Jaguar XF vs Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
The Jaguar XF wins on money kept: 59% retained after three years vs 56%, worth about R 139 283 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| XF | E-Class | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 1 043 342 | R 1 331 478 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 18 236/m | R 23 272/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 78% | 77% |
| Retained after 3 years | 59% | 56% |
| Value after 3 years | R 610 926 | R 750 210 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 432 416 | R 581 268 |
| Value after 5 years | R 444 078 | R 533 167 |
| Our tier | Premium (established) | Premium (established) |
Jaguar XF →
The XF replaced the S-Type in 2008 and was for years the core Jaguar sedan in South Africa. Two generations sold locally before the model was axed in the brand's shift to electric. Depreciation has always been heavier than the German competition, so used examples look like bargains.
Known for: executive style with steep depreciation
Mercedes-Benz E-Class →
The E-Class has long been the choice of established professionals who find the C-Class too small. Recent generations sell in modest numbers new but keep a solid reputation for comfort and technology. Depreciation is heavy in the first few years, typical of large German sedans.
Known for: comfort-first executive sedan
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Jaguar XF or the Mercedes-Benz E-Class?
The Jaguar XF. It keeps about 59% of its price after three years against 56% for the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, a gap of 2 points.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The Jaguar XF loses about R 432 416 over three years and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class loses about R 581 268. 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 Jaguar XF runs about R 18 236 per month and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class about R 23 272, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.