VS
At a Glance
Power
408kW@6000
276kW@4650
Torque
680Nm@1500
510Nm@3500
Fuel
13.9
14.1
Towing
3000
3500
0-100 km/h
4.7
7.9
Engine
4395
5000
Choosing between the BMW X5 and the LAND ROVER DISCOVERY is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The BMW X5 delivers 408kW@6000 while the LAND ROVER DISCOVERY produces 276kW@4650. On fuel, the X5 returns 13.9 while the DISCOVERY uses 14.1 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 398 033 for the X5 and R735 602 for the DISCOVERY. 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
276kW@4650
Torque
680Nm@1500
510Nm@3500
0-100 kph
4.7
7.9
Top Speed
250
195
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
4395
5000
Engine Layout
LONGITUDINAL V 8
LONGITUDINAL INLINE 8
Cylinders
8
8
Fuel Type
UNLEADED
UNLEADED
Transmission
AUTOMATIC
AUTOMATIC
Number of Gears
8
6
Drive Wheels
ALL
ALL
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✗
Low Range
✗
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
13.9
14.1
Fuel Consumption Urban
20.1
14.3
Fuel Consumption Highway
11
10.7
Fuel Tank Capacity
85
82
CO2 Emissions
325
328
Dimensions
Length
4851
4838
Width
1933-2197
2176
Height
1764
1920
Wheelbase
2933
2885
Ground Clearance
212
240
Kerb Weight
2380
—
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
7
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3000
3500
Load Capacity
1750
2476
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
DSC
DSC
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
✗
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
PREMIUM
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
BOTH FRONT
✗
Electric Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✗
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
24
36
Warranty Distance
—
100000
Service Plan
M
M
Service Intervals
30000
25000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
LAND ROVER DISCOVERY
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Tied
Fuel Economy
X5
Value
DISCOVERY
Practicality
DISCOVERY
Pros & Cons
BMW X5
Better fuel economy (13.9)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (4.7s)
Higher starting price
LAND ROVER DISCOVERY
Lower starting price (R735 602)
Higher towing capacity (3500)
Higher fuel consumption (14.1)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the X5 or DISCOVERY?
The X5 uses 13.9 and the DISCOVERY uses 14.1 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 DISCOVERY?
The X5 produces 408kW@6000 and 680Nm@1500 of torque while the DISCOVERY delivers 276kW@4650 and 510Nm@3500 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the X5 and DISCOVERY?
The X5 starts from R1 398 033 and the DISCOVERY from R735 602. The DISCOVERY is cheaper by R662 431 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the X5 or DISCOVERY?
The X5 has a braked towing capacity of 3000 and the DISCOVERY can tow 3500. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the X5 or the DISCOVERY?
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.