The 2027 Defender 130 delivers 395 hp, seats 8, and tows up to 8,200 lbs. Compared with the 2027 BMW X7 xDrive40i, it offers higher towing capacity, greater ground clearance, and seating for one additional passenger. The X7 xDrive40i has the higher EPA combined fuel-economy rating at 22 mpg versus 18 mpg for the Defender 130. This page compares both vehicles spec by spec so you can find the right one and check current Defender 130 inventory at Land Rover Clear Lake.
The 2027 Defender 130 may be the better fit for buyers who prioritize true 8-seat capacity, off-road capability with 11.4 inches of ground clearance, and an 8,200-lb towing rating. The 2027 BMW X7 xDrive40i may suit buyers who prioritize higher EPA fuel-economy ratings, greater maximum cargo capacity, and a more road-focused driving experience. Both use all-wheel drive and 8-speed automatic transmissions, but the two vehicles serve different priorities within the large luxury SUV segment.
| Specification | 2027 Defender 130 | 2027 BMW X7 xDrive40i |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3.0L Turbocharged I6 MHEV | 3.0L TwinPower Turbo I6 MHEV |
| Horsepower | 395 hp | 375 hp |
| Torque | 406 lb-ft | 398 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD (xDrive) |
| EPA MPG (city/hwy/combined) | 17 / 19 / 18 | 21 / 25 / 22 |
| Seating | 8 | 7 |
| Length | 197.6 in | 203.6 in |
| Height | 77.6 in | 72.2 in |
| Ground Clearance | 11.4 in | 8.7 in |
| Towing Capacity | 8,200 lbs | 7,500 lbs |
| Cargo Behind 3rd Row | 15.3 cu ft | 12.8 cu ft |
| Cargo Behind 2nd Row | 43.5 cu ft | 48.6 cu ft |
| Max Cargo | 76.1 cu ft | 90.4 cu ft |
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
| Powertrain Warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
The Defender 130 uses a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 with mild-hybrid technology, producing 395 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. The BMW X7 xDrive40i uses a 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo inline-6 mild-hybrid powertrain producing 375 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque. Both vehicles pair their inline-6 engines with an 8-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The Defender 130 uses its standard AWD system to support both on-road and off-road capability, while the X7 xDrive40i uses BMW xDrive all-wheel drive.
The Defender 130 is rated to tow up to 8,200 lbs when properly equipped. The X7 xDrive40i is rated to tow up to 7,500 lbs, giving the Defender 130 a 700-lb advantage in maximum towing capacity. The BMW X7 is also available in M60i form with a 4.4-liter V8. BMW X7 M60i powertrain specs
The X7 xDrive40i has the higher EPA combined fuel-economy rating. It is rated at 21 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined. The Defender 130 is rated at 17 mpg city, 19 mpg highway, and 18 mpg combined. The Defender 130 includes Terrain Response 2 as standard equipment. The system can adjust vehicle settings for different surface conditions, including mud, sand, rock crawl, and grass or gravel. The X7 uses an air suspension system designed to manage ride height and ride characteristics.
The Defender 130 seats 8 people across three rows. The BMW X7 seats 7. The X7 is the longer of the two vehicles at 203.6 inches, compared with 197.6 inches for the Defender 130. The Defender is taller, measuring 77.6 inches in height compared with 72.2 inches for the X7.
Maximum cargo capacity is 90.4 cubic feet in the X7 and 76.1 cubic feet in the Defender 130. Behind the second row with the third row folded, the X7 provides 48.6 cubic feet compared with 43.5 cubic feet in the Defender 130. Behind the third row, the Defender 130 provides 15.3 cubic feet of cargo space compared with 12.8 cubic feet in the X7. That difference may be useful for buyers who regularly carry passengers in all three rows.
The Defender 130 interior combines three-row seating with materials and features designed for daily comfort and varied use. The X7 offers features such as available Merino leather and a panoramic sunroof.
The Defender 130 comes standard with the 13.1-inch Pivi Pro infotainment system. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included. A Meridian audio system, wireless charging, and voice recognition are also standard. New for 2027, the Defender 130 adds a voice-activated AI-driven navigation assistant. The BMW X7 uses the BMW Curved Display, which combines a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 14.9-inch touchscreen running BMW iDrive 8.5. The X7 also includes Advanced Real-Time Traffic Information and BMW ConnectedDrive functionality.
Both vehicles offer a range of standard driver-assistance features. The Defender 130 includes forward collision mitigation, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assistance, blind-spot alert, rear cross-traffic warning, a 360-degree surround-view camera, automatic high beams, and parking sensors. The X7 includes active blind-spot detection, frontal collision warning with city collision mitigation, lane departure warning, and the Active Driving Assistant suite. The surround-view camera system is listed as standard on the X7 M60i; its inclusion on the xDrive40i should be confirmed at time of purchase.
Both vehicles carry 4-year / 50,000-mile basic and powertrain warranty coverage. The Defender 130 provides 11.4 inches of ground clearance compared with 8.7 inches for the X7, a difference of 2.7 inches. It also offers an 8,200-lb maximum towing rating compared with 7,500 lbs for the X7 xDrive40i.
The X7 xDrive40i has the higher combined EPA fuel-economy rating at 22 mpg compared with 18 mpg for the Defender 130. Passenger and cargo priorities also separate the two vehicles. The Defender 130 seats eight and provides 15.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind its third row. The X7 seats seven but expands to 90.4 cubic feet of maximum cargo capacity compared with 76.1 cubic feet in the Defender 130.
Standard content on the Defender 130 includes Terrain Response 2, the Pivi Pro infotainment system, and a range of driver-assistance features across the available configurations.
The 2027 Defender 130 offers seating for eight, towing capacity up to 8,200 lbs, and 11.4 inches of ground clearance. Land Rover Clear Lake in Friendswood can help clients compare available Defender 130 configurations, from S through Vertex, and select the version that best fits their passenger, towing, and capability needs.
Yes. The Defender 130 seats 8 people across three rows. The BMW X7 seats 7.
The Defender 130 is rated to tow up to 8,200 lbs when properly equipped. The X7 xDrive40i is rated to tow up to 7,500 lbs.
Yes. The X7 xDrive40i is rated at 21 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined. The Defender 130 is rated at 17 mpg city, 19 mpg highway, and 18 mpg combined.
The Defender 130 has 11.4 inches of ground clearance. The X7 has 8.7 inches, a difference of 2.7 inches.
Yes. The Defender 130 comes with AWD, while the BMW X7 xDrive40i uses BMW xDrive all-wheel drive. Both vehicles also use an 8-speed automatic transmission.
The 2027 Defender 130 adds a voice-activated AI-driven navigation assistant as a new standard feature. The powertrain, Pivi Pro infotainment system, and Terrain Response 2 system carry forward as confirmed equipment.
The 2027 Defender 130 is offered in four models: S, X-Dynamic SE, Outbound, and Vertex.
The X7 offers 90.4 cubic feet of maximum cargo capacity compared with 76.1 cubic feet for the Defender 130. Behind the third row, the Defender 130 provides 15.3 cubic feet compared with 12.8 cubic feet in the X7.
Yes. Both the 2027 Defender 130 and the 2027 BMW X7 are covered by a 4-year / 50,000-mile basic and powertrain warranty.