VS
At a Glance
Power
280 kW
276kW@4650
Torque
520 Nm
510Nm@3500
Fuel
9.3 l/100km
14.1
Towing
3500 Kg
3500
0-100 km/h
5.4 s
7.9
Engine
2998 cc
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 280 kW while the LAND ROVER DISCOVERY produces 276kW@4650. On fuel, the X5 returns 9.3 l/100km while the DISCOVERY uses 14.1 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 915 476 for the X5 and R720 000 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
280 kW
276kW@4650
Torque
520 Nm
510Nm@3500
0-100 kph
5.4 s
7.9
Top Speed
250 Km/h
195
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2998 cc
5000
Engine Layout
inline
LONGITUDINAL INLINE 8
Cylinders
6
8
Fuel Type
petrol
UNLEADED
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
AUTOMATIC
Number of Gears
8
6
Drive Wheels
all
ALL
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✗
Low Range
—
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
9.3 l/100km
14.1
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
14.3
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
10.7
Fuel Tank Capacity
83 l
82
CO2 Emissions
211 g/km
328
Dimensions
Length
4935 mm
4838
Width
2004-2218 mm
2176
Height
1765 mm
1920
Wheelbase
2975 mm
2885
Ground Clearance
214 mm
240
Kerb Weight
2165 DIN / 2240 EU Kg
—
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
7
Load Volume
650-1870 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500 Kg
3500
Load Capacity
720 l
2476
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
DSC
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
✗
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
PREMIUM
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
Optional
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✗
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✗
Tow Bar
✓ Standard
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
2
36
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
100000
Service Plan
—
M
Service Intervals
service interval indicator
25000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
X5
Fuel Economy
X5
Value
DISCOVERY
Practicality
DISCOVERY
Pros & Cons
BMW X5
Better fuel economy (9.3 l/100km)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (5.4 ss)
Higher starting price
LAND ROVER DISCOVERY
Lower starting price (R720 000)
Higher fuel consumption (14.1)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the X5 or DISCOVERY?
The X5 uses 9.3 l/100km 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 280 kW and 520 Nm 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 915 476 and the DISCOVERY from R720 000. The DISCOVERY is cheaper by R1 195 476 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 3500 Kg 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.