VS
At a Glance
Power
250 kW
386 kW
Torque
700 Nm
625 Nm
Fuel
8.0 l/100km
12.8 l/100km
Towing
3500 Kg
3500 Kg
0-100 km/h
5.9 s
5.2 s
Engine
2993 cc
5000 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 250 kW while the Land Rover Defender produces 386 kW. On fuel, the X7 returns 8.0 l/100km while the Defender uses 12.8 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R2 204 309 for the X7 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
250 kW
386 kW
Torque
700 Nm
625 Nm
0-100 kph
5.9 s
5.2 s
Top Speed
245 Km/h
240 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2993 cc
5000 cc
Engine Layout
inline
V
Cylinders
6
8
Fuel Type
diesel
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
supercharger
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
8.0 l/100km
12.8 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
80 l
90 l
CO2 Emissions
210 g/km
295 g/km
Dimensions
Length
5181 mm
4583 mm
Width
2000-2218 mm
2008-2105 mm
Height
1835 mm
1969 mm
Wheelbase
3105 mm
2587 mm
Ground Clearance
221 mm
290 mm
Kerb Weight
2490 DIN / 2565 EU Kg
2471 DIN / 2546 EU Kg
Doors
5
3
Seats
7 (opt 6)
5
Load Volume
300-750-2120 l
297-1263 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500 Kg
3500 Kg
Load Capacity
835 l
550 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
Optional
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
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
BMW X7
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Defender
Fuel Economy
X7
Value
X7
Practicality
X7
Pros & Cons
BMW X7
Better fuel economy (8.0 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R2 204 309)
Less power than rival (250 kW vs 386 kW)
Land Rover Defender
More powerful engine (386 kW)
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 X7 or Defender?
The X7 uses 8.0 l/100km and the Defender uses 12.8 l/100km on the combined cycle. The X7 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 250 kW and 700 Nm of torque while the Defender delivers 386 kW and 625 Nm of torque. The Defender is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the X7 and Defender?
The X7 starts from R2 204 309 and the Defender from R3 046 200. The X7 is cheaper by R841 891 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 3500 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.