Compare performance (635 HP vs 605 HP), boot space and price (57,900 £ vs 106,600 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Land Rover Defender or Mercedes G Class?
The world of luxury off-road vehicles is dominated by two titans: the Mercedes G-Klasse and the Land Rover Defender. Both models have established a strong reputation for blending rugged capability with exquisite luxury. In this comparison, we’ll delve into their technical specifications, innovations, and performance metrics to uncover which of these beasts reigns supreme.
When it comes to power, both the G-Klasse and Defender offer a diverse range of engine options. The Mercedes G-Klasse features multiple configurations, including petrol, diesel, and hybrid variants, with outputs ranging from 387 HP to a staggering 605 HP from its 4.0-liter V8 engine. Acceleration is similarly impressive, with the G-Klasse able to sprint from 0-100 km/h in as little as 4.4 seconds.
On the other hand, the Land Rover Defender offers a variety of options as well, featuring petrol and diesel engines, including a powerful 5.0-liter V8 producing up to 525 HP. The Defender can achieve an equally commendable 0-100 km/h time of 5.6 seconds in its most powerful configuration. This represents a performance commendable by all standards following classic off-road vehicle paradigms.
Fuel efficiency is increasingly critical in today’s automotive market. The G-Klasse’s fuel consumption ranges from 8.7 L/100 km for the diesel variant to around 14.7 L/100 km for the petrol MHEV version. In contrast, the Defender shows slightly better numbers, with the standard diesel models achieving as low as 8.5 L/100 km.
For those leaning towards eco-friendliness, the Mercedes G-Klasse features MHEV technology with electric ranges up to 468 km. Meanwhile, the Defender offers a modest 45 km electric range, primarily oriented around its hybrid variants, showcasing their push towards electrification and reduced emissions.
Luxury is not just about performance; it’s also about comfort. The G-Klasse boasts a spacious interior that seamlessly combines traditional charm with cutting-edge technology. Its premium materials and advanced infotainment system ensure a sophisticated driving experience. The trunk capacity reaches up to 640 liters, making it a practical choice for long excursions.
The Defender, however, also doesn’t lag behind in luxury. It offers versatile seating arrangements, accommodating up to 8 passengers, which is beneficial for larger families or groups. The trunk space of up to 786 liters further enhances its practicality. Land Rover’s design ethos leans towards minimalism, opting for rugged aesthetics while integrating modern technology for entertainment and navigation.
Both vehicles are noted for their impressive off-road capabilities. The G-Klasse features an all-wheel-drive system with low-range gearing and three differential locks, ensuring optimal traction in challenging terrains. Its robust chassis design offers a formidable ground clearance of 241 mm, allowing it to tackle a variety of obstacles.
The Defender counters with its advanced Terrain Response system that allows drivers to select the optimal driving mode for different environments. With a ground clearance of up to 291 mm and water wading capabilities of 900 mm, it certainly holds its own against the G-Klasse. The Defender comes equipped with advanced suspension systems that adapt to varying terrains, offering enhanced ride comfort whether on-road or off-road.
Both the G-Klasse and Defender are imbued with cutting-edge technology. Mercedes’ MBUX infotainment system offers a voice-activated interface, augmented reality navigation, and a customizable display, enriching the driving experience. The G-Klasse also provides a host of safety features, including active braking assist and lane-keeping assist.
The Land Rover Defender integrates its own host of technology, including Pivi Pro infotainment and a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features. The head-up display and 3D surround camera provide significant enhancements in convenience and safety, particularly during off-road ventures.
In terms of luxury, performance, and innovation, both the Mercedes G-Klasse and Land Rover Defender stand out in their own right. While the G-Klasse leans more towards power and traditional opulence, the Defender marries rugged capability with modern versatility. Ultimately, the choice between these two legendary off-roaders will depend on personal preferences and specific needs in an all-terrain vehicle. As both brands continue to innovate, drivers can expect an exciting future in the world of luxury off-road vehicles.
Price and efficiency are often the first things buyers look at. Here it becomes clear which model has the long-term edge – whether at the pump, the plug, or in purchase price.
Land Rover Defender is significantly cheaper – starting at 57,900 £ , while the Mercedes G Class costs 106,600 £ . That’s a price difference of around 48,733 £.
Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Land Rover Defender uses 6 L/100km and is clearly more efficient than the Mercedes G Class with 8.7 L/100km. The difference is about 2.7 L/100km.
As for electric range, the Mercedes G Class offers considerably more range – reaching up to 479 km, about 431 km more than the Land Rover Defender.
Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.
When it comes to engine power, the Land Rover Defender offers marginally more power – delivering 635 HP compared to 605 HP. That’s roughly 30 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 Mercedes G Class takes 4.4 s. That’s about 0.4 s quicker.
There’s also a difference in torque: the Mercedes G Class delivers noticeably more torque with 1,164 Nm compared to 750 Nm. That’s about 414 Nm more.
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, Land Rover Defender is only slightly lighter – 2,300 kg compared to 2,485 kg. The difference is around 185 kg.
Looking at boot space, the Land Rover Defender offers a bit more boot space – 786 L compared to 640 L. That’s a difference of about 146 L.
When it comes to payload, the Land Rover Defender carries slightly more – 819 kg compared to 715 kg. That’s a difference of about 104 kg.
The Land Rover Defender shows a few small advantages 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.
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.
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The G-Class, often called the G‑Wagen, is a blocky icon that blends unapologetic off-road prowess with a plush, modern cabin, announcing your arrival before you even step out. It’s equally at home crawling over rocks or cruising city streets, and owning one feels like adopting a very expensive, very capable personality.
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Costs and Consumption |
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Price
57,900 - 172,000 £
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Price
106,600 - 171,000 £
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Consumption L/100km
6 - 14.4 L/100km
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Consumption L/100km
8.7 - 14.7 L/100km
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Consumption kWh/100km
-
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Consumption kWh/100km
28 kWh/100km
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Electric Range
48 km
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Electric Range
479 km
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Battery Capacity
-
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Battery Capacity
-
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co2
135 - 324 g/km
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co2
0 - 336 g/km
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Fuel tank capacity
-
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Fuel tank capacity
-
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Dimensions and Body |
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Body Type
Off-Roader
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Body Type
Off-Roader
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Seats
2 - 8
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Seats
5
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Doors
-
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Doors
-
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Curb weight
2,300 - 2,745 kg
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Curb weight
2,485 - 3,085 kg
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Trunk capacity
293 - 786 L
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Trunk capacity
640 L
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Length
-
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Length
-
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Width
2,008 mm
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Width
1,931 - 1,984 mm
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Height
-
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Height
-
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Max trunk capacity
-
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Max trunk capacity
-
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Payload
494 - 819 kg
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Payload
115 - 715 kg
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Engine and Performance |
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Engine Type
Petrol, Diesel MHEV, Plugin Hybrid, Petrol MHEV
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Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Diesel MHEV, Electric
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Transmission
Automatic
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Transmission
Automatic
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Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
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Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox, Reduction Gearbox
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Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
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Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
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Power HP
200 - 635 HP
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Power HP
387 - 605 HP
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Acceleration 0-100km/h
4 - 10.2 s
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Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.4 - 5.8 s
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Max Speed
-
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Max Speed
-
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Torque
500 - 750 Nm
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Torque
760 - 1,164 Nm
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Number of Cylinders
4 - 8
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Number of Cylinders
6 - 8
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Power kW
147 - 467 kW
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Power kW
285 - 445 kW
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Engine capacity
1,997 - 5,000 cm3
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Engine capacity
2,989 - 3,982 cm3
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General |
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Model Year
2025
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Model Year
2,025 - 2,026
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CO2 Efficiency Class
G, D
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CO2 Efficiency Class
G, A
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Brand
Land Rover
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Brand
Mercedes-Benz
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Deutschland
France
Nederland
Great Britain
Sverige
Danmark
Suomi
Italia
Polska
Česko
España