BMW iX1 vs BYD Sealion 7
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
The BYD Sealion 7 wins on money kept: 47% retained after three years vs 44%, worth about R 15 274 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| iX1 | Sealion 7 | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 1 210 000 | R 1 109 900 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 21 149/m | R 19 399/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 67% | 69% |
| Retained after 3 years | 44% | 47% |
| Value after 3 years | R 535 962 | R 520 688 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 674 038 | R 589 212 |
| Value after 5 years | R 361 718 | R 360 766 |
| Our tier | Premium EV | Premium EV |
BMW iX1 →
As the electric twin of the X1, the iX1 has been the most attainable end of BMW's EV range in South Africa since 2023. It is among the brand's better-selling EVs locally. Resale still trails the petrol X1 by a wide margin.
Known for: bmw's most attainable ev
BYD Sealion 7 →
The Sealion 7 is BYD's midsize electric coupe SUV, launched in April 2025 from R1,099,900. It offers strong performance in AWD form and a premium cabin for the money. Like other big-ticket EVs in SA it depreciates hard, so used examples look like bargains.
Known for: sleek electric coupe suv flagship
Common questions
Which holds value better, the BMW iX1 or the BYD Sealion 7?
The BYD Sealion 7. It keeps about 47% of its price after three years against 44% for the BMW iX1, a gap of 3 points.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The BMW iX1 loses about R 674 038 over three years and the BYD Sealion 7 loses about R 589 212. 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 iX1 runs about R 21 149 per month and the BYD Sealion 7 about R 19 399, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.