Mercedes-Benz EQS vs Volvo EX90
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
The Volvo EX90 wins on money kept: 44% retained after three years vs 42%, worth about R 81 657 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| EQS | EX90 | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 2 620 500 | R 2 650 000 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 45 802/m | R 46 318/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 65% | 67% |
| Retained after 3 years | 42% | 44% |
| Value after 3 years | R 1 092 145 | R 1 173 802 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 1 528 355 | R 1 476 198 |
| Value after 5 years | R 710 906 | R 792 193 |
| 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
Volvo EX90 →
Volvo's electric flagship reached South Africa in April 2025 in a single top-spec Twin Performance form at R2.65m. It seats seven and claims around 600km of range from a 111kWh battery, with free public charging sweeteners at launch. Depreciation on R2m-plus EVs is steep, and this one is no exception.
Known for: flagship electric seven-seater
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Mercedes-Benz EQS or the Volvo EX90?
The Volvo EX90. It keeps about 44% of its price after three years against 42% for the Mercedes-Benz EQS, a gap of 3 points.
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 Volvo EX90 loses about R 1 476 198. 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 Volvo EX90 about R 46 318, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.