Comparator
BMW X5 vs Land Rover Defender — Side by side
Detailed face-off between the BMW X5 and the Land Rover Defender: price, full specs, equipment, pros and watch-outs. Updated 2026.
At a glance
Both models share a near-identical entry price (MAD 1,199,000 vs MAD 1,190,000).
Editorial verdict
Which should you pick?
Loading comparison…
Spec sheet comparison
| — | BMW X5 | Land Rover Defender |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | BMW | Land Rover |
| Body | SUV | SUV |
| Fuel | Petrol | Diesel |
| Gearbox | Automatic | Automatic |
| Power | 489 ch | 300 ch |
| Consumption | 8.5 L/100 km | 8.6 L/100 km |
| Year | 2026 | 2026 |
| Entry price | MAD 1,199,000 | MAD 1,190,000 |
| Top trim price | MAD 1,599,000 | MAD 1,690,000 |
Pros and watch-outs
BMW X5
Pros
- xDrive50e PHEV 110 km EV WLTP — longest EV range in MA premium D-SUV
- M60i V8 530 hp / 0-100 in 4.3 s — 150k MAD cheaper than AMG GLE 53
- Optional true 7 seats — 3rd row adults short trips
- iDrive 8.5 + Curved Display + AR Navigation — best segment tech
- Standard smart xDrive AWD + run-flat tyres (puncture safety)
Watch-outs
- 1,199k entry pricier than Audi Q7 (1,029k) — 170k MAD premium
- 3rd row less spacious than Mercedes GLE 7-seater (X5 shorter)
- No V8 diesel like discontinued M50d in 2020 — only V6 xDrive30d
Land Rover Defender
Pros
- 900 mm wading depth — segment record for raid SUVs
- D7x aluminium platform — rigid + lightweight + corrosion-resistant
- Adjustable air suspension + optional front + rear diff lockers
- Premium tactile cabin + 11.4" Pivi Pro screen — successful luxury + raid fusion
- Defender 90 (3-door) or 110 (5/7-seat) configuration — flexibility
Watch-outs
- 1,190,000 MAD entry price — high barrier, V8 reaches 1,690k
- Perceived electronic reliability below Land Cruiser 300
- Limited Premium Maroc network — 2 main dealerships (Casa, Rabat)
Go further
Land Rover Defender
Frequently asked — BMW X5 vs Land Rover Defender
BMW X5 or Land Rover Defender: which to pick in Morocco 2026?
It depends on your profile. If your top criterion is overall budget, look at the Land Rover Defender (entry MAD 1,190,000). If you prioritise the engine or standard equipment, compare the spec sheet above line by line. For purely urban use in Morocco, fuel consumption and exterior size matter more than power; for long Casa-Tanger or Casa-Marrakech trips, power and motorway comfort become decisive.
What's the price gap between the BMW X5 and the Land Rover Defender?
The BMW X5 starts at MAD 1,199,000 versus MAD 1,190,000 for the Land Rover Defender, a 1% gap at entry. On top trims, the gap may close or invert — check each model's detailed page for the exact figure on the trim you're considering.
Which one holds value better when sold used?
In Morocco, Japanese and German C-SUVs (Toyota RAV4, VW Tiguan) typically retain 65-70% of their new price at 3 years, ahead of Chinese brands and newer SUVs that plateau around 55-60%. For an exact figure on your model, run the estimator at the top of each model page — it computes median + p25-p75 range based on the year and mileage you enter.
Where can the BMW X5 and Land Rover Defender be test-driven in Morocco?
Both models are sold through their importers' official dealer networks in Morocco. For the latest list with addresses and phone numbers, see each model's /neuf/ page — every page lists the official importer and helps you find the nearest dealer to your city.