BMW X5 vs Mercedes-Benz GLE
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 | GLE | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 1 814 637 | R 1 958 375 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 31 717/m | R 34 229/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 79% | 79% |
| Retained after 3 years | 60% | 60% |
| Value after 3 years | R 1 091 517 | R 1 177 976 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 723 120 | R 780 399 |
| Value after 5 years | R 806 039 | R 869 885 |
| 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
Mercedes-Benz GLE →
Successor to the ML from 2015, the GLE is the large family SUV of the local range in standard and coupe bodies. Diesel derivatives dominate sales, currently led by the 450d. It is a near-R2 million car new and sheds a lot of that in rand terms over the first years.
Known for: big diesel family luxury suv
Common questions
Which holds value better, the BMW X5 or the Mercedes-Benz GLE?
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 Mercedes-Benz GLE loses about R 780 399. 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 Mercedes-Benz GLE about R 34 229, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.