BMW X7 vs Mercedes-Benz GLS
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
Too close to call on resale: both keep about 58% of their value over three years. Decide on the deal, not the badge.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| X7 | GLS | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 2 129 309 | R 2 320 573 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 37 217/m | R 40 560/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 78% | 78% |
| Retained after 3 years | 58% | 58% |
| Value after 3 years | R 1 230 776 | R 1 341 330 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 898 533 | R 979 243 |
| Value after 5 years | R 888 098 | R 967 871 |
| Our tier | Luxury flagship & exotic | Luxury flagship & exotic |
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
Mercedes-Benz GLS →
The GLS is Mercedes' seven-seat flagship SUV, pitched as the S-Class of SUVs. In SA it sells in small numbers to buyers who want space and badge in one package, with the Maybach version topping the range. Expect steep depreciation from a R2.3 million-plus sticker.
Known for: s-class space in suv form
Common questions
Which holds value better, the BMW X7 or the Mercedes-Benz GLS?
They are close to inseparable: 58% vs 58% 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 X7 loses about R 898 533 over three years and the Mercedes-Benz GLS loses about R 979 243. 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 Mercedes-Benz GLS about R 40 560, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.