BMW iX vs Land Rover Defender OCTA

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP's published record does not give the Land Rover Defender OCTA a rating. With no pair of ratings to compare, the active-safety features in the spec table above are the fairer comparison.

Recalls on our record

A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.

Charging times

How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to a DC fast charger, estimated from battery size and the car's own maximum charge rates.

Feature Showdown

The BMW iX features a 14.9-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Land Rover Defender OCTA 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 and Harman Kardon audio — features our data doesn't list for the Land Rover Defender OCTA. The Land Rover Defender OCTA counters with ventilated seats, power tailgate, Meridian audio and ambient lighting. 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 OCTA offers leather. Climate control is 4-zone in the BMW iX and 3-zone in the Land Rover Defender OCTA.

Drivetrain

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 5.1 seconds.

The Land Rover Defender OCTA responds with a 4.4L V8 Twin-Turbo Petrol Mild Hybrid making 467kW and 750Nm, paired to a 8-speed automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 4 seconds.

The Land Rover Defender OCTA has the clear power advantage at 467kW vs 300kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Land Rover Defender OCTA is 1.1s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The BMW iX measures 4,965mm long on a 3,000mm wheelbase, 152mm longer than the Land Rover Defender OCTA at 4,813mm (3,023mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Land Rover Defender OCTA generally means more rear legroom.

For towing, the Land Rover Defender OCTA leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 2,500kg. That 1,000kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Neither U-turns in one sweep on a 7 m local street (both need a three-point turn); both turn in a 12.8 m circle, kerb to kerb. The street estimate is indicative, worked from the published turning circles.

Cost to own

At 15,000 km a year, electricity for the BMW iX costs about $960 a year (20 kWh/100km) and fuel for the Land Rover Defender OCTA about $3,734 a year (13.1 L/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh.

Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (BMW iX) and 5 years / Unlimited (Land Rover Defender OCTA).

Where each one leads

The BMW iX: the lower starting price ($142,900 against $304,500).

The Land Rover Defender OCTA: more power (467kW against 300kW) and the higher braked towing limit (3,500kg against 2,500kg).

The Verdict

BMW iX scores higher, 69 vs 55

The BMW iX scores 69 to the Land Rover Defender OCTA's 55 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 1 of the 4 spec rows that separate them, at the lower price. The biggest gaps: safety (BMW iX ahead by 21 points), value (BMW iX ahead by 18 points).

Common questions