BMW iX vs Mercedes-Benz EQC
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
Too close to call on resale: both keep about 44% of their value over three years. Decide on the deal, not the badge.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| iX | EQC | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 2 249 000 | R 1 575 000 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 39 309/m | R 27 528/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 67% | 67% |
| Retained after 3 years | 44% | 44% |
| Value after 3 years | R 996 181 | R 697 637 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 1 252 819 | R 877 363 |
| Value after 5 years | R 672 318 | R 470 832 |
| Our tier | Premium EV | Premium EV |
BMW iX →
The iX has been BMW South Africa's electric flagship SUV since late 2021. Polarising looks and a price above two million rand limit it to a small buyer pool. Early examples have lost value dramatically, as is typical of big EVs in this market.
Known for: flagship ev with heavy depreciation
Mercedes-Benz EQC →
Mercedes' first modern EV reached SA in 2022 at around R1.58 million and was discontinued globally soon afterwards. Few were sold locally. Used values have dropped sharply, as is typical of first-generation EVs.
Known for: short-lived first mercedes ev
Common questions
Which holds value better, the BMW iX or the Mercedes-Benz EQC?
They are close to inseparable: 44% vs 44% 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 iX loses about R 1 252 819 over three years and the Mercedes-Benz EQC loses about R 877 363. 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 iX runs about R 39 309 per month and the Mercedes-Benz EQC about R 27 528, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.