VS
At a Glance
Power
460 kW
368 kW
Torque
750 Nm
610 Nm
Fuel
12.5 l/100km
12.8 l/100km
Towing
3500 Kg
3000 Kg
0-100 km/h
3.9 s
5.7 s
Engine
4395 cc
5000 cc
Choosing between the BMW X5 and the Land Rover Defender is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The BMW X5 delivers 460 kW while the Land Rover Defender produces 368 kW. On fuel, the X5 returns 12.5 l/100km while the Defender uses 12.8 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R3 301 901 for the X5 and R3 308 300 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
460 kW
368 kW
Torque
750 Nm
610 Nm
0-100 kph
3.9 s
5.7 s
Top Speed
290 Km/h
240 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
4395 cc
5000 cc
Engine Layout
V
V
Cylinders
8
8
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
supercharger
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
12.5 l/100km
12.8 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
83 l
90 l
CO2 Emissions
285 g/km
295 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4948 mm
5358 mm
Width
2015-2218 mm
2008-2105 mm
Height
1762 mm
1970 mm
Wheelbase
2972 mm
3022 mm
Ground Clearance
212 mm
290 mm
Kerb Weight
2400 DIN / 2475 EU Kg
2631 DIN / 2706 EU Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
8 (opt 5 / opt 7)
Load Volume
650-1870 l
389-1232-2291 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500 Kg
3000 Kg
Load Capacity
640 l
650 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
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
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
—
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
2
5
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
100000 Km
Service Intervals
service interval indicator
—
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
BMW X5
3 / 4 categories
Performance
X5
Fuel Economy
X5
Value
X5
Practicality
Defender
Pros & Cons
BMW X5
More powerful engine (460 kW)
Better fuel economy (12.5 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R3 301 901)
Higher towing capacity (3500 Kg)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (3.9 ss)
Few notable weaknesses
Land Rover Defender
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (12.8 l/100km)
Less power than rival (368 kW vs 460 kW)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the X5 or Defender?
The X5 uses 12.5 l/100km and the Defender uses 12.8 l/100km on the combined cycle. The X5 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 X5 or Defender?
The X5 produces 460 kW and 750 Nm of torque while the Defender delivers 368 kW and 610 Nm of torque. The X5 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the X5 and Defender?
The X5 starts from R3 301 901 and the Defender from R3 308 300. The X5 is cheaper by R6 399 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the X5 or Defender?
The X5 has a braked towing capacity of 3500 Kg and the Defender can tow 3000 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the X5 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.