BMW iX1 vs Volvo EX30
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
The Volvo EX30 wins on money kept: 47% retained after three years vs 44%, worth about R 144 004 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| iX1 | EX30 | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 1 210 000 | R 835 500 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 21 149/m | R 14 603/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 67% | 69% |
| Retained after 3 years | 44% | 47% |
| Value after 3 years | R 535 962 | R 391 959 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 674 038 | R 443 541 |
| Value after 5 years | R 361 718 | R 271 574 |
| 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
Volvo EX30 →
Volvo's smallest EV arrived in 2024 and quickly became one of the better-selling electric cars in South Africa. Pricing starts at about R835k, and the twin-motor version is among the quickest-accelerating Volvos sold here. A raised Cross Country variant joined the range later.
Known for: small ev with big acceleration
Common questions
Which holds value better, the BMW iX1 or the Volvo EX30?
The Volvo EX30. 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 Volvo EX30 loses about R 443 541. 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 Volvo EX30 about R 14 603, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.