BMW X3 vs Lexus NX
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 | NX | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 1 077 260 | R 1 074 200 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 18 829/m | R 18 775/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 80% | 80% |
| Retained after 3 years | 61% | 61% |
| Value after 3 years | R 659 536 | R 657 662 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 417 724 | R 416 538 |
| Value after 5 years | R 492 126 | R 490 729 |
| 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
Lexus NX →
Since launching in 2015 the NX has become the volume seller in the Lexus SA range. The second generation offers turbopetrol, hybrid and plug-in hybrid power, and it is the most listed Lexus on the used market. Resale holds up better than most rivals thanks to the reliability reputation and long maintenance plan.
Known for: best-selling lexus suv locally
Common questions
Which holds value better, the BMW X3 or the Lexus NX?
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 X3 loses about R 417 724 over three years and the Lexus NX loses about R 416 538. 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 Lexus NX about R 18 775, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.