Lexus RX vs Mercedes-Benz GLE
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
| RX | GLE | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 1 516 500 | R 1 958 375 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 26 506/m | R 34 229/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 80% | 79% |
| Retained after 3 years | 61% | 60% |
| Value after 3 years | R 922 704 | R 1 177 976 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 593 796 | R 780 399 |
| Value after 5 years | R 685 985 | R 869 885 |
| Our tier | Premium (established) | Premium (established) |
Lexus RX →
The RX has been Lexus SA's large SUV since the early 2000s and pioneered the luxury hybrid SUV locally with the RX 400h. The current generation is sold mainly in hybrid form from around R1.5 million. It sells steadily to loyal repeat buyers who value refinement and dependability over badge prestige.
Known for: quiet hybrid family luxury
Mercedes-Benz GLE →
Successor to the ML from 2015, the GLE is the large family SUV of the local range in standard and coupe bodies. Diesel derivatives dominate sales, currently led by the 450d. It is a near-R2 million car new and sheds a lot of that in rand terms over the first years.
Known for: big diesel family luxury suv
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Lexus RX or the Mercedes-Benz GLE?
They are close to inseparable: 61% vs 60% 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 RX loses about R 593 796 over three years and the Mercedes-Benz GLE loses about R 780 399. 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 RX runs about R 26 506 per month and the Mercedes-Benz GLE about R 34 229, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.