BMW X1 vs Land Rover Defender 110

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP lists the BMW X1 at 5 stars (2022) and the Land Rover Defender 110 at 5 stars (2020). ANCAP tested these in different years (2022 vs 2020). Its criteria get stricter about every three years, so the stars are not like for like. Adult occupant protection scored 86% for the BMW X1 and 85% for the Land Rover Defender 110, under different test years.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 6 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Land Rover Defender 110, against 5 on the BMW X1.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the BMW X1 and 6 in the Land Rover Defender 110.

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.

Feature Showdown

The BMW X1 features a 10.7-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the Land Rover Defender 110 gets a 11.4-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The BMW X1 stands out with Apple CarPlay, head-up display and Harman Kardon audio — features our data doesn't list for 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.

Interior trim differs: the BMW X1 gets sensatec synthetic leather upholstery while the Land Rover Defender 110 offers leather. Climate control is 2-zone in the BMW X1 and 3-zone in the Land Rover Defender 110.

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 9 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 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Land Rover Defender 110 is 0.7s 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.

For towing, the Land Rover Defender 110 leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 1,700kg. That 1,800kg 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); the BMW X1's turning circle is 1.5 m tighter, 11.3 m against 12.8 m kerb to kerb. The street estimate is indicative, worked from the published turning circles.

Cost to own

At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the BMW X1 costs about $1,853 a year (6.5 L/100km) and fuel for the Land Rover Defender 110 about $2,309 a year (8.1 L/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh.

Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (BMW X1) and 5 years / Unlimited (Land Rover Defender 110). Capped-price servicing: no data (BMW X1), 5 years (Land Rover Defender 110).

Where each one leads

The BMW X1: the lower starting price ($61,800 against $100,900).

The Land Rover Defender 110: more power (183kW against 115kW) and the higher braked towing limit (3,500kg against 1,700kg).

The Verdict

BMW X1 scores higher, 75 vs 70

The BMW X1 scores 75 to the Land Rover Defender 110's 70 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 1 of the 4 spec rows that separate them, at the lower price. The biggest gaps: performance (Land Rover Defender 110 ahead by 18 points), value (BMW X1 ahead by 17 points).

Common questions