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Mercedes GLE vs Land Rover Defender comparison

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

Mercedes GLE vs Land Rover Defender: Key differences

Mercedes GLE

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

Land Rover Defender

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

GLE

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are key factors when choosing a car – and this is often where the real differences emerge.

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 considerably 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 considerably more range – reaching up to 104 km, about 56 km more than the Land Rover Defender.

Defender

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration are the classic benchmarks for car enthusiasts – and here, some clear differences start to show.

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 somewhat 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.

GLE

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 only slightly 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 very slightly 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 is slightly ahead 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 …
Land Rover Defender
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Mercedes GLE
Land Rover Defender

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

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

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

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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, …
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Mercedes GLE
Land Rover Defender

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

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

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

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

The Mercedes GLE 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.