Mercedes-Benz EQS vs Porsche Taycan
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
Too close to call on resale: both keep about 42% of their value over three years. Decide on the deal, not the badge.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| EQS | Taycan | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 2 620 500 | R 2 989 000 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 45 802/m | R 52 243/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 65% | 65% |
| Retained after 3 years | 42% | 42% |
| Value after 3 years | R 1 092 145 | R 1 245 725 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 1 528 355 | R 1 743 275 |
| Value after 5 years | R 710 906 | R 810 875 |
| Our tier | Premium EV | Premium EV |
Mercedes-Benz EQS →
The electric flagship sedan and SUV, on sale since 2022 with prices from about R2.6 million. It showcases the brand's EV technology but finds very few local buyers. Resale performance has been weak worldwide and SA follows suit.
Known for: electric flagship, few takers
Porsche Taycan →
Deliveries of Porsche's first EV began in South Africa in early 2021, with the range spanning rear-drive Taycan to the Turbo S and Cross Turismo wagon. Current pricing starts near R3 million. Performance and build quality earn praise, but like most expensive EVs locally it depreciates much faster than Porsche's petrol cars.
Known for: benchmark ev performance and charging speed
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Mercedes-Benz EQS or the Porsche Taycan?
They are close to inseparable: 42% vs 42% 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 Mercedes-Benz EQS loses about R 1 528 355 over three years and the Porsche Taycan loses about R 1 743 275. 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 EQS runs about R 45 802 per month and the Porsche Taycan about R 52 243, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.