VS
At a Glance
Power
250kW@4000
386 kW
Torque
760Nm@1750
625 Nm
Fuel
9.9
12.8 l/100km
Towing
3500
3500 Kg
0-100 km/h
6.4
5.2 s
Engine
4134
5000 cc
Choosing between the AUDI Q7 and the Land Rover Defender is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The AUDI Q7 delivers 250kW@4000 while the Land Rover Defender produces 386 kW. On fuel, the Q7 returns 9.9 while the Defender uses 12.8 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R897 500 for the Q7 and R3 046 200 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
250kW@4000
386 kW
Torque
760Nm@1750
625 Nm
0-100 kph
6.4
5.2 s
Top Speed
240
240 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
4134
5000 cc
Engine Layout
LONGITUDINAL V 8
V
Cylinders
8
8
Fuel Type
DIESEL
petrol
Forced Induction Device
—
supercharger
Transmission
AUTOMATIC
automatic
Number of Gears
6
8
Drive Wheels
ALL
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
✗
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
9.9
12.8 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
12.8
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
8.2
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
100
90 l
CO2 Emissions
242
295 g/km
Dimensions
Length
5086
4583 mm
Width
1983-2086
2008-2105 mm
Height
1772
1969 mm
Wheelbase
3002
2587 mm
Ground Clearance
205
290 mm
Kerb Weight
2450
2471 DIN / 2546 EU Kg
Doors
5
3
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
—
297-1263 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500
3500 Kg
Load Capacity
2035
550 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
ESP
✓ Standard
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
Optional
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
Optional
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
—
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
Optional
✓ Standard
Sunroof
Optional
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
Optional
✓ Standard
Electric Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✗
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
—
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
12
5
Warranty Distance
—
100000 Km
Service Plan
M
—
Service Intervals
15000
—
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
AUDI Q7
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Defender
Fuel Economy
Q7
Value
Q7
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
AUDI Q7
Better fuel economy (9.9)
Lower starting price (R897 500)
Few notable weaknesses
Land Rover Defender
Quicker 0-100 km/h (5.2 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (12.8 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Q7 or Defender?
The Q7 uses 9.9 and the Defender uses 12.8 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Q7 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 Q7 or Defender?
The Q7 produces 250kW@4000 and 760Nm@1750 of torque while the Defender delivers 386 kW and 625 Nm of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Q7 and Defender?
The Q7 starts from R897 500 and the Defender from R3 046 200. The Q7 is cheaper by R2 148 700 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Q7 or Defender?
The Q7 has a braked towing capacity of 3500 and the Defender can tow 3500 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Q7 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.