Mercedes-Benz GLE vs Porsche Cayenne
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
Too close to call on resale: both keep about 60% of their value over three years. Decide on the deal, not the badge.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| GLE | Cayenne | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 1 958 375 | R 2 149 000 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 34 229/m | R 37 561/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 79% | 79% |
| Retained after 3 years | 60% | 59% |
| Value after 3 years | R 1 177 976 | R 1 270 484 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 780 399 | R 878 516 |
| Value after 5 years | R 869 885 | R 928 723 |
| Our tier | Premium (established) | Premium (established) |
Mercedes-Benz GLE →
Successor to the ML from 2015, the GLE is the large family SUV of the local range in standard and coupe bodies. Diesel derivatives dominate sales, currently led by the 450d. It is a near-R2 million car new and sheds a lot of that in rand terms over the first years.
Known for: big diesel family luxury suv
Porsche Cayenne →
Since 2003 the Cayenne has been Porsche's volume seller in South Africa alongside the Macan, offering petrol, diesel and later plug-in hybrid power. The current third generation starts around R2.15 million and the coupe body adds a style-led option. Early V8 and diesel models are now affordable used buys, but running costs catch out bargain hunters.
Known for: sports car pace in a family suv
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Mercedes-Benz GLE or the Porsche Cayenne?
They are close to inseparable: 60% vs 59% 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 GLE loses about R 780 399 over three years and the Porsche Cayenne loses about R 878 516. 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 GLE runs about R 34 229 per month and the Porsche Cayenne about R 37 561, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.