BMW X5 vs Lexus RX
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
| X5 | RX | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 1 814 637 | R 1 516 500 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 31 717/m | R 26 506/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 79% | 80% |
| Retained after 3 years | 60% | 61% |
| Value after 3 years | R 1 091 517 | R 922 704 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 723 120 | R 593 796 |
| Value after 5 years | R 806 039 | R 685 985 |
| 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
Lexus RX →
The RX has been Lexus SA's large SUV since the early 2000s and pioneered the luxury hybrid SUV locally with the RX 400h. The current generation is sold mainly in hybrid form from around R1.5 million. It sells steadily to loyal repeat buyers who value refinement and dependability over badge prestige.
Known for: quiet hybrid family luxury
Common questions
Which holds value better, the BMW X5 or the Lexus RX?
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 X5 loses about R 723 120 over three years and the Lexus RX loses about R 593 796. 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 Lexus RX about R 26 506, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.