Lexus ES vs Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
The Lexus ES wins on money kept: 60% retained after three years vs 56%, worth about R 236 777 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| ES | E-Class | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 851 500 | R 1 331 478 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 14 883/m | R 23 272/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 80% | 77% |
| Retained after 3 years | 60% | 56% |
| Value after 3 years | R 513 433 | R 750 210 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 338 067 | R 581 268 |
| Value after 5 years | R 379 692 | R 533 167 |
| Our tier | Premium (established) | Premium (established) |
Lexus ES →
South Africa only got the ES nameplate in 2013, and the front-wheel-drive ES 300h hybrid is now the cheapest way into a new Lexus sedan. It undercuts the German midsize establishment on price and running costs while offering more cabin space. Resale is average for the class but reliability complaints are rare.
Known for: comfort and value against german rivals
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 Lexus ES or the Mercedes-Benz E-Class?
The Lexus ES. It keeps about 60% of its price after three years against 56% for the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, a gap of 4 points.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The Lexus ES loses about R 338 067 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 Lexus ES runs about R 14 883 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.