BMW X5 vs Land Rover Discovery
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
Too close to call on resale: both keep about 60% of their value over three years. Decide on the deal, not the badge.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| X5 | Discovery | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 1 814 637 | R 1 824 700 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 31 717/m | R 31 893/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 79% | 79% |
| Retained after 3 years | 60% | 60% |
| Value after 3 years | R 1 091 517 | R 1 097 570 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 723 120 | R 727 130 |
| Value after 5 years | R 806 039 | R 810 508 |
| Our tier | Premium (established) | Premium (established) |
BMW X5 →
One of the first premium SUVs in South Africa, the X5 has been on sale since 2000 and remains a status benchmark. The xDrive30d diesel has been the perennial volume derivative. It is a used-market staple, though out-of-plan running costs on older examples are high.
Known for: the original premium suv staple
Land Rover Discovery →
Five generations of Discovery have been sold in South Africa, and the Disco 3 and 4 in particular became the default upmarket family off-roader and towing vehicle. The current model soldiers on in a pared-back six-derivative range from around R1.8 million. Older diesels are plentiful used but air suspension and electronics wear down values.
Known for: seven-seat family off-roader
Common questions
Which holds value better, the BMW X5 or the Land Rover Discovery?
They are close to inseparable: 60% vs 60% 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 X5 loses about R 723 120 over three years and the Land Rover Discovery loses about R 727 130. 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 X5 runs about R 31 717 per month and the Land Rover Discovery about R 31 893, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.