VS
At a Glance
Power
280kW@4000
257 kW
Torque
740Nm@2000
700 Nm
Fuel
7.7
8.5 l/100km
Towing
3500
3500 Kg
0-100 km/h
5.3
6.4 s
Engine
2993
2997 cc
Choosing between the BMW X6 and the Land Rover Defender is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The BMW X6 delivers 280kW@4000 while the Land Rover Defender produces 257 kW. On fuel, the X6 returns 7.7 while the Defender uses 8.5 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 097 118 for the X6 and R2 271 800 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
280kW@4000
257 kW
Torque
740Nm@2000
700 Nm
0-100 kph
5.3
6.4 s
Top Speed
250
191 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2993
2997 cc
Engine Layout
LONGITUDINAL INLINE 6
inline
Cylinders
6
6
Fuel Type
DIESEL
diesel
Forced Induction Device
—
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
7.7
8.5 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
9
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
7
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
85
89 l
CO2 Emissions
204
222 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4877
5018 mm
Width
1983-2195
2008-2105 mm
Height
1690
1967 mm
Wheelbase
2933
3022 mm
Ground Clearance
212
290 mm
Kerb Weight
2085
2361 DIN / 2436 EU Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
4
5
Load Volume
—
857-1946 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500
3500 Kg
Load Capacity
1450
750 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ 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
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
Heated Seats
Optional
✓ Standard
Electric Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
—
Optional
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
24
5
Warranty Distance
—
100000 Km
Service Plan
M
—
Service Intervals
30000
—
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Defender
Fuel Economy
X6
Value
X6
Practicality
Defender
Pros & Cons
BMW X6
Better fuel economy (7.7)
Lower starting price (R1 097 118)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (5.3s)
Few notable weaknesses
Land Rover Defender
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (8.5 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the X6 or Defender?
The X6 uses 7.7 and the Defender uses 8.5 l/100km on the combined cycle. The X6 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 X6 or Defender?
The X6 produces 280kW@4000 and 740Nm@2000 of torque while the Defender delivers 257 kW and 700 Nm of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the X6 and Defender?
The X6 starts from R1 097 118 and the Defender from R2 271 800. The X6 is cheaper by R1 174 682 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the X6 or Defender?
The X6 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 X6 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.