VS
At a Glance
Power
408kW@6000
257 kW
Torque
680Nm@1500
700 Nm
Fuel
13.9
8.3 l/100km
Towing
3000
3500 Kg
0-100 km/h
4.7
6.2 s
Engine
4395
2997 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 408kW@6000 while the Land Rover Defender produces 257 kW. On fuel, the X5 returns 13.9 while the Defender uses 8.3 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 398 033 for the X5 and R2 243 700 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
408kW@6000
257 kW
Torque
680Nm@1500
700 Nm
0-100 kph
4.7
6.2 s
Top Speed
250
191 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
4395
2997 cc
Engine Layout
LONGITUDINAL V 8
inline
Cylinders
8
6
Fuel Type
UNLEADED
diesel
Forced Induction Device
—
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
13.9
8.3 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
20.1
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
11
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
85
89 l
CO2 Emissions
325
218 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4851
4583 mm
Width
1933-2197
2008-2105 mm
Height
1764
1969 mm
Wheelbase
2933
2587 mm
Ground Clearance
212
290 mm
Kerb Weight
2380
2241 DIN / 2316 EU Kg
Doors
5
3
Seats
5
5 (opt 6)
Load Volume
—
297-1263 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3000
3500 Kg
Load Capacity
1750
700 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
DSC
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
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
WITH BRAKE FUNCTION
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
—
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
Optional
Heated Seats
BOTH FRONT
✓ Standard
Electric Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
Optional
Tow Bar
—
Optional
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
24
5
Warranty Distance
—
100000 Km
Service Plan
M
—
Service Intervals
30000
—
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Land Rover Defender
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Defender
Fuel Economy
Defender
Value
X5
Practicality
Defender
Pros & Cons
BMW X5
Lower starting price (R1 398 033)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (4.7s)
Higher fuel consumption (13.9)
Land Rover Defender
Better fuel economy (8.3 l/100km)
Higher towing capacity (3500 Kg)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the X5 or Defender?
The X5 uses 13.9 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 X5 or Defender?
The X5 produces 408kW@6000 and 680Nm@1500 of torque while the Defender delivers 257 kW and 700 Nm of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the X5 and Defender?
The X5 starts from R1 398 033 and the Defender from R2 243 700. The X5 is cheaper by R845 667 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 3000 and the Defender can tow 3500 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.