BMW X5 M vs Land Rover Defender 130
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 X5 M starts from $247,800 before on-road costs, while the Land Rover Defender 130 opens at $114,500. That makes the Land Rover Defender 130 the more affordable entry point by $133,300.
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 $272,580 and $125,950 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
Both the BMW X5 M and Land Rover Defender 130 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 89% for the BMW X5 M and 85% for the Land Rover Defender 130.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 7 out of 10 key ADAS systems.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the BMW X5 M and 6 in the Land Rover Defender 130.
Feature Showdown
The BMW X5 M features a 14.9-inch touchscreen, while the Land Rover Defender 130 gets a 13.1-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The BMW X5 M stands out with head-up display, panoramic roof, ventilated seats, power tailgate and Bowers & Wilkins audio that you will not find on the Land Rover Defender 130. The Land Rover Defender 130 counters with Meridian audio and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The BMW X5 M uses a Petrol producing 460kW and 750Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 5.3 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 X5 M has the clear power advantage at 460kW vs 257kW. In the real-world sprint, the BMW X5 M is 1.5s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The BMW X5 M measures 4,938mm long on a 2,972mm wheelbase, 161mm 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 650L in the BMW X5 M and 389L in the Land Rover Defender 130, giving the BMW X5 M a 261L advantage. The Land Rover Defender 130 seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the BMW X5 M leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 3,000kg. That 500kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
12.7m to 12.8m
Based on 12.7m 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 $2,451/year for the BMW X5 M and $2,309/year for the Land Rover Defender 130. That is a $142 annual difference in favour of the Land Rover Defender 130.
Estimated annual total: $2,451 (BMW X5 M) vs $2,309 (Land Rover Defender 130). The Land Rover Defender 130 saves you roughly $142 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (BMW X5 M) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Land Rover Defender 130). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BMW X5 M if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Land Rover Defender 130 if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, or prefer Land Rover's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The BMW X5 M takes 4 of 6 key spec categories. The Land Rover Defender 130 will save you roughly $142 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the BMW X5 M has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
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.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 20 April 2026
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