VS
At a Glance
Power
300 kW
257 kW
Torque
700 Nm
700 Nm
Fuel
17.9-21.8 kWh/100 km l/100km
8.5 l/100km
Towing
2500 Kg
3500 Kg
0-100 km/h
5.1 s
6.4 s
Engine
electric cc
2997 cc
Choosing between the BMW iX and the Land Rover Defender is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The BMW iX delivers 300 kW while the Land Rover Defender produces 257 kW. On fuel, the iX returns 17.9-21.8 kWh/100 km l/100km while the Defender uses 8.5 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R2 249 000 for the iX and R2 271 800 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
300 kW
257 kW
Torque
700 Nm
700 Nm
0-100 kph
5.1 s
6.4 s
Top Speed
200 Km/h
191 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
electric cc
2997 cc
Engine Layout
—
inline
Cylinders
—
6
Fuel Type
electric
diesel
Forced Induction Device
—
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
—
8
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
—
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
17.9-21.8 kWh/100 km l/100km
8.5 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
94.3 kWh l
89 l
CO2 Emissions
—
222 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4965 mm
5018 mm
Width
1970-2230 mm
2008-2105 mm
Height
1695 mm
1967 mm
Wheelbase
3000 mm
3022 mm
Ground Clearance
202 mm
290 mm
Kerb Weight
2450 DIN / 2525 EU Kg
2361 DIN / 2436 EU Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
500-1750 l
857-1946 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2500 Kg
3500 Kg
Load Capacity
650 l
750 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
7
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
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
Optional
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
✓ Standard
Optional
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
2 vehicle / 8 battery
5
Warranty Distance
unlimited vehicle / 100000 battery Km
100000 Km
Service Intervals
service interval indicator
—
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
BMW iX
2 / 4 categories
Performance
iX
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
iX
Practicality
Defender
Pros & Cons
BMW iX
More powerful engine (300 kW)
Lower starting price (R2 249 000)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (5.1 ss)
Few notable weaknesses
Land Rover Defender
Higher towing capacity (3500 Kg)
Less power than rival (257 kW vs 300 kW)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the iX or Defender?
The iX uses 17.9-21.8 kWh/100 km l/100km and the Defender uses 8.5 l/100km on the combined cycle. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the iX or Defender?
The iX produces 300 kW and 700 Nm of torque while the Defender delivers 257 kW and 700 Nm of torque. The iX is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the iX and Defender?
The iX starts from R2 249 000 and the Defender from R2 271 800. The iX is cheaper by R22 800 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the iX or Defender?
The iX has a braked towing capacity of 2500 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 iX 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.