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.
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 are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
The Land Rover Defender 90 holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 3 stars for the BMW Z4. Adult occupant protection scored 96% for the BMW Z4 and 85% for the Land Rover Defender 90.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Land Rover Defender 90 packs more ADAS features with 7 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 5 in the BMW Z4.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 4 in the BMW Z4 and 6 in the Land Rover Defender 90. The Land Rover Defender 90 adds a 360-degree camera that the BMW Z4 misses.
Feature Showdown
The BMW Z4 features a 10.3-inch touchscreen, while the Land Rover Defender 90 gets a 13.1-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The BMW Z4 stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto that you will not find on 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.
Drivetrain
The BMW Z4 uses a Petrol producing 145kW and 300Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 5.4 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 real-world sprint, the BMW Z4 is 2.6s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The BMW Z4 measures 4,335mm long on a 2,470mm wheelbase, 12mm 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 210L in the BMW Z4 and 397L in the Land Rover Defender 90, giving the Land Rover Defender 90 a 187L 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.
10.6m to 11.3m
Based on 10.6m 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
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,223/year for the BMW Z4 and $2,309/year for the Land Rover Defender 90. That is a $86 annual difference in favour of the BMW Z4.
Estimated annual total: $2,223 (BMW Z4) vs $2,309 (Land Rover Defender 90). The BMW Z4 saves you roughly $86 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
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
The Land Rover Defender 90 takes 5 of 7 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The BMW Z4 will save you roughly $86 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.
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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