VS
At a Glance
Power
250 kW
257 kW
Torque
500 Nm
700 Nm
Fuel
9.9 l/100km
8.3 l/100km
Towing
3500 Kg
3500 Kg
0-100 km/h
5.6 s
6.2 s
Engine
2995 cc
2997 cc
Choosing between the Audi Q7 and the Land Rover Defender is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Audi Q7 delivers 250 kW while the Land Rover Defender produces 257 kW. On fuel, the Q7 returns 9.9 l/100km while the Defender uses 8.3 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 987 900 for the Q7 and R1 999 500 for the Defender. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
250 kW
257 kW
Torque
500 Nm
700 Nm
0-100 kph
5.6 s
6.2 s
Top Speed
250 Km/h
191 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2995 cc
2997 cc
Engine Layout
V
inline
Cylinders
6
6
Fuel Type
petrol
diesel
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
8
8
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
—
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
9.9 l/100km
8.3 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
85 l
89 l
CO2 Emissions
210 g/km
218 g/km
Dimensions
Length
5072 mm
4583 mm
Width
1970-2212 mm
2008-2105 mm
Height
1734 mm
1969 mm
Wheelbase
2995 mm
2587 mm
Ground Clearance
—
290 mm
Kerb Weight
2190 Kg
2241 DIN / 2316 EU Kg
Doors
5
3
Seats
7
5 (opt 6)
Load Volume
780-1908 l
297-1263 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500 Kg
3500 Kg
Load Capacity
—
700 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6 (opt 8)
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
Optional
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Optional
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
Optional
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
Optional
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
Optional
Tow Bar
✓ Standard
Optional
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
1
5
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
100000 Km
Service Intervals
service interval indicator (max 15000) /
—
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Land Rover Defender
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Defender
Fuel Economy
Defender
Value
Q7
Practicality
Defender
Pros & Cons
Audi Q7
Lower starting price (R1 987 900)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (5.6 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (9.9 l/100km)
Less power than rival (250 kW vs 257 kW)
Land Rover Defender
More powerful engine (257 kW)
Better fuel economy (8.3 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Q7 or Defender?
The Q7 uses 9.9 l/100km and the Defender uses 8.3 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Defender is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Q7 or Defender?
The Q7 produces 250 kW and 500 Nm of torque while the Defender delivers 257 kW and 700 Nm of torque. The Defender is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Q7 and Defender?
The Q7 starts from R1 987 900 and the Defender from R1 999 500. The Q7 is cheaper by R11 600 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Q7 or Defender?
The Q7 has a braked towing capacity of 3500 Kg and the Defender can tow 3500 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Q7 or the Defender?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.