BMW X3 vs Omoda C9
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
The BMW X3 wins on money kept: 61% retained after three years vs 54%, worth about R 231 951 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| X3 | C9 | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 1 077 260 | R 785 900 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 18 829/m | R 13 736/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 80% | 74% |
| Retained after 3 years | 61% | 54% |
| Value after 3 years | R 659 536 | R 427 584 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 417 724 | R 358 316 |
| Value after 5 years | R 492 126 | R 311 359 |
| Our tier | Premium (established) | Chinese (new entrant) |
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
Omoda C9 →
The brand's flagship took aim at the German establishment when it launched in late 2024 at R785,900 for the FWD. Cabin spec is limousine-grade, and a PHEV derivative followed at just under R1 million. Whether badge-conscious buyers hold its value is the open question.
Known for: premium spec undercutting german suvs
Common questions
Which holds value better, the BMW X3 or the Omoda C9?
The BMW X3. It keeps about 61% of its price after three years against 54% for the Omoda C9, a gap of 7 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 Omoda C9 loses about R 358 316. 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 Omoda C9 about R 13 736, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.