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BMW X3 vs Land Rover Defender comparison

Compare performance (398 HP vs 635 HP), boot space and price (51,700 £ vs 57,900 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – BMW X3 or Land Rover Defender?

BMW X3 vs Land Rover Defender: Key differences

BMW X3

4.6 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • somewhat cheaper
  • significantly more efficient
  • significantly more electric range
  • moderately lighter
details

Land Rover Defender

4 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • noticeably more power
  • moderately quicker 0–100 km/h
  • markedly more trunk space
details

By Achim Sedelmaier

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

X3

Costs and Efficiency:

Looking at overall running costs, both models reveal some interesting differences in everyday economy.

BMW X3 is somewhat cheaper – starting at 51,700 £ , while the Land Rover Defender costs 57,900 £ . That’s a price difference of around 6,172 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the BMW X3 uses 2.8 L/100km and is significantly more efficient than the Land Rover Defender with 6 L/100km. The difference is about 3.2 L/100km.

As for electric range, the BMW X3 offers significantly more range – reaching up to 88 km, about 40 km more than the Land Rover Defender.

Defender

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration say a lot about how a car feels on the road. This is where you see which model delivers more driving dynamics.

When it comes to engine power, the Land Rover Defender offers noticeably more power – delivering 635 HP compared to 398 HP. That’s roughly 237 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Land Rover Defender is moderately quicker – completing the sprint in 4 s, while the BMW X3 takes 4.6 s. That’s about 0.6 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Land Rover Defender delivers somewhat more torque with 750 Nm compared to 670 Nm. That’s about 80 Nm more.

X3

Space and Everyday Use:

Whether family car or daily driver – which one offers more room, flexibility and comfort?

Seats: Land Rover Defender offers more seats – 8 vs 5.

In terms of curb weight, BMW X3 is moderately lighter – 1,930 kg compared to 2,300 kg. The difference is around 370 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Land Rover Defender offers markedly more boot space – 786 L compared to 570 L. That’s a difference of about 216 L.

When it comes to payload, the Land Rover Defender carries visibly more – 819 kg compared to 570 kg. That’s a difference of about 249 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The BMW X3 stands out in the key areas in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £51,700
X3

BMW X3

  • Engine Type : Petrol MHEV, Diesel MHEV, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 197 - 398 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 2.8 - 7.7 L/100km
  • Electric Range : 88 km
details

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Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

BMW X3

The BMW X3 blends sporty handling with premium comfort, making it a strong choice for drivers who want an engaging everyday SUV. Its well-appointed interior and confident road manners give it broad appeal for families and commuters who value style and versatility.

details
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Reviews BMW X3

4.6 (1 Reviews)
rate

No reviews yet. Share your experience and help others decide.

Land Rover Defender

The Land Rover Defender looks like it could shrug off a weekend of serious off-road abuse while still turning heads on the high street. Inside it balances practical, no-nonsense utility with enough creature comforts to make daily driving feel less like an expedition and more like a stylish commute—rugged charm with civilized manners.

details
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Reviews Land Rover Defender

4 (1 Reviews)
rate

No reviews yet. Share your experience and help others decide.

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Land Rover Defender

Costs and Consumption
Price
51,700 - 73,000 £
Price
57,900 - 172,000 £
Consumption L/100km
2.8 - 7.7 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
6 - 14.4 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
88 km
Electric Range
48 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
64 - 175 g/km
co2
135 - 324 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
Off-Roader
Seats
5
Seats
2 - 8
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,930 - 2,140 kg
Curb weight
2,300 - 2,745 kg
Trunk capacity
460 - 570 L
Trunk capacity
293 - 786 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,920 mm
Width
2,008 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
570 kg
Payload
494 - 819 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Diesel MHEV, Plugin Hybrid
Engine Type
Petrol, Diesel MHEV, Plugin Hybrid, Petrol MHEV
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
197 - 398 HP
Power HP
200 - 635 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.6 - 7.8 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4 - 10.2 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
330 - 670 Nm
Torque
500 - 750 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4 - 6
Number of Cylinders
4 - 8
Power kW
145 - 293 kW
Power kW
147 - 467 kW
Engine capacity
1,995 - 2,998 cm3
Engine capacity
1,997 - 5,000 cm3

General
Model Year
2,024 - 2,025
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
F, E, B
CO2 Efficiency Class
G, D
Brand
BMW
Brand
Land Rover
Is the BMW X3 offered with different drivetrains?

The BMW X3 is offered with All-Wheel Drive.

DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.