BMW iX vs Land Rover Defender 130

The BMW iX starts from $142,900 before on-road costs, while the Land Rover Defender 130 opens at $136,000. That makes the Land Rover Defender 130 the more affordable entry point by $6,900.

Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $157,190 and $149,600 respectively.

The BMW iX qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Land Rover Defender 130, as a petrol model, does not qualify.

Both the BMW iX and Land Rover Defender 130 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 91% for the BMW iX and 85% for the Land Rover Defender 130.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The BMW iX packs more ADAS features with 8 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 7 in the Land Rover Defender 130.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the BMW iX and 6 in the Land Rover Defender 130.

The BMW iX features a 14.9-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Land Rover Defender 130 gets a 11.4-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The BMW iX stands out with head-up display, panoramic roof, ventilated seats, power tailgate and Harman Kardon audio that you will not find on the Land Rover Defender 130. The Land Rover Defender 130 counters with Meridian audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the BMW iX gets vernasca leather upholstery while the Land Rover Defender 130 offers leather. Climate control is 4-zone in the BMW iX and 3-zone in the Land Rover Defender 130.

The BMW iX uses a Electric producing 300kW and 700Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.6 seconds.

The Land Rover Defender 130 responds with a 3.0 i6 D350 Diesel Mild Hybrid making 257kW and 700Nm, paired to a 8-speed automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.8 seconds.

The BMW iX has the clear power advantage at 300kW vs 257kW. In the real-world sprint, the BMW iX is 2.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The BMW iX measures 4,953mm long on a 3,000mm wheelbase, 146mm shorter than the Land Rover Defender 130 at 5,099mm (3,587mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Land Rover Defender 130 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 500L in the BMW iX and 389L in the Land Rover Defender 130, giving the BMW iX a 111L advantage. The Land Rover Defender 130 seats 7 vs 5.

For towing, the Land Rover Defender 130 leads with a 3,000kg braked capacity vs 2,500kg. That 500kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.

Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (BMW iX) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Land Rover Defender 130). Both match on warranty length.