VS
At a Glance
Power
408kW@6000
147 kW
Torque
680Nm@1500
430 Nm
Fuel
13.9
6.1 l/100km
Towing
3000
2200 Kg
0-100 km/h
4.7
8.6 s
Engine
4395
1997 cc
Choosing between the BMW X5 and the Land Rover Discovery Sport is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The BMW X5 delivers 408kW@6000 while the Land Rover Discovery Sport produces 147 kW. On fuel, the X5 returns 13.9 while the Discovery Sport uses 6.1 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 398 033 for the X5 and R1 362 900 for the Discovery Sport. 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
147 kW
Torque
680Nm@1500
430 Nm
0-100 kph
4.7
8.6 s
Top Speed
250
209 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
4395
1997 cc
Engine Layout
LONGITUDINAL V 8
inline
Cylinders
8
4
Fuel Type
UNLEADED
diesel
Forced Induction Device
—
turbocharger
Transmission
AUTOMATIC
automatic
Number of Gears
8
9
Drive Wheels
ALL
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
✗
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
13.9
6.1 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
20.1
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
11
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
85
65 l
CO2 Emissions
325
161 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4851
4597 mm
Width
1933-2197
2069-2173 mm
Height
1764
1727 mm
Wheelbase
2933
2741 mm
Ground Clearance
212
210 mm
Kerb Weight
2380
1953 DIN / 2028 EU (7 seats) Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
7 (opt 5)
Load Volume
—
157-1036-1651 (7 seats) l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3000
2200 Kg
Load Capacity
1750
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
DSC
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
8
7
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
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
BOTH FRONT
Optional
Electric Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
—
Optional
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
24
5
Warranty Distance
—
100000 Km
Service Plan
M
—
Service Intervals
30000
26000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Land Rover Discovery Sport
4 / 4 categories
Performance
Discovery Sport
Fuel Economy
Discovery Sport
Value
Discovery Sport
Practicality
Discovery Sport
Pros & Cons
BMW X5
Higher towing capacity (3000)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (4.7s)
Higher fuel consumption (13.9)
Higher starting price
Land Rover Discovery Sport
Better fuel economy (6.1 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R1 362 900)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the X5 or Discovery Sport?
The X5 uses 13.9 and the Discovery Sport uses 6.1 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Discovery Sport 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 Sport?
The X5 produces 408kW@6000 and 680Nm@1500 of torque while the Discovery Sport delivers 147 kW and 430 Nm of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the X5 and Discovery Sport?
The X5 starts from R1 398 033 and the Discovery Sport from R1 362 900. The Discovery Sport is cheaper by R35 133 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the X5 or Discovery Sport?
The X5 has a braked towing capacity of 3000 and the Discovery Sport can tow 2200 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the X5 or the Discovery Sport?
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.