Mercedes-Benz EQA vs Volvo XC40
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
The Volvo XC40 wins on money kept: 61% retained after three years vs 44%, worth about R 88 259 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| EQA | XC40 | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 1 235 900 | R 750 000 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 21 602/m | R 13 109/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 67% | 80% |
| Retained after 3 years | 44% | 61% |
| Value after 3 years | R 547 435 | R 459 176 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 688 465 | R 290 824 |
| Value after 5 years | R 369 461 | R 342 624 |
| Our tier | Premium EV | Premium (established) |
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 XC40 →
Volvo's best-selling model in South Africa since its 2018 launch, and winner of the 2019 SA Car of the Year award. It now sells as a mild-hybrid petrol from about R750k, and a pure-electric version was also offered locally. Resale holds up better than the brand's sedans, though German rivals still outsell it.
Known for: safety-led compact suv and sa car of the year
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Mercedes-Benz EQA or the Volvo XC40?
The Volvo XC40. It keeps about 61% of its price after three years against 44% for the Mercedes-Benz EQA, a gap of 17 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 XC40 loses about R 290 824. 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 XC40 about R 13 109, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.