BMW X7 vs Lexus LX
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
The Lexus LX wins on money kept: 60% retained after three years vs 58%, worth about R 385 774 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| X7 | LX | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 2 129 309 | R 2 687 500 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 37 217/m | R 46 973/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 78% | 79% |
| Retained after 3 years | 58% | 60% |
| Value after 3 years | R 1 230 776 | R 1 616 550 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 898 533 | R 1 070 950 |
| Value after 5 years | R 888 098 | R 1 193 753 |
| Our tier | Luxury flagship & exotic | Premium (established) |
BMW X7 →
BMW's largest SUV arrived in South Africa in 2019 as a seven-seat rival to the Mercedes GLS. Pricing starts above two million rand. Depreciation is steep, which is typical of full-size luxury SUVs in this market.
Known for: seven-seat flagship suv
Lexus LX →
Lexus SA's flagship SUV shares its ladder-frame platform with the Land Cruiser 300, sold locally in LX 500d diesel, LX 600 petrol and LX 700h hybrid forms. It appeals to buyers who want Sandton polish with genuine bush ability. The Land Cruiser DNA helps it resist depreciation better than European flagships.
Known for: land cruiser 300 underneath
Common questions
Which holds value better, the BMW X7 or the Lexus LX?
The Lexus LX. It keeps about 60% of its price after three years against 58% for the BMW X7, a gap of 2 points.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The BMW X7 loses about R 898 533 over three years and the Lexus LX loses about R 1 070 950. 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 X7 runs about R 37 217 per month and the Lexus LX about R 46 973, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.