BMW X3 vs Mazda CX-60
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
The Mazda CX-60 wins on money kept: 65% retained after three years vs 61%, worth about R 145 648 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| X3 | CX-60 | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 1 077 260 | R 790 200 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 18 829/m | R 13 811/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 80% | 81% |
| Retained after 3 years | 61% | 65% |
| Value after 3 years | R 659 536 | R 513 888 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 417 724 | R 276 312 |
| Value after 5 years | R 492 126 | R 402 275 |
| Our tier | Premium (established) | Mainstream |
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
Mazda CX-60 →
The CX-60 became Mazda's local flagship when it reached dealers in May 2023, using a rear-biased platform with 2.5 petrol and later 3.3 turbodiesel power. Pricing puts it against German premium mid-sizers, a tough ask for the badge. Expect steeper depreciation than mainstream Mazdas because of that positioning.
Known for: premium-priced flagship suv
Common questions
Which holds value better, the BMW X3 or the Mazda CX-60?
The Mazda CX-60. It keeps about 65% of its price after three years against 61% for the BMW X3, a gap of 4 points.
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 Mazda CX-60 loses about R 276 312. 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 Mazda CX-60 about R 13 811, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.