VS
At a Glance
Power
368kW@3750
467 kW
Torque
1000Nm@1750
750 Nm
Fuel
11.3
13.5 l/100km
Towing
3300
3500 Kg
0-100 km/h
5.5
4.0 (with Dynamic Launch engaged) s
Engine
5934
4395 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 368kW@3750 while the Land Rover Defender produces 467 kW. On fuel, the Q7 returns 11.3 while the Defender uses 13.5 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 498 000 for the Q7 and R3 739 200 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
368kW@3750
467 kW
Torque
1000Nm@1750
750 Nm
0-100 kph
5.5
4.0 (with Dynamic Launch engaged) s
Top Speed
250
250 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
5934
4395 cc
Engine Layout
LONGITUDINAL V 12
V
Cylinders
12
8
Fuel Type
DIESEL
petrol
Forced Induction Device
—
turbocharger
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
11.3
13.5 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
14.8
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
9.3
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
100
90 l
CO2 Emissions
298
298 g/km
Dimensions
Length
5086
5003 mm
Width
1983-2086
2064-2105 mm
Height
1772
1995 mm
Wheelbase
3002
3023 mm
Ground Clearance
205
323 mm
Kerb Weight
2605
2510 DIN / 2585 EU Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
7
5
Load Volume
—
786-1875 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3300
3500 Kg
Load Capacity
2035
—
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
✓ Standard
✓ 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
Optional
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
BOTH FRONT
✓ Standard
Electric Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✗
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
—
Optional
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 (11.3)
Lower starting price (R1 498 000)
Few notable weaknesses
Land Rover Defender
Higher towing capacity (3500 Kg)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (4.0 (with Dynamic Launch engaged) ss)
Higher fuel consumption (13.5 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Q7 or Defender?
The Q7 uses 11.3 and the Defender uses 13.5 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 368kW@3750 and 1000Nm@1750 of torque while the Defender delivers 467 kW and 750 Nm of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Q7 and Defender?
The Q7 starts from R1 498 000 and the Defender from R3 739 200. The Q7 is cheaper by R2 241 200 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 3300 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.