Mercedes-Benz EQA vs Volvo EX30
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
The Volvo EX30 wins on money kept: 47% retained after three years vs 44%, worth about R 155 476 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| EQA | EX30 | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 1 235 900 | R 835 500 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 21 602/m | R 14 603/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 67% | 69% |
| Retained after 3 years | 44% | 47% |
| Value after 3 years | R 547 435 | R 391 959 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 688 465 | R 443 541 |
| Value after 5 years | R 369 461 | R 271 574 |
| Our tier | Premium EV | Premium EV |
Mercedes-Benz EQA →
Mercedes' entry EV arrived in 2022 as part of the local EQ launch. It sells in tiny volumes given a R1.2 million price against petrol GLAs. Like most EVs in SA, early depreciation is steep.
Known for: entry electric mercedes suv
Volvo EX30 →
Volvo's smallest EV arrived in 2024 and quickly became one of the better-selling electric cars in South Africa. Pricing starts at about R835k, and the twin-motor version is among the quickest-accelerating Volvos sold here. A raised Cross Country variant joined the range later.
Known for: small ev with big acceleration
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Mercedes-Benz EQA or the Volvo EX30?
The Volvo EX30. It keeps about 47% of its price after three years against 44% for the Mercedes-Benz EQA, a gap of 3 points.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The Mercedes-Benz EQA loses about R 688 465 over three years and the Volvo EX30 loses about R 443 541. 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 Mercedes-Benz EQA runs about R 21 602 per month and the Volvo EX30 about R 14 603, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.