BMW X3 vs Porsche Macan
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 59%, worth about R 357 324 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| X3 | Macan | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 1 077 260 | R 1 720 000 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 18 829/m | R 30 063/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 80% | 79% |
| Retained after 3 years | 61% | 59% |
| Value after 3 years | R 659 536 | R 1 016 860 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 417 724 | R 703 140 |
| Value after 5 years | R 492 126 | R 743 324 |
| 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
Porsche Macan →
The Macan became Porsche South Africa's biggest seller soon after its 2014 launch, mixing hatch-like handling with SUV practicality. Petrol and early diesel versions dominated the first generation, and the second generation sold here is fully electric, from about R1.72 million. First-generation petrol cars remain in demand used and hold value well for the segment.
Known for: the default sporty compact premium suv
Common questions
Which holds value better, the BMW X3 or the Porsche Macan?
The BMW X3. It keeps about 61% of its price after three years against 59% for the Porsche Macan, a gap of 2 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 Porsche Macan loses about R 703 140. 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 Porsche Macan about R 30 063, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.