Mercedes-Benz GLA vs Volvo XC40
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
| GLA | XC40 | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 852 333 | R 750 000 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 14 897/m | R 13 109/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 80% | 80% |
| Retained after 3 years | 61% | 61% |
| Value after 3 years | R 521 828 | R 459 176 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 330 505 | R 290 824 |
| Value after 5 years | R 389 373 | R 342 624 |
| Our tier | Premium (established) | Premium (established) |
Mercedes-Benz GLA →
The GLA is Mercedes' entry SUV locally and one of its better sellers. Its second generation adopted a more upright stance that broadened its appeal against the BMW X1 and Audi Q3. Resale is reasonable by premium compact standards thanks to steady demand.
Known for: entry mercedes suv volume seller
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 GLA or the Volvo XC40?
They are close to inseparable: 61% vs 61% 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 GLA loses about R 330 505 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 GLA runs about R 14 897 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.