BMW X6 vs Land Rover Defender 90
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 X6 starts from $149,900 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 $51,500.
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 $164,890 and $108,240 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
Both the BMW X6 and Land Rover Defender 90 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 93% for the BMW X6 and 85% for the Land Rover Defender 90.
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 X6 and 6 in the Land Rover Defender 90.
Feature Showdown
The BMW X6 features a 14.9-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 X6 stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display, panoramic roof, ventilated seats, power tailgate, Harman Kardon audio and ambient lighting that you will not find on the Land Rover Defender 90. The Land Rover Defender 90 counters with Apple CarPlay. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The BMW X6 uses a Diesel producing 210kW and 620Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.8 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 BMW X6 has the clear power advantage at 210kW vs 183kW. In the real-world sprint, the BMW X6 is 3.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The BMW X6 measures 4,935mm long on a 2,975mm wheelbase, 612mm longer than the Land Rover Defender 90 at 4,323mm (2,587mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW X6 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 600L in the BMW X6 and 397L in the Land Rover Defender 90, giving the BMW X6 a 203L advantage.
For towing, the Land Rover Defender 90 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 12.7m 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 $2,508/year for the BMW X6 and $2,309/year for the Land Rover Defender 90. That is a $199 annual difference in favour of the Land Rover Defender 90.
Estimated annual total: $2,508 (BMW X6) vs $2,309 (Land Rover Defender 90). The Land Rover Defender 90 saves you roughly $199 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (BMW X6) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Land Rover Defender 90). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BMW X6 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
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.
The Verdict
The BMW X6 takes 3 of 5 key spec categories. The Land Rover Defender 90 will save you roughly $199 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the BMW X6 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, BMW X6 and Land Rover Defender 90?
The Land Rover Defender 90 is the cheapest at $98,400 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BMW X6 by $51,500.
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 — BMW X6 and Land Rover Defender 90 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The BMW X6 has the largest boot at 600L.
Which can tow the most?
The BMW X6 has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The BMW X6 makes the most power at 210kW. The BMW X6 is quickest to 100km/h in 4.8s.
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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