October DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsClean PCRecommendedOne scan can reveal what keeps slowing WindowsLook for cleanup and repair opportunities.Run ScanOctober DealsAmazon USDeal season is back - check today's better picksAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.See Picks×
Skip to content
CarCodyAdvertise
Audi

Volvo vs. Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz: Which Luxury Brand Offers the Best Ownership Value?

Selected 2025 estimates put the BMW 5 Series and Volvo S90 below the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Audi A6 in five-year ownership costs, but they are not like-for-like comparisons.

By CarCody Team 4 min read
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

There is no defensible brand-wide winner. In selected Kelley Blue Book estimates for 2025 U.S.-market cars, the BMW 5 Series and Volvo S90 have lower five-year costs to own than the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Audi A6 trim shown. But the vehicles and configurations are not a controlled, like-for-like comparison. The most reliable answer is to compare the exact models, trims, prices, and ownership assumptions you are considering.

What ownership value includes

A sticker price is only one part of the cost of owning a luxury car. Edmunds’ True Cost to Own (TCO) estimates include depreciation, financing, taxes and fees, insurance, fuel, maintenance, and repairs. Edmunds uses 15,000 miles per year for mileage-dependent estimates and describes TCO as a comparative tool, not a prediction of what an individual buyer will pay. Edmunds explains its True Cost to Own methodology.

Kelley Blue Book (KBB) also presents five-year ownership estimates and notes that a new vehicle loses an average of 55% of its original value after five years. That is a general estimate, not a forecast for any of the four models below. KBB describes its cost-of-ownership categories.

How the selected 2025 estimates compare

The figures below are KBB estimates for different models or configurations in the U.S. market, not a controlled brand-versus-brand test. They are a dated snapshot; estimates can vary by trim and page, so check the live estimate for the exact vehicle you want.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
Sale
LISEN Retractable Car Charger, 84W Car Charger USB C Fast Charge,4 in 1
  • Never Let a Dead Battery Ruin Your Drive. The LISEN 4 in 1 Retractable Car Charger delivers reliable power for your entire journey. Compatible with standard 12V cigarette lighter sockets, it keeps phones, tablets, and devices charged during daily commutes, road trips, and long drives — the perfect practical gift for dads, truck drivers, and anyone who lives on the road.
  • Daily Driver Essential: Always Ready When You Need It. Featuring two retractable cables ( USB C & Old iPhone Charging Cable ) that extend up to 31.5 inches and dual USB ports, this charger solves cable clutter while charging up to 4 devices simultaneously. Ideal for busy fathers, commuters, and families who want a tidy car and never worry about low battery again.
  • Deliver full-speed PD fast charging for iPhone 18 Pro Max & iPhone 18 Pro Max & iPhone 18 Pro right inside your car. The built-in 45W PD USB-C port hits the peak charging speed for these latest iPhone models, juicing up your phone to 50% power in just 15 minutes while you drive.(Note: Maximum 45W PD output is available under 24V vehicle power supply. When used with standard 12V car sockets, the peak output is limited to 36W.)
  • Standard 12V Power Solution: Designed as a dedicated USB power supply for charging devices. Note: Does NOT support CarPlay, Bluetooth, or data transfer. Compatible with most phones, tablets, and small electronics. This retractable charger is a core car organization tool, keeping your vehicle tidy. Not compatible with Micro-USB devices.
  • Clutter-Free Tech Organization: Featuring dual USB ports and retractable cables, the LISEN 4 in 1 charger provides a clean car storage solution. Perfect for truck enthusiasts or as a thoughtful gift for drivers, it supports fast USB-C charging for devices like the iPhone 18Pro & iPhone 18 ProMax. Keep your vehicle organized while ensuring efficient power delivery for all your tech on the road.
Vehicle in KBB estimate Five-year cost to own Five-year depreciation Out-of-pocket expenses
2025 BMW 5 Series $81,660 $38,934 $42,726
2025 Volvo S90 $82,525 $37,236 $45,289
2025 Mercedes-Benz E-Class $92,890 $39,366 $53,524
2025 Audi A6 45 TFSI Premium Plus $100,053 $41,517 not stated on the cited estimate

In these selected estimates, the BMW is $865 below the Volvo over five years, while the Mercedes-Benz is $11,230 above the BMW and the Audi is $7,163 above the Mercedes-Benz. Those differences describe these estimates only; they do not establish that every BMW or Volvo costs less to own than every Audi or Mercedes-Benz.

Depreciation is a major component in all four estimates: it ranges from $37,236 for the Volvo S90 to $41,517 for the Audi A6 trim. A lower projected depreciation figure does not guarantee a particular resale price; actual resale depends on the vehicle, market, condition, mileage, and timing.

Rank #2
SINGARO Car Cup Holder Coaster, Silicone Cup Holder Insert, Universal Non-Slip Cup Holders, Car Accessories Interior for Women and Man Interior Sets 4 Pack Black
  • High Quality Material: The coaster is made of environmentally friendly silicone, safe, non-toxic and odorless. Soft with toughness, easily embedded in the cup holder. Very durable, wear-resistant, long service life. High temperature resistance, can withstand 100 ℃ high temperature water cups.
  • Wide Compatibility: The coaster has a diameter of 3.15 inches and a height of 1.18 inches, which is widely used in most vehicles, such as SUV, sedan, MPV, etc., as long as the size fits your car cup holder.
  • Protection Function: Our car cup holder coaster has a carry handle design and a stand-up ring edge on its edge to effectively prevent food crumbs, drinks and water from leaking out and preventing the car cup holder from getting dirty.Meanwhile,Thickened design effectively prevents the cup holder from being scratched by the cup when driving on bumpy roads and eliminates the annoying thumping sound, making your journey more enjoyable.
  • Easy to Use and Clean: With embedded installation, you just need to put it flat on the car cupholder. It is also very quick to remove, there is a small bump on the coaster, pinch it and you can easily remove the coaster. It is very easy to clean, rinse with water or wipe with a wet towel (be careful not to clean with sharp tools).
  • 100% Satisfaction: Our products have quality assurance, if you have questions or are not satisfied after receiving the product, don't worry, please contact us as soon as possible, we provide after-sales service.

Maintenance and repairs: useful context, not a model ranking

Consumer Reports’ analysis of its 2025 Annual Auto Surveys places Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Volvo among the more expensive brands for maintenance and repairs over time. Its analysis also reports that Audi and BMW owners’ costs were thousands of dollars lower over a decade than those for Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, and Land Rover. This is historical, owner-reported, brand-level spending—not a controlled test, a reliability score, or a forecast for a specific car.

Consumer Reports auto data analytics lead Steven Elek cautions that “The difference to maintain a car, on average, between some brands can be thousands of dollars over a 10-year time frame.” He also advises buyers to check predicted reliability for the models they are considering. Consumer Reports explains its maintenance and repair cost analysis.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Rank #3
Kaistyle for Magsafe Car Mount【Strong Magnet】 Magnetic Phone Holder for Car Phone Holder Mount Dash Mounted Holders Phone Holders for Your Car Accessories for Women Men for iPhone 18 Pro Max 17 16 15
  • ✅【Designed for Magsafe】 - The most fashionable iphone car mount in 2026 Magsafe is designed for iPhone 18 Pro Max/17/16/15/14/13/12 Pro Max Mini and official Magsafe cases and other magnetic phone cases and can be fixed directly to these phones without the need to affix metal plates. All Android Phones Will Work: Metal rings are provided; they fit cases and other phones without magsafe. Based on Unique Grandmaster Design (Protected by US Design Patent No. US D1,112,194 S)
  • ✅【STRONG MAGNETIC MagSafe Car Mount】 - This powerful magnetic phone holder can create a powerful attraction that firmly supports your device while allowing you to drive without distraction. it easily and securely holds your phone through bumps, sharp turns or even sudden stops, no worrying of dropping your phone.
  • ✅【SUPER STICK FORCE】 - VHB Dash Mounted Holders adhesive provides strong stick force between the dashboard and the car phone holder, which can firmly stick to any plane in the car, fix your device, adapt to a variety of road conditions such as sudden braking, speed bump, and rugged mountain road.
  • ✅【SAFE DRIVING VIEW】 - Mini-size, not taking up space, it is placed in the dashboard without blocking the view at all, and does not need to look down at the device to ensure your safe driving. Cell Phone Car Mount is suitable for most cars, pickups, SUV, taxi; It is the best assistant for Uber and Lyft drivers
  • ✅【360° FREE ROTATION】 - With an adjustable swivel ball joint, you can rotate your smartphone or device at your own will, providing the best viewing angle. Quickly pick and place with one hand, free your hands and make calls and GPS navigation more convenient

Warranty and included maintenance

The available 2025 BMW 5 Series information reports four years or 50,000 miles of new-vehicle coverage and three years or 36,000 miles of scheduled maintenance. These terms can reduce some early ownership costs, but they do not establish a complete comparison across all four brands. Warranty and maintenance coverage can differ by model, powertrain, market, and model year; review the applicable manufacturer documents for the exact car before buying. See the cited 2025 BMW 5 Series cost-to-own information.

How to compare the cars you are actually considering

  1. Match the vehicles. Compare the exact model year, trim, powertrain, and equipment. The estimates above cover an S90, 5 Series, E-Class, and one A6 trim, so they are not equivalent configurations.
  2. Use your real purchase numbers. Enter the transaction price you expect to pay, applicable taxes and fees, financing terms, and any incentives available to you. These can differ by location and buyer.
  3. Set realistic use and ownership assumptions. Use your expected annual mileage and the length of time you plan to keep the car. Edmunds’ 15,000-mile annual assumption may not fit your driving.
  4. Check location-specific running costs. Get insurance quotes using your location and driver profile, and estimate fuel or energy costs using your expected use.
  5. Review depreciation and coverage. Consider resale assumptions alongside scheduled maintenance, likely repairs, warranty limits, and any included maintenance. For a used car, also check its age, mileage, maintenance records, accident history, and remaining transferable coverage.
  6. Compare estimates on the same basis. Use the same ownership period and assumptions in each cost tool. Treat the result as a way to compare scenarios, not a promise of future costs.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Which brand is the better value?

If the question is limited to these four KBB snapshots, the BMW 5 Series has the lowest estimated five-year total, narrowly ahead of the Volvo S90. The figures do not support a universal brand winner: exact configuration, transaction price, mileage, insurance, financing, location, resale assumptions, and coverage can change the result. Compare the specific cars and costs relevant to your budget before deciding.

Best Value
Sale
Stacool Upgraded Car Center Console Cover,Microfiber Leather Car Armrest Cover Cushion with 2 Storage Bags,Universal Car Armrest Storage Box (Black)
  • 🔰 UPGRADED SIDE STORAGE DESIGN - Our console cover is thinner than the old one, universal for all seasons. There is an 8.66*5.12 inch storage pocket design on each left and right side, expanding the storage space, convenient and practical. Meet the storage needs of the main passenger seat, you can store your cell phone, keys, tissues, ID and some other small daily items.
  • 🔰 PREMIUM MICROFIBER LEATHER MATERIAL - This car center console cover is made of quality microfiber leather material, soft and skin-friendly touch. Exquisite and fashionable diamond shaped stitching, every detail is in place. Inside the car center console cover is made of thickened memory foam, even after squeezing, it can slowly recover to its original shape.
  • 🔰 RELIEVE DRIVING FATIGUE - The arm rest cover for car adopts ergonomic design, giving just the right amount of arm support, effectively dispersing elbow pressure and relieving driving fatigue. Protect your car's center console from getting dirty or scratched. Especially suitable for long time driving or long distance traveling, bringing you a new experience of relaxation and comfort!
  • 🔰 NON-DESTRUCTIVE INSTALLATION - This car console cover is designed with an elastic band for a firm fit and not easy to shake. And the back side is full of protruding dots, which can effectively avoid the armrest cover from slipping and shifting. All you need to do is to open the center console cover, put the elastic band directly into the cover and then close it.
  • 🔰 BUYER'S GUIDE - You will receive a car armrest storage box with the size of 12.13*7.80 inch, please measure the size of your car's armrest storage box before you buy. We have prepared five simple and beautiful colors for you, you can choose according to your own preferences. Suitable for most of the vehicles on the market, such as car, truck, SUV, RV, van, etc.
Rank #4
YGDMD 2PCS Car Seat Gap Filler Organizer,2 in 1 Car Gap Filler (Black)
  • Buyer's Guide: The seat guard for car seat between seat & console measures 15.75*2.7*1.53", suitable for gaps of 1.43-1.53" in width, please double-check carefully the distance between your seat and the center console before placing an order
  • Storage and Filling in One: Differ from traditional single-function gap fillers, gap filler for car incorporates storage function, offers you the convenience of storing phones and various other items, so that you can access them at any time while driving
  • Avoid Items Slipping: With the bumps and vibrations of the car, phones, keys may fall into the seat crevices, which is difficult to pick up, and distracts the driver's attention. Car gap seat filler fills gaps seamlessly to create an effective barrier
  • Easy to Install: Car side seat gap filler is easy to install, simply insert it into the gap between the seat and the center console, gap seat filler for car can fit tightly without affecting the normal adjustment of the seat and the use of the seat belt
  • Premium Material: Crafted from premium EVA material, our car seat side gap filler boasts a combination of wear-resistant, softness&durability. Maintenance is effortless, simply rinse and wipe to quickly clean the dust and debris in corners and crevices

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

More from the Garage

Thanks for visiting Carcody

Carcody.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.co

Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?Free driver scan
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They SpreadFree repair scan

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.