BMW X1 vs Mercedes-Benz GLB
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 | GLB | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 813 899 | R 1 012 287 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 14 226/m | R 17 693/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 80% | 80% |
| Retained after 3 years | 61% | 61% |
| Value after 3 years | R 498 297 | R 619 757 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 315 602 | R 392 530 |
| Value after 5 years | R 371 815 | R 462 445 |
| 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 GLB →
A boxy compact SUV with seven seats, positioned since 2020 as the affordable family Mercedes. It shares its platform with the GLA but trades style for space. Local volumes are modest and used prices sit close to GLA money.
Known for: boxy seven-seat compact suv
Common questions
Which holds value better, the BMW X1 or the Mercedes-Benz GLB?
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 GLB loses about R 392 530. 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 GLB about R 17 693, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.