BMW X1 vs Mercedes-Benz GLA
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
Too close to call on resale: both keep about 61% of their value over three years. Decide on the deal, not the badge.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| X1 | GLA | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 813 899 | R 852 333 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 14 226/m | R 14 897/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 80% | 80% |
| Retained after 3 years | 61% | 61% |
| Value after 3 years | R 498 297 | R 521 828 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 315 602 | R 330 505 |
| Value after 5 years | R 371 815 | R 389 373 |
| Our tier | Premium (established) | Premium (established) |
BMW X1 →
Since 2010 the X1 has been BMW South Africa's entry SUV and a consistent volume seller for the brand. The current generation is sold alongside its electric iX1 twin. Resale is solid by premium standards because demand for compact premium SUVs stays strong here.
Known for: entry bmw suv with steady demand
Mercedes-Benz GLA →
The GLA is Mercedes' entry SUV locally and one of its better sellers. Its second generation adopted a more upright stance that broadened its appeal against the BMW X1 and Audi Q3. Resale is reasonable by premium compact standards thanks to steady demand.
Known for: entry mercedes suv volume seller
Common questions
Which holds value better, the BMW X1 or the Mercedes-Benz GLA?
They are close to inseparable: 61% vs 61% 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 X1 loses about R 315 602 over three years and the Mercedes-Benz GLA loses about R 330 505. 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 X1 runs about R 14 226 per month and the Mercedes-Benz GLA about R 14 897, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.