BMW iX1 vs Mercedes-Benz EQA
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
| iX1 | EQA | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 1 210 000 | R 1 235 900 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 21 149/m | R 21 602/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 67% | 67% |
| Retained after 3 years | 44% | 44% |
| Value after 3 years | R 535 962 | R 547 435 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 674 038 | R 688 465 |
| Value after 5 years | R 361 718 | R 369 461 |
| 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
Mercedes-Benz EQA →
Mercedes' entry EV arrived in 2022 as part of the local EQ launch. It sells in tiny volumes given a R1.2 million price against petrol GLAs. Like most EVs in SA, early depreciation is steep.
Known for: entry electric mercedes suv
Common questions
Which holds value better, the BMW iX1 or the Mercedes-Benz EQA?
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 iX1 loses about R 674 038 over three years and the Mercedes-Benz EQA loses about R 688 465. 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 Mercedes-Benz EQA about R 21 602, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.