Geely E5 vs Volvo EX30
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
Too close to call on resale: both keep about 48% of their value over three years. Decide on the deal, not the badge.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| E5 | EX30 | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 699 999 | R 835 500 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 12 235/m | R 14 603/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 69% | 69% |
| Retained after 3 years | 48% | 47% |
| Value after 3 years | R 335 555 | R 391 959 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 364 444 | R 443 541 |
| Value after 5 years | R 229 416 | R 271 574 |
| Our tier | Chinese (new entrant) | Premium EV |
Geely E5 →
This electric family SUV, known globally as the EX5, led Geely's November 2025 relaunch at R699,999. Range and cabin space are competitive with the BYD Atto 3. Like most Chinese EVs here, resale is the big unanswered question.
Known for: well-priced family electric suv
Volvo EX30 →
Volvo's smallest EV arrived in 2024 and quickly became one of the better-selling electric cars in South Africa. Pricing starts at about R835k, and the twin-motor version is among the quickest-accelerating Volvos sold here. A raised Cross Country variant joined the range later.
Known for: small ev with big acceleration
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Geely E5 or the Volvo EX30?
They are close to inseparable: 48% vs 47% 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 Geely E5 loses about R 364 444 over three years and the Volvo EX30 loses about R 443 541. 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 Geely E5 runs about R 12 235 per month and the Volvo EX30 about R 14 603, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.