BMW 7 Series tops list
New data has revealed the top 10 cars from model year 2020 that have lost the most value in Europe after five years, highlighting significant depreciation trends in both the electric and luxury vehicle segments.
The eCarsTrade study compared the original manufacturer’s suggested retail prices (MSRP) with average resale values in 2025, providing a stark look at which models have plummeted in value the most, and why.
According to industry norms, a typical new car sheds around 20% of its value in the first year and up to 60% by year five. However, the latest analysis shows that some vehicles have depreciated well beyond that, with luxury sedans and early electric vehicles (EVs) among the most brutal hit.
BMW 7 Series sees steepest drop in value
At the top of the depreciation chart is the BMW 7 Series, which lost a staggering 65.43% of its original value. In 2020, buyers paid €111,879 for this high-end luxury saloon. Five years later, the average resale value stands at just €38,678. That is a loss of €73,201 – more than the current cost of a brand-new BMW 3 Series. Despite its lavish features and premium brand status, the 7 Series shows how prestige can fade rapidly in the second-hand market.
Tesla’s electric flagships suffer major depreciation
Coming in second is the Tesla Model S, which suffered a 64.22% decline, dropping from €93,558 to €33,471 – a total loss of €60,087. Once a symbol of cutting-edge EV innovation, the Model S competes in a more crowded and advanced electric marketplace. New models offering longer ranges, updated interiors, and faster charging capabilities challenge its once-premium status.
The Tesla Model Y, meanwhile, ranks fifth, depreciating 58.46%. Owners who paid €60,450 in 2020 now see resale values average €25,110. This sharp decline points to how quickly the EV market evolves – even relatively new models like the Model Y struggle to maintain value amid rapid technological advances.
Audi and Nissan also take a hit
The Audi A6 places third, showing a 64.20% depreciation. Its value fell from €58,032 to €20,774, resulting in a €37,258 loss. The A6’s drop is notable because it reflects a broader consumer shift from executive saloons to more versatile SUV options.
Fourth on the list is the Nissan Leaf, which, despite being the lowest-priced vehicle in the top 10, lost over 60% of its value, falling from €38,965 to €15,434. This significant decline demonstrates the challenges of early mass-market EVs in a resale environment that prioritises modern features and extended battery life.
Chevrolet Bolt EV and Tesla Model 3 also struggle
In sixth place, the Chevrolet Bolt EV has lost €24,187 over five years, representing a depreciation rate of 57.80%. Priced initially at €41,848, it now averages just €17,661 on the used market. Persistent battery-related issues and safety recalls may have further dampened buyer confidence.
The Tesla Model 3 fares slightly better than its brand siblings but still saw a 50.41% drop in value, shedding €24,191 and now worth €23,797. While the Model 3 remains popular and more accessible, it hasn’t avoided the same steep depreciation trend that affects much of the Tesla range.
SUVs show mixed results
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is one of the few SUVs on the list and is ranked eighth. It experienced a depreciation rate of 48.88%, with its resale value now €22,227, down from €43,478. Its steady performance suggests that consumer appetite for rugged, versatile SUVs continues to buoy resale values, albeit not completely.
In ninth position, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class lost 47.77% of its value, dropping from €71,052 to €37,107. Once a staple of executive fleets, the E-Class now competes with premium crossovers and newer electrified options, contributing to its declining market appeal.
Ford Escape offers the most stable resale performance
Rounding out the list is the Ford Escape, which has the lowest depreciation among the top 10 at 47.49%. Initially priced at €26,550, it’s now worth around €13,941. As a compact SUV with broad appeal and reasonable running costs, the Escape’s resale performance reflects the reliability and practicality that today’s used buyers seek.
Changing market priorities shape resale values
The depreciation data from eCarsTrade underscores how rapidly market dynamics have shifted since 2020. A spokesperson from the company explained: “We’re seeing that high sticker prices and futuristic branding don’t guarantee long-term value. The models that were once status symbols or breakthrough EVs are now depreciating the fastest. Used buyers seek reliability, low costs, and updated features – not brand legacy or original hype.”
Image: According to industry norms, a typical new car sheds around 20% of its value in the first year and up to 60% by year five. Credit: Taras Makarenko
