BMW i7 vs Mercedes-Benz EQS
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
| i7 | EQS | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 2 953 000 | R 2 620 500 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 51 614/m | R 45 802/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 65% | 65% |
| Retained after 3 years | 42% | 42% |
| Value after 3 years | R 1 230 721 | R 1 092 145 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 1 722 279 | R 1 528 355 |
| Value after 5 years | R 801 109 | R 710 906 |
| Our tier | Premium EV | Premium EV |
BMW i7 →
BMW sells the i7 as the electric version of the 7 Series, available locally since 2023. At nearly three million rand it is one of the most expensive sedans on the market. Depreciation mirrors other flagship EVs, which is to say severe.
Known for: electric flagship limousine
Mercedes-Benz EQS →
The electric flagship sedan and SUV, on sale since 2022 with prices from about R2.6 million. It showcases the brand's EV technology but finds very few local buyers. Resale performance has been weak worldwide and SA follows suit.
Known for: electric flagship, few takers
Common questions
Which holds value better, the BMW i7 or the Mercedes-Benz EQS?
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 i7 loses about R 1 722 279 over three years and the Mercedes-Benz EQS loses about R 1 528 355. 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 i7 runs about R 51 614 per month and the Mercedes-Benz EQS about R 45 802, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.