Lexus NX vs Mercedes-Benz GLC
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
| NX | GLC | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 1 074 200 | R 994 839 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 18 775/m | R 17 388/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 80% | 80% |
| Retained after 3 years | 61% | 61% |
| Value after 3 years | R 657 662 | R 609 075 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 416 538 | R 385 764 |
| Value after 5 years | R 490 729 | R 454 474 |
| Our tier | Premium (established) | Premium (established) |
Lexus NX →
Since launching in 2015 the NX has become the volume seller in the Lexus SA range. The second generation offers turbopetrol, hybrid and plug-in hybrid power, and it is the most listed Lexus on the used market. Resale holds up better than most rivals thanks to the reliability reputation and long maintenance plan.
Known for: best-selling lexus suv locally
Mercedes-Benz GLC →
Since arriving in 2016 the GLC has become Mercedes' best-selling SUV in South Africa. It puts C-Class underpinnings into the midsize SUV shape local premium buyers favour, with a coupe body sold alongside. Consistent demand keeps used values firmer than the equivalent sedan's.
Known for: best-selling mercedes suv in sa
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Lexus NX or the Mercedes-Benz GLC?
They are close to inseparable: 61% 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 Lexus NX loses about R 416 538 over three years and the Mercedes-Benz GLC loses about R 385 764. 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 NX runs about R 18 775 per month and the Mercedes-Benz GLC about R 17 388, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.