Land Rover Defender 90 vs BMW X5
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 Land Rover Defender 90 starts from $98,400 before on-road costs, while the BMW X5 opens at $137,600. That makes the Land Rover Defender 90 the more affordable entry point by $39,200.
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 $108,240 and $151,360 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
Both the Land Rover Defender 90 and BMW X5 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 85% for the Land Rover Defender 90 and 89% for the BMW X5.
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 6 in the Land Rover Defender 90 and 7 in the BMW X5.
Feature Showdown
The Land Rover Defender 90 features a 13.1-inch touchscreen, while the BMW X5 gets a 14.9-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Land Rover Defender 90 stands out with Apple CarPlay that you will not find on the BMW X5. The BMW X5 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display, panoramic roof, ventilated seats, power tailgate, Harman Kardon audio and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Land Rover Defender 90 uses a 3.0 i6 Diesel Mild Hybrid producing 183kW and 570Nm of torque, sent through a 8-speed automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8 seconds.
The BMW X5 responds with a Diesel making 210kW and 620Nm, paired to a auto driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 5.3 seconds.
The BMW X5 has the clear power advantage at 210kW vs 183kW. In the real-world sprint, the BMW X5 is 2.7s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Land Rover Defender 90 measures 4,323mm long on a 2,587mm wheelbase, 599mm shorter than the BMW X5 at 4,922mm (2,975mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW X5 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 397L in the Land Rover Defender 90 and 650L in the BMW X5, giving the BMW X5 a 253L advantage.
For towing, the BMW X5 leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 3,500kg. That 0kg 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 12.7m
Based on 11.3m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.7m 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 $2,309/year for the Land Rover Defender 90 and $2,451/year for the BMW X5. That is a $142 annual difference in favour of the Land Rover Defender 90.
Estimated annual total: $2,309 (Land Rover Defender 90) vs $2,451 (BMW X5). The Land Rover Defender 90 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 (Land Rover Defender 90) vs 5 years / 999,999km (BMW X5). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Land Rover Defender 90 if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, or prefer Land Rover's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BMW X5 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The BMW X5 takes 3 of 5 key spec categories. The Land Rover Defender 90 will save you roughly $142 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the BMW X5 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, Land Rover Defender 90 and BMW X5?
The Land Rover Defender 90 is the cheapest at $98,400 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BMW X5 by $39,200.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Land Rover Defender 90 uses the least fuel at 8.1L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Land Rover Defender 90 and BMW X5 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The BMW X5 has the largest boot at 650L.
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 BMW X5 makes the most power at 210kW. The BMW X5 is quickest to 100km/h in 5.3s.
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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