BMW X5 or LR Defender?
Discussion
I'm torn between the two. Anyone gone from one to the other?
One day I've decided it'll be the Defender (330d), then next day it's definitely the X5 (D350)
Looking for maybe a 2024 model in either option.
I know they are different beasts, but they both appeal.
Will be used to tow my caravan but both are more than adequate for that.
Haven't test driven either yet, which will perhaps be the deciding factor.
I expect the X5 will be a comfier seat and feel more luxurious, but the Defenders are supposed to be great to drive.
One day I've decided it'll be the Defender (330d), then next day it's definitely the X5 (D350)
Looking for maybe a 2024 model in either option.
I know they are different beasts, but they both appeal.
Will be used to tow my caravan but both are more than adequate for that.
Haven't test driven either yet, which will perhaps be the deciding factor.
I expect the X5 will be a comfier seat and feel more luxurious, but the Defenders are supposed to be great to drive.
X5's generally drive really well for such a big/heavy car(I've driven 3 generations of them, and owned 2 generations of them), however I always hear good things about the way the Defender drives though too. Plus the Defender sells like hot cakes for example as well, so they must be doing something right with them for sure. Plus they look great to my eyes exterior wise, but I can't say the same about the interior though, and that looks more van/utilitarian like to me.
maz8062 said:
I ve driven the 110 and 90 SWB - the 110 is very good. The elevated driving position is unrivalled.
I don t think they re competing for the same type of customer, with the X5 more of a road oriented type of SUV, the Defender is multi-purpose, rugged, hard.
I'd agree with that as well. They both might be big and 4WD with air suspension for example, but they're a lot different to each other as you say. I don t think they re competing for the same type of customer, with the X5 more of a road oriented type of SUV, the Defender is multi-purpose, rugged, hard.
The X5 is absolutely crap off road in my experience as well, on very wide summer tyres anyway.
Yes, I see them as different types of vehicle but I think they would both suit what I want and achieve the same thing, which make the choice difficult.
Currently got a BMW 7 Series and I like it's comfort, the X5 will be closer to that comfort level than the Defender, but the Defender wins in other areas.
In a harsh snowy winter I'd be keeping the X5 on the dive, whereas id still be driving the Defender (with suitable tyres).
Currently got a BMW 7 Series and I like it's comfort, the X5 will be closer to that comfort level than the Defender, but the Defender wins in other areas.
In a harsh snowy winter I'd be keeping the X5 on the dive, whereas id still be driving the Defender (with suitable tyres).
MarkJS said:
LRDefender said:
I had a Defender 300D and drove it from the U.K. to the Iranian border and back to the UK again. It was faultless.
Nice trip but he might want to keep it for more than 6k miles. 
and visited many different countries, a straight there and back it most certainly wasn't.The Gauge said:
Yes, I see them as different types of vehicle but I think they would both suit what I want and achieve the same thing, which make the choice difficult.
Currently got a BMW 7 Series and I like it's comfort, the X5 will be closer to that comfort level than the Defender, but the Defender wins in other areas.
In a harsh snowy winter I'd be keeping the X5 on the dive, whereas id still be driving the Defender (with suitable tyres).
Why would you not just put winters on the X5 and drive it regardless of the weather?Currently got a BMW 7 Series and I like it's comfort, the X5 will be closer to that comfort level than the Defender, but the Defender wins in other areas.
In a harsh snowy winter I'd be keeping the X5 on the dive, whereas id still be driving the Defender (with suitable tyres).
SWoll said:
Why would you not just put winters on the X5 and drive it regardless of the weather?
Well that's an option, but then I may as well go for the XDrive variant, but i'm a bit put off my tales of transmission failures and the need to keep all tyres within a small tolerance of tyre tread depth.The usual lazy posts ref Defender reliability. As others have said X5 is more luxury SUV. I love our Defender 4.5 yrs in now and I think it is slightly less engaging than my previous RRS but still very nice. The thing is it s become part of the family and is like a loveable big dog. I still look back at it as I walk away .and that s not to make sure it s still there.
As far as reliability it s had one issue which was sorted and I think there is a problem that other marques don t get the stigma they deserve. Toyota, BMW, Porsche and others all have issues with reliability too. The Defender has been great with depreciation too.
Edited to add: Defender can look completely different based on colour and spec too whereas an X5 will likely be grey or black and they all look the same.
As far as reliability it s had one issue which was sorted and I think there is a problem that other marques don t get the stigma they deserve. Toyota, BMW, Porsche and others all have issues with reliability too. The Defender has been great with depreciation too.
Edited to add: Defender can look completely different based on colour and spec too whereas an X5 will likely be grey or black and they all look the same.
The BMW X5 is less reliable than the Defender 110 in the WarrantyWise reliability index. However, the Discovery may be one to avoid.
Warrantywise used vehicle Reliability Index 2026
Warrantywise used vehicle Reliability Index 2026
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