BMW X6 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
| X6 | GLE | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 1 935 637 | R 1 958 375 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 33 832/m | R 34 229/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 79% | 79% |
| Retained after 3 years | 60% | 60% |
| Value after 3 years | R 1 164 299 | R 1 177 976 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 771 338 | R 780 399 |
| Value after 5 years | R 859 785 | R 869 885 |
| Our tier | Premium (established) | Premium (established) |
BMW X6 →
The X6 created the coupe SUV genre in 2008 and has kept a following in South Africa ever since. M versions carry particular status appeal locally. It depreciates faster than the X5 it is based on because the shape narrows the buyer pool.
Known for: the original coupe suv
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 X6 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 X6 loses about R 771 338 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 X6 runs about R 33 832 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.