But its all relative. That delta between trade in values and sales values would exist with both cars, and you find if you watch what S Classes and 7 Series and LSs all sell for, its relatively the same as a % of what they cost new.

If you look at a CPO LS and a CPO S560, the % more the S560 costs relative to the LS is about the same % more the S560 cost when new. Same with the 7.

 

According to iSeeCars, an S-Class holds its value better than the 5 Series, so it's not like the segment determines the resale value. BMW's generally just have awful resale value period, not just for their segment.

Either way, resale value is something that I doubt most people who get into German cars care at all for since they're mostly leased, so it's a moot point. What I find interesting is that despite its reputation for high resale and long-term reliability, Lexus is more leased than Audi and Mercedes, tied with BMW...


https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a1...nly-purchased/

 

Its just the segment that I happen to watch.

I have also read that which is really surprising. Audi doesnt surprise me because their leases are terrible, but Mercedes surprises me. Lexus leases aren't great but they arent terrible like Audi.

Thats where I was coming from about the whole German vs Japanese decision for me. Leasing my Mercedes has been exactly like leasing my Lexus cars always was...I just have a much better car without having to deal with the downside of long term reliability. Its a win win. I always had in the back of my head "Hey, maybe I will keep this Lexus" but with the S Class thats 100% not a consideration, it will be traded at the end of the lease.

 

BMW managed to have a car that beats the Nissan Leaf in depreciation that's not easy to do.