Land Rover Discovery Sport vs Mercedes-Benz GLB
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
Too close to call on resale: both keep about 61% of their value over three years. Decide on the deal, not the badge.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| Discovery Sport | GLB | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 1 362 900 | R 1 012 287 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 23 821/m | R 17 693/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 79% | 80% |
| Retained after 3 years | 60% | 61% |
| Value after 3 years | R 819 794 | R 619 757 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 543 106 | R 392 530 |
| Value after 5 years | R 605 383 | R 462 445 |
| Our tier | Premium (established) | Premium (established) |
Land Rover Discovery Sport →
The Discovery Sport replaced the Freelander in 2015 as the practical entry point to the Land Rover range, with an optional 5+2 seating layout. It sells steadily to families wanting the badge without Range Rover money. Depreciation is heavier than German rivals, so used examples look temptingly cheap.
Known for: family-friendly entry land rover
Mercedes-Benz GLB →
A boxy compact SUV with seven seats, positioned since 2020 as the affordable family Mercedes. It shares its platform with the GLA but trades style for space. Local volumes are modest and used prices sit close to GLA money.
Known for: boxy seven-seat compact suv
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Land Rover Discovery Sport or the Mercedes-Benz GLB?
They are close to inseparable: 60% vs 61% 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 Land Rover Discovery Sport loses about R 543 106 over three years and the Mercedes-Benz GLB loses about R 392 530. 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 Land Rover Discovery Sport runs about R 23 821 per month and the Mercedes-Benz GLB about R 17 693, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.