BMW X1 vs Land Rover Defender 110
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The BMW X1 starts from $61,800 before on-road costs, while the Land Rover Defender 110 opens at $100,900. That makes the BMW X1 the more affordable entry point by $39,100.
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 $67,980 and $110,990 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the BMW X1 by roughly $2,280 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the BMW X1 and Land Rover Defender 110 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 86% for the BMW X1 and 85% for the Land Rover Defender 110.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Land Rover Defender 110 packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 4 in the BMW X1.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the BMW X1 and 6 in the Land Rover Defender 110.
Feature Showdown
The BMW X1 features a 10.7-inch touchscreen, while the Land Rover Defender 110 gets a 13.1-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The BMW X1 stands out with Apple CarPlay, head-up display and Harman Kardon audio that you will not find on the Land Rover Defender 110. The Land Rover Defender 110 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging and ventilated seats. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The BMW X1 uses a Petrol producing 115kW and 230Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.1 seconds.
The Land Rover Defender 110 responds with a 3.0 i6 Diesel Mild Hybrid making 183kW and 570Nm, paired to a 8-speed automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.3 seconds.
The Land Rover Defender 110 has the clear power advantage at 183kW vs 115kW. In the real-world sprint, the BMW X1 is 1.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The BMW X1 measures 4,500mm long on a 2,692mm wheelbase, 258mm shorter than the Land Rover Defender 110 at 4,758mm (3,022mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Land Rover Defender 110 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 410L in the BMW X1 and 972L in the Land Rover Defender 110, giving the Land Rover Defender 110 a 562L advantage.
For towing, the Land Rover Defender 110 leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 2,000kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.3m to 12.8m
Based on 11.3m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,853/year for the BMW X1 and $2,309/year for the Land Rover Defender 110. That is a $456 annual difference in favour of the BMW X1.
Estimated annual total: $1,853 (BMW X1) vs $2,309 (Land Rover Defender 110). The BMW X1 saves you roughly $456 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (BMW X1) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Land Rover Defender 110). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BMW X1 if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Land Rover Defender 110 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Land Rover's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The BMW X1 and Land Rover Defender 110 trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The BMW X1 will save you roughly $456 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Land Rover Defender 110 has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, BMW X1 and Land Rover Defender 110?
The BMW X1 is the cheapest at $61,800 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Land Rover Defender 110 by $39,100.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The BMW X1 uses the least fuel at 6.5L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — BMW X1 and Land Rover Defender 110 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Land Rover Defender 110 has the largest boot at 972L.
Which can tow the most?
The Land Rover Defender 110 has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Land Rover Defender 110 makes the most power at 183kW. The BMW X1 is quickest to 100km/h in 7.1s.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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