BMW X3 vs Land Rover Discovery Sport
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
| X3 | Discovery Sport | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 1 077 260 | R 1 362 900 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 18 829/m | R 23 821/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 80% | 79% |
| Retained after 3 years | 61% | 60% |
| Value after 3 years | R 659 536 | R 819 794 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 417 724 | R 543 106 |
| Value after 5 years | R 492 126 | R 605 383 |
| Our tier | Premium (established) | Premium (established) |
BMW X3 →
Built at Rosslyn since 2018 for local sale and export, the X3 is BMW South Africa's most important model. It fights the Mercedes GLC and Audi Q5 and is the brand's biggest local seller. Steady used demand keeps trade-in values healthier than most premium rivals.
Known for: locally built and bmw sa's biggest seller
Land Rover Discovery Sport →
The Discovery Sport replaced the Freelander in 2015 as the practical entry point to the Land Rover range, with an optional 5+2 seating layout. It sells steadily to families wanting the badge without Range Rover money. Depreciation is heavier than German rivals, so used examples look temptingly cheap.
Known for: family-friendly entry land rover
Common questions
Which holds value better, the BMW X3 or the Land Rover Discovery Sport?
They are close to inseparable: 61% vs 60% 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 X3 loses about R 417 724 over three years and the Land Rover Discovery Sport loses about R 543 106. 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 X3 runs about R 18 829 per month and the Land Rover Discovery Sport about R 23 821, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.