VS
At a Glance
Power
390 kW
257 kW
Torque
750 Nm
700 Nm
Fuel
12.2 l/100km
8.7 l/100km
Towing
3500 Kg
3000 Kg
0-100 km/h
4.7 s
6.8 s
Engine
4395 cc
2997 cc
Choosing between the BMW X7 and the Land Rover Defender is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The BMW X7 delivers 390 kW while the Land Rover Defender produces 257 kW. On fuel, the X7 returns 12.2 l/100km while the Defender uses 8.7 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R2 545 558 for the X7 and R2 461 300 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
390 kW
257 kW
Torque
750 Nm
700 Nm
0-100 kph
4.7 s
6.8 s
Top Speed
250 Km/h
191 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
4395 cc
2997 cc
Engine Layout
V
inline
Cylinders
8
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
12.2 l/100km
8.7 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
83 l
89 l
CO2 Emissions
277 g/km
227 g/km
Dimensions
Length
5181 mm
5358 mm
Width
2000-2218 mm
2008-2105 mm
Height
1835 mm
1970 mm
Wheelbase
3105 mm
3022 mm
Ground Clearance
221 mm
290 mm
Kerb Weight
2600 DIN / 2675 EU Kg
2591 DIN / 2666 EU Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
7 (opt 6)
8 (opt 5 / opt 7)
Load Volume
300-750-2120 l
389-1232-2291 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500 Kg
3000 Kg
Load Capacity
755 l
700 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
7
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
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
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
Land Rover Defender
3 / 4 categories
Performance
X7
Fuel Economy
Defender
Value
Defender
Practicality
Defender
Pros & Cons
BMW X7
More powerful engine (390 kW)
Higher towing capacity (3500 Kg)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (4.7 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (12.2 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Land Rover Defender
Better fuel economy (8.7 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R2 461 300)
Less power than rival (257 kW vs 390 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the X7 or Defender?
The X7 uses 12.2 l/100km and the Defender uses 8.7 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 X7 or Defender?
The X7 produces 390 kW and 750 Nm of torque while the Defender delivers 257 kW and 700 Nm of torque. The X7 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the X7 and Defender?
The X7 starts from R2 545 558 and the Defender from R2 461 300. The Defender is cheaper by R84 258 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the X7 or Defender?
The X7 has a braked towing capacity of 3500 Kg and the Defender can tow 3000 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the X7 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.