BMW Z4 vs Land Rover Defender 90
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars 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.
Data checked: specs 28 Aug 2026, price 24 Jun 2026
Driver assistance, as the maker lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
$99,200RRP
- no option data for this car
$98,400RRP
- with the BMW Z4's standard kit: $98,400 (nothing to add; 1 with no data, not charged)
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
Track the BMW Z4 & Land Rover Defender 90
Get price-drop alerts on these models plus our free weekly new-car rundown. Unsubscribe anytime.
Price Breakdown
The BMW Z4 starts from $99,200 before on-road costs, while the Land Rover Defender 90 opens at $98,400. That makes the Land Rover Defender 90 the more affordable entry point by $800.
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 $109,120 and $108,240 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the BMW Z4 by roughly $2,280 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Recalls on our record
BMW Z4
- REC-006668 · published 16 Jul 2026Due to a manufacturing defect, the starter motor solenoid switch can experience increased wear that could cause an internal short circuit.Year range on the notice: 2020 - 2025
- REC-006539 · published 17 Feb 2026Due to a manufacturing defect, the starter motor solenoid switch can experience increased wear that could cause an internal short circuit.Year range on the notice: 2020 - 2023
- REC-006446 · published 8 Oct 2025Due to a manufacturing defect, inadequate sealing of the starter motor may allow moisture to enter into the unit.Year range on the notice: 2016 - 2020
- 3 more on the model page.
Land Rover Defender 90
- REC-006645 · published 2 Jul 2026Driver airbag clock spring connector fretting corrosionYear range on the notice: 2019 - 2026
- REC-006642 · published 2 Jul 2026Due to a manufacturing defect, the connection to the driver’s airbag clock spring may corrode over time and lead to an increased resistance in the airbag circuit.Year range on the notice: 2019 - 2026
- REC-006638 · published 2 Jul 2026Due to a manufacturing defect, the front-end auxiliary drive belt idler pulley may over rotate and cause damage to the oil pressure and temperature sensor.Year range on the notice: 2024 - 2026
- 13 more on the model page.
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 Z4 features a 10.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Land Rover Defender 90 gets a 11.4-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The BMW Z4 stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto — features our data doesn't list for the Land Rover Defender 90. The Land Rover Defender 90 counters with Apple CarPlay, wireless charging and heated front seats. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the BMW Z4 gets vernasca leather upholstery while the Land Rover Defender 90 offers leather. Climate control is 2-zone in the BMW Z4 and 3-zone in the Land Rover Defender 90.
Drivetrain
The BMW Z4 uses a Petrol producing 145kW and 320Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.6 seconds.
The Land Rover Defender 90 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 seconds.
The Land Rover Defender 90 has the clear power advantage at 183kW vs 145kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the BMW Z4 is 1.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The BMW Z4 measures 4,324mm long on a 2,470mm wheelbase, 1mm longer than the Land Rover Defender 90 at 4,323mm (2,587mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Land Rover Defender 90 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 281L in the BMW Z4 and 397L in the Land Rover Defender 90, giving the Land Rover Defender 90 a 116L advantage. The Land Rover Defender 90 seats 5 vs 2.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m to 11.3m
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.3m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,853/year for the BMW Z4 and $2,309/year for the Land Rover Defender 90. That is a $456 annual difference in favour of the BMW Z4.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (BMW Z4) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Land Rover Defender 90). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BMW Z4 if: You want lower running costs, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Land Rover Defender 90 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Land Rover's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Land Rover Defender 90: Top CarSorted Score, 67 vs 62
The Land Rover Defender 90 comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (67 vs 62), taking 4 of 6 key spec rows below and coming in at a lower price. The deciding gaps: practicality (Land Rover Defender 90 ahead by 51), fuel economy (BMW Z4 ahead by 14), reliability (BMW Z4 ahead by 7). The BMW Z4 will save you roughly $456 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Land Rover Defender 90 has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
One enquiry, local dealers' best price on each. Free for you to use. If you buy, the dealer may pay us a commission.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, BMW Z4 and Land Rover Defender 90?
The Land Rover Defender 90 is the cheapest at $98,400 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BMW Z4 by $800.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The BMW Z4 uses the least fuel at 6.5L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of BMW Z4 and Land Rover Defender 90 carry a published ANCAP rating yet, so there is no crash result to compare. Check back as they are tested.
Which has the most boot space?
The Land Rover Defender 90 has the largest boot at 397L with the seats up.
Which can tow the most?
The Land Rover Defender 90 has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Land Rover Defender 90 makes the most power at 183kW. The BMW Z4 is quickest to 100km/h in 6.6s.
Stay across the market
Get our weekly new-car rundown of launches, price moves, deals and reviews, straight from the data.
- Weekly new-car rundown
- Price cuts and new deals
- New launches and reviews
No spam, unsubscribe anytime. By subscribing you agree to receive marketing emails.
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
Comments (0)
Sign in to join the conversation
No comments yet. Be the first!
