Updating the exterior styling of an existing vehicle model can improve its UK market residual value prospects by as much as 15% during the first year of ownership, according to used car valuation specialist EurotaxGlass’s.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more


It said that a comparison of the trade values of a range of cars before and after they underwent mid-life facelifts indicates that used car buyers will often pay substantially more for the latest styling.


Such price premiums are greatest for prestige brands such as Audi, BMW and Porsche.


For example, a 2004-registered ’54-plate Audi A4 2.0SE CVT with the marque’s distinctive new grille currently commands a £1,825 premium over the pre-facelift version of the same car registered just weeks earlier on the same ’54-plate.


A facelifted BMW X5 3.0 (petrol) registered in early 2004 on a ’53-plate is currently worth £1,025 more than the same X5 on a ’53-plate built immediately prior to the facelift. Similarly, a 2001 ’51-plate facelifted Porsche 911 Carrera 2 Tiptronic currently has a £1,425 premium over the pre-facelift model on the same ’51-plate.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

“Often these facelifted cars cost the same or only marginally more than the outgoing model, and yet the residual value performance is significantly better, particularly during the first 12 months,” said EurotaxGlass’s prestige car editor Richard Crosthwaite.


“Even after three years, facelifted cars will still typically retain around 50% of the initial premium. Although updates to the styling are often accompanied by under-the-skin changes, the evidence suggests it is the more distinctive new styling treatments that generate the greatest uplift in demand and a consequent improvement in used prices.”