Mercedes-Benz V-Class vs Volkswagen Caravelle
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
The Volkswagen Caravelle wins on money kept: 71% retained after three years vs 62%, worth about R 223 690 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| V-Class | Caravelle | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 2 254 000 | R 1 643 300 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 39 396/m | R 28 722/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 81% | 85% |
| Retained after 3 years | 62% | 71% |
| Value after 3 years | R 1 395 099 | R 1 171 409 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 858 901 | R 471 891 |
| Value after 5 years | R 1 047 680 | R 965 012 |
| Our tier | Premium (established) | Strong mainstream |
Mercedes-Benz V-Class →
The V-Class is the executive transport standard in SA, having evolved from the original V230 of the late 1990s through the Viano years to today's V300d. Hotels, tour operators and wealthy families buy it for space with a badge. Steady demand from the shuttle trade supports values better than most big Mercedes.
Known for: shuttle and executive people mover standard
Volkswagen Caravelle →
The luxury version of VW's bus has long been the executive shuttle of choice in SA, favoured by hotels, VIP transport firms and big families alike. The T6.1 continued into 2026 in Highline 4Motion form, with a plug-in hybrid T7 Caravelle announced to follow. Used values hold up unusually well for a vehicle this expensive.
Known for: executive shuttle status
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Mercedes-Benz V-Class or the Volkswagen Caravelle?
The Volkswagen Caravelle. It keeps about 71% of its price after three years against 62% for the Mercedes-Benz V-Class, a gap of 9 points.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The Mercedes-Benz V-Class loses about R 858 901 over three years and the Volkswagen Caravelle loses about R 471 891. 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 V-Class runs about R 39 396 per month and the Volkswagen Caravelle about R 28 722, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.