VS
At a Glance
Power
280kW@4000
180kW@4000
Torque
740Nm@2000
600Nm@2000
Fuel
7.7L/100km
9.3L/100km
Towing
3500kg
3500kg
0-100 km/h
5.3s
9.6s
Engine
2993cc
2993cc
Choosing between the BMW X6 and the Land Rover Discovery is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The BMW X6 delivers 280kW@4000 while the Land Rover Discovery produces 180kW@4000. On fuel, the X6 returns 7.7L/100km while the Discovery uses 9.3L/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 097 118 for the X6 and R737 442 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.
Specification
BMW X6M50d Steptronic 2012 - From R1 097 118
Land Rover Discovery3.0 D V6 HSE 2010 - From R737 442
Performance
Power Output
280kW@4000
180kW@4000
Torque
740Nm@2000
600Nm@2000
0-100 kph
5.3s
9.6s
Top Speed
250km/h
180km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2993cc
2993cc
Engine Layout
LONGITUDINAL INLINE 6
LONGITUDINAL V 6
Cylinders
6
6
Fuel Type
DIESEL
DIESEL
Transmission
AUTOMATIC
AUTOMATIC
Number of Gears
8
6
Drive Wheels
ALL
ALL
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✗
Low Range
✗
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.7L/100km
9.3L/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
9L/100km
11.2L/100km
Fuel Consumption Highway
7L/100km
8.3L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
85L
82L
CO2 Emissions
204g/km
244g/km
Dimensions
Length
4877mm
4838mm
Width
1983-2195mm
2176mm
Height
1690mm
1920mm
Wheelbase
2933mm
2885mm
Ground Clearance
212mm
240mm
Kerb Weight
2085kg
-
Doors
5
5
Seats
4
7
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500kg
3500kg
Load Capacity
1450kg
2476kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
DSC
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
✗
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
PREMIUM
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✗
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
Optional
✗
Electric Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✗
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
24
36
Warranty Distance
-
100000km
Service Plan
M
M
Service Intervals
30000
25000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
X6
Fuel Economy
X6
Value
Discovery
Practicality
Discovery
Pros & Cons
BMW X6
Better fuel economy (7.7L/100km)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (5.3ss)
Higher starting price
Land Rover Discovery
Lower starting price (R737 442)
Higher fuel consumption (9.3L/100km)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the X6 or Discovery?
The X6 uses 7.7L/100km and the Discovery uses 9.3L/100km on the combined cycle. The X6 is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the X6 or Discovery?
The X6 produces 280kW@4000 and 740Nm@2000 of torque while the Discovery delivers 180kW@4000 and 600Nm@2000 of torque. The X6 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the X6 and Discovery?
The X6 starts from R1 097 118 and the Discovery from R737 442. The Discovery is cheaper by R359 676 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the X6 or Discovery?
The X6 has a braked towing capacity of 3500kg and the Discovery can tow 3500kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the X6 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.