BMW iX vs Volvo EX90
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 | EX90 | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 2 249 000 | R 2 650 000 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 39 309/m | R 46 318/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 67% | 67% |
| Retained after 3 years | 44% | 44% |
| Value after 3 years | R 996 181 | R 1 173 802 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 1 252 819 | R 1 476 198 |
| Value after 5 years | R 672 318 | R 792 193 |
| 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
Volvo EX90 →
Volvo's electric flagship reached South Africa in April 2025 in a single top-spec Twin Performance form at R2.65m. It seats seven and claims around 600km of range from a 111kWh battery, with free public charging sweeteners at launch. Depreciation on R2m-plus EVs is steep, and this one is no exception.
Known for: flagship electric seven-seater
Common questions
Which holds value better, the BMW iX or the Volvo EX90?
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 Volvo EX90 loses about R 1 476 198. 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 Volvo EX90 about R 46 318, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.