2024 BMW X5 PHEV vs. 2025 Land Rover Defender Review

Picture of the 2024 BMW X5 PHEV

2024 BMW
X5 PHEV

MSRP*: $72,500
See details & photos

Find Your Best Price Today!

Picture of the 2025 Land Rover Defender

2025 Land Rover
Defender

MSRP*: $56,900 to $118,900
See details & photos

Find Your Best Price Today!

MPG - City Info not available Info not available
MPG - Hwy Info not available Info not available
Seating Capacity 5 seats 5 - 8 seats
Cargo Space 71.2 ft3 44.6 - 76.1 ft3
Engine
  • 483-hp, 3.0-liter, Straight 6 Cylinder Engine (Plug-In Electric/Gas)
  • 296-hp, 2.0-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
  • 296-hp, 3.0-liter, Straight 6 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline/Mild Electric Hybrid)
  • 395-hp, 3.0-liter, Straight 6 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline/Mild Electric Hybrid)
  • 493-hp, 5.0-liter, 8 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
  • 518-hp, 5.0-liter, 8 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
Transmission Automatic Automatic
Drivetrain All Wheel Drive Four Wheel Drive
Horsepower 483 hp 296 - 518 hp
Towing Capacity 5,952 lbs 7,716 - 8,201 lbs
Exterior Length 194.3 in 180.5 - 211.7 in
Exterior Width 78.9 in 79.1 in
Leg Room Front 39.8 in
Rear 37.4 in
Front 39.1 in
Rear 36.6 - 38.4 in
Head Room Front 40.7 in
Rear 38.7 in
Front 40.6 in
Rear 40.4 in

*MSRP and Invoice prices displayed are for educational purposes only, do not reflect the actual selling price of a particular vehicle, and do not include applicable gas taxes or destination charges.

Comparison Review

Comfort
Passengers in the backseat will be able to stretch out a lot more in the Land Rover Defender than in the BMW X5 PHEV, due to its greater head- and legroom. As far as headroom and legroom go, there's not much difference between front seat comfort in the BMW X5 PHEV and the Land Rover Defender.

Cost
There are a lot of factors to consider when calculating the overall cost of a vehicle. The main consideration is Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). When looking only at MSRP, the BMW X5 PHEV will have less of an impact on your bank account than the Land Rover Defender.

Dimensions
The BMW X5 PHEV is about the same width as the Land Rover Defender. If you go with the BMW X5 PHEV, you'll have a much easier time finding a large enough space to park than you will with the Land Rover Defender.

Handling
The BMW X5 PHEV has the same turning radius as the Land Rover Defender, so they both maneuver the same in and out of tight spots.

Performance
In terms of towing capacity, the Land Rover Defender is clearly the choice over the BMW X5 PHEV for pulling heavy loads. The BMW X5 PHEV has a little more horsepower than the Land Rover Defender.

Powertrain
The BMW X5 PHEV has much lower torque than the Land Rover Defender, which generally means that it won't feel as fast or powerful.

Utility
Soccer Moms beware - the BMW X5 PHEV seats a lot fewer people than the Land Rover Defender. The BMW X5 PHEV has less cargo space than the Land Rover Defender, which is okay if you don't need to move a lot in one trip.