Land Rover Range Rover 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
| Range Rover | GLS | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 3 291 700 | R 2 320 573 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 57 534/m | R 40 560/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 78% | 78% |
| Retained after 3 years | 58% | 58% |
| Value after 3 years | R 1 902 657 | R 1 341 330 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 1 389 043 | R 979 243 |
| Value after 5 years | R 1 372 911 | R 967 871 |
| Our tier | Luxury flagship & exotic | Luxury flagship & exotic |
Land Rover Range Rover →
The full-size Range Rover has been the default statement SUV in South Africa for decades, now starting above R3 million. Waiting lists formed for the current generation, but like all flagships it sheds value quickly once the warranty clock starts. Long-wheelbase and V8 derivatives dominate local orders.
Known for: flagship status symbol
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 Land Rover Range Rover 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 Land Rover Range Rover loses about R 1 389 043 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 Land Rover Range Rover runs about R 57 534 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.