BMW X4 vs Mercedes-Benz GLC
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
| X4 | GLC | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 1 208 731 | R 994 839 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 21 127/m | R 17 388/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 79% | 80% |
| Retained after 3 years | 60% | 61% |
| Value after 3 years | R 727 060 | R 609 075 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 481 671 | R 385 764 |
| Value after 5 years | R 536 903 | R 454 474 |
| Our tier | Premium (established) | Premium (established) |
BMW X4 →
Sold locally from 2014 to 2025, the X4 was the coupe-styled version of the X3. BMW ended production without a direct replacement when the new X3 generation arrived. Used demand is thinner than for the X3, so it trades at a discount despite the higher original price.
Known for: coupe-styled x3 without a successor
Mercedes-Benz GLC →
Since arriving in 2016 the GLC has become Mercedes' best-selling SUV in South Africa. It puts C-Class underpinnings into the midsize SUV shape local premium buyers favour, with a coupe body sold alongside. Consistent demand keeps used values firmer than the equivalent sedan's.
Known for: best-selling mercedes suv in sa
Common questions
Which holds value better, the BMW X4 or the Mercedes-Benz GLC?
They are close to inseparable: 60% 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 X4 loses about R 481 671 over three years and the Mercedes-Benz GLC loses about R 385 764. 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 X4 runs about R 21 127 per month and the Mercedes-Benz GLC about R 17 388, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.