Mercedes-Benz S-Class vs Porsche Panamera
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
Too close to call on resale: both keep about 54% of their value over three years. Decide on the deal, not the badge.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| S-Class | Panamera | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 2 652 260 | R 2 353 000 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 46 357/m | R 41 127/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 76% | 76% |
| Retained after 3 years | 54% | 54% |
| Value after 3 years | R 1 427 945 | R 1 266 827 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 1 224 315 | R 1 086 173 |
| Value after 5 years | R 988 458 | R 876 928 |
| Our tier | Luxury flagship & exotic | Luxury flagship & exotic |
Mercedes-Benz S-Class →
Every generation of the S-Class lands in SA as the technology flagship of the whole market. New buyers are mostly chauffeur-driven executives, while used buyers get limousine luxury for a fraction of list price because depreciation is brutal. Running costs on older examples can sting.
Known for: flagship tech and chauffeur luxury
Porsche Panamera →
Porsche's big four-door has been sold in South Africa since 2010 as an alternative to the S-Class and 7 Series. The current car starts around R2.35 million with petrol and E-Hybrid drivetrains, and the earlier diesel found local buyers too. Like most luxury flagships it sheds value quickly, which makes used examples look tempting against their original prices.
Known for: limousine comfort with genuine pace
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class or the Porsche Panamera?
They are close to inseparable: 54% vs 54% 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 S-Class loses about R 1 224 315 over three years and the Porsche Panamera loses about R 1 086 173. 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 S-Class runs about R 46 357 per month and the Porsche Panamera about R 41 127, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.