a loyal following, and JCW versions carry real hot-hatch credibility. Resale is respectable for a premium small car, though the used market is fussy about spec and colour.
Known for: fashion-led premium hatch with loyal following
Common questions
Which holds value better, the BMW i3 or the Mini Cooper?
The Mini Cooper. It keeps about 62% of its price after three years against 54% for the BMW i3, a gap of 8 points.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The BMW i3 loses about R 239 601 over three years and the Mini Cooper loses about R 230 121. 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 i3 runs about R 9 176 per month and the Mini Cooper about R 10 610, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.