VS
At a Glance
Power
280 kW
257 kW
Torque
520 Nm
700 Nm
Fuel
9.3 l/100km
8.3 l/100km
Towing
3500 Kg
3500 Kg
0-100 km/h
5.4 s
6.2 s
Engine
2998 cc
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 280 kW while the Land Rover Defender produces 257 kW. On fuel, the X5 returns 9.3 l/100km while the Defender uses 8.3 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 915 476 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
280 kW
257 kW
Torque
520 Nm
700 Nm
0-100 kph
5.4 s
6.2 s
Top Speed
250 Km/h
191 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2998 cc
2997 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
6
6
Fuel Type
petrol
diesel
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
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
9.3 l/100km
8.3 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
83 l
89 l
CO2 Emissions
211 g/km
218 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4935 mm
4583 mm
Width
2004-2218 mm
2008-2105 mm
Height
1765 mm
1969 mm
Wheelbase
2975 mm
2587 mm
Ground Clearance
214 mm
290 mm
Kerb Weight
2165 DIN / 2240 EU Kg
2241 DIN / 2316 EU Kg
Doors
5
3
Seats
5
5 (opt 6)
Load Volume
650-1870 l
297-1263 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500 Kg
3500 Kg
Load Capacity
720 l
700 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
Optional
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Optional
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
Optional
Optional
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
Optional
Tow Bar
✓ Standard
Optional
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
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
X5
Fuel Economy
Defender
Value
X5
Practicality
Defender
Pros & Cons
BMW X5
More powerful engine (280 kW)
Lower starting price (R1 915 476)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (5.4 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (9.3 l/100km)
Land Rover Defender
Better fuel economy (8.3 l/100km)
Less power than rival (257 kW vs 280 kW)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the X5 or Defender?
The X5 uses 9.3 l/100km 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 280 kW and 520 Nm of torque while the Defender delivers 257 kW and 700 Nm of torque. The X5 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the X5 and Defender?
The X5 starts from R1 915 476 and the Defender from R2 243 700. The X5 is cheaper by R328 224 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 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.