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Land Rover Defender vs Mercedes GLE comparison

Compare performance (635 HP vs 585 HP), boot space and price (57,900 £ vs 78,900 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Land Rover Defender or Mercedes GLE?

Land Rover Defender vs Mercedes GLE: Key differences

Land Rover Defender

4.5 (2 Reviews)
rate
  • noticeably cheaper
  • only slightly more power
  • moderately quicker 0–100 km/h
  • marginally lighter
  • slightly more trunk space
details

Mercedes GLE

4.6 (2 Reviews)
rate
  • significantly more efficient
  • clearly more electric range
details

All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

By Achim Sedelmaier

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

Defender

Costs and Efficiency:

When it comes to price and running costs, the biggest differences usually appear. This is often where you see which car fits your budget better in the long run.

Land Rover Defender is noticeably cheaper – starting at 57,900 £ , while the Mercedes GLE costs 78,900 £ . That’s a price difference of around 21,055 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Mercedes GLE uses 3.2 L/100km and is significantly more efficient than the Land Rover Defender with 6 L/100km. The difference is about 2.8 L/100km.

As for electric range, the Mercedes GLE offers clearly more range – reaching up to 104 km, about 56 km more than the Land Rover Defender.

GLE

Engine and Performance:

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 only slightly more power – delivering 635 HP compared to 585 HP. That’s roughly 50 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 GLE takes 4.5 s. That’s about 0.5 s quicker.

Both models offer the same torque – 750 Nm.

Defender

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

Seats: Land Rover Defender offers more seats – 8 vs 5.

In terms of curb weight, Land Rover Defender is marginally lighter – 2,300 kg compared to 2,390 kg. The difference is around 90 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Land Rover Defender offers slightly more boot space – 786 L compared to 655 L. That’s a difference of about 131 L.

When it comes to payload, the Land Rover Defender carries marginally more – 819 kg compared to 770 kg. That’s a difference of about 49 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Mercedes GLE holds a narrow overall lead 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.

from £78,900
GLE

Mercedes GLE

  • Engine Type Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid, Diesel MHEV
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 309 - 585 HP
  • Consumption L/100km 3.2 - 10.6 L/100km
  • Electric Range 91 - 104 km
details

Frequently compared as well

Volvo XC90
Land Rover Defender
VS
The Volvo XC90 and the Land Rover Defender serve very different needs: the XC90 is a refined, safety-focused luxury family SUV with elegant styling and hybrid options, while the Defender is a purpose-built, go-anywhere vehicle that prioritises durability and off-road capability. Choosing between …
Mercedes GLB
Mercedes GLE
VS
In the competitive luxury SUV segment, the Mercedes GLB stands out with its compact dimensions and versatile interior, making it an ideal choice for urban drivers seeking practicality without sacrificing style. In contrast, the Mercedes GLE offers a more spacious cabin and robust performance, …
Land Rover Defender
Mercedes GLE

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

Land Rover Defender

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.

details
DEF_110_V8_22MY_ONROAD_210721_14
DEF_110_V8_22MY_ONROAD_210721_15
DEF_110_V8_22MY_ONROAD_210721_17
DEF_110_PHEV_22MY_INTERIOR_140721_02
DEF_110_PHEV_22MY_INTERIOR_140721_21
LR_DEF_130_23-5MY_07_114_GLHD_ALT_310522_72dpi

Reviews Land Rover Defender

4.5 (2 Reviews)
rate
Dythe fourika
24 May 2026, 22:30:46

Fan of Subaru Forester cars, old 1997 model, automatic, petrol.

Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money

Mercedes GLE

The Mercedes GLE blends luxurious comfort with a confident road presence, wrapping tech and refinement in an SUV shape that still knows how to behave on a twisty back road. Inside it's plush and quiet, with clever storage and driver aids that make long trips effortless — plus the badge gives it that easy-to-respect curb appeal.

details
18C0625_033
18C0625_078
18C0625_137
18C0625_003

Reviews Mercedes GLE

4.6 (2 Reviews)
rate
Andreas
7 Jun 2026, 08:43:32

Mercedes is completely superior to Volvo, which feels plasticky and noisy with poor fit and finish, a poor tactile feel in the controls and a lack of buttons.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Family car
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Victor
10 Apr 2026, 07:46:13

I just love Benz cars

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Leisure / Weekend driver
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money

Frequently compared as well

Toyota Land Cruiser
Land Rover Defender
VS
The Toyota Land Cruiser and Land Rover Defender are both titans in the realm of off-road vehicles, each offering a unique blend of ruggedness and sophistication. The Land Cruiser is renowned for its legendary reliability and spacious interiors, making it an ideal choice for long expeditions. In …
Land Rover Defender
Land Rover Range Rover Sport
VS
In the battle of Land Rover icons, the Defender and the Range Rover Sport each showcase unique prowess on and off the road. The Defender excels with its rugged design and impressive off-road capabilities, perfect for adventurous souls seeking boundless exploration. Meanwhile, the Range Rover Sport …
Land Rover Defender
Land Rover Range Rover Velar
VS
The Land Rover Defender and Land Rover Range Rover Velar compete for the top spot in your garage. See how both models differ in key areas like performance, running costs, interior space and technology. A fast, clear comparison helps you pick the one that fits your needs best.
Mercedes G-Class
Mercedes GLE
VS
Mercedes G-Class and Mercedes GLE go head-to-head: compare performance, space, features and price in one quick overview to see which model suits your daily driving, budget and lifestyle better. A clear, side-by-side look helps you make the smarter choice.
Mercedes GLE
Porsche Cayenne
VS
In the battle of luxury SUVs, the Mercedes GLE stands out with its plush interior and advanced technology, making it an exceptional choice for those who prioritize comfort and features. On the other hand, the Porsche Cayenne delivers a sportier driving experience with its responsive handling and …
Audi Q8
Mercedes GLE
VS
The Audi Q8 and Mercedes GLE compete for the top spot in your garage. See how both models differ in key areas like performance, running costs, interior space and technology. A fast, clear comparison helps you pick the one that fits your needs best.
Ford Ranger
Land Rover Defender
VS
In the realm of rugged all-terrain vehicles, the Ford Ranger and the Land Rover Defender stand out as iconic contenders. The Ford Ranger offers exceptional versatility and practicality, designed with a focus on comfort and modern technology, making it an excellent choice for both urban and off-road …
Mercedes E-Class
Mercedes GLE
VS
The Mercedes E-Class and Mercedes GLE compete for the top spot in your garage. See how both models differ in key areas like performance, running costs, interior space and technology. A fast, clear comparison helps you pick the one that fits your needs best.
Land Rover Defender
Mercedes GLE

Costs and Consumption
Price
57,900 - 172,000 £
Price
78,900 - 115,800 £
Consumption L/100km
6 - 14.4 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
3.2 - 10.6 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
48 km
Electric Range
91 - 104 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
135 - 324 g/km
co2
72 - 241 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Off-Roader
Body Type
SUV
Seats
2 - 8
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
2,300 - 2,745 kg
Curb weight
2,390 - 2,815 kg
Trunk capacity
293 - 786 L
Trunk capacity
485 - 655 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
2,008 mm
Width
2,010 - 2,018 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
494 - 819 kg
Payload
495 - 770 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol, Diesel MHEV, Plugin Hybrid, Petrol MHEV
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid, Diesel MHEV
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
200 - 635 HP
Power HP
309 - 585 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4 - 10.2 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.5 - 6.2 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
500 - 750 Nm
Torque
560 - 750 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4 - 8
Number of Cylinders
6
Power kW
147 - 467 kW
Power kW
227 - 430 kW
Engine capacity
1,997 - 5,000 cm3
Engine capacity
2,989 - 2,999 cm3

General
Model Year
2025
Model Year
2026
CO2 Efficiency Class
G, D
CO2 Efficiency Class
G, B
Brand
Land Rover
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
What drive types are available for the Land Rover Defender?

The Land Rover Defender is offered with All-Wheel Drive.

DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.