BMW i5 vs Porsche Taycan
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
Too close to call on resale: both keep about 42% of their value over three years. Decide on the deal, not the badge.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| i5 | Taycan | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 1 812 000 | R 2 989 000 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 31 671/m | R 52 243/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 65% | 65% |
| Retained after 3 years | 42% | 42% |
| Value after 3 years | R 755 187 | R 1 245 725 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 1 056 813 | R 1 743 275 |
| Value after 5 years | R 491 571 | R 810 875 |
| Our tier | Premium EV | Premium EV |
BMW i5 →
Launched alongside the latest 5 Series, the i5 gives South Africa an electric executive sedan, topped by the M60 performance flagship. Sales are a small fraction of the petrol and diesel 5 Series. Like most large EVs here it sheds value quickly.
Known for: electric 5 series
Porsche Taycan →
Deliveries of Porsche's first EV began in South Africa in early 2021, with the range spanning rear-drive Taycan to the Turbo S and Cross Turismo wagon. Current pricing starts near R3 million. Performance and build quality earn praise, but like most expensive EVs locally it depreciates much faster than Porsche's petrol cars.
Known for: benchmark ev performance and charging speed
Common questions
Which holds value better, the BMW i5 or the Porsche Taycan?
They are close to inseparable: 42% vs 42% 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 i5 loses about R 1 056 813 over three years and the Porsche Taycan loses about R 1 743 275. 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 i5 runs about R 31 671 per month and the Porsche Taycan about R 52 243, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.