VS

Mercedes GLS vs Land Rover Defender comparison

Compare performance (404 HP vs 635 HP), boot space and price (92,700 £ vs 57,900 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Mercedes GLS or Land Rover Defender?

Mercedes GLS vs Land Rover Defender: Key differences

Mercedes GLS

details

Land Rover Defender

4.5 (2 Reviews)
rate
  • significantly cheaper
  • visibly more power
  • noticeably more efficient
  • markedly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • a bit lighter
  • considerably 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

GLS

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 significantly cheaper – starting at 57,900 £ , while the Mercedes GLS costs 92,700 £ . That’s a price difference of around 34,805 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Land Rover Defender uses 6 L/100km and is noticeably more efficient than the Mercedes GLS with 7.9 L/100km. The difference is about 1.9 L/100km.

Defender

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration say a lot about how a car feels on the road. This is where you see which model delivers more driving dynamics.

When it comes to engine power, the Land Rover Defender offers visibly more power – delivering 635 HP compared to 404 HP. That’s roughly 231 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Land Rover Defender is markedly quicker – completing the sprint in 4 s, while the Mercedes GLS takes 5.6 s. That’s about 1.6 s quicker.

Both models offer the same torque – 750 Nm.

GLS

Space and Everyday Use:

Beyond pure performance, interior space and usability matter most in daily life. This is where you see which car is more practical and versatile.

Seats: Land Rover Defender offers more seats – 8 vs 7.

In terms of curb weight, Land Rover Defender is a bit lighter – 2,300 kg compared to 2,580 kg. The difference is around 280 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Land Rover Defender offers considerably more boot space – 786 L compared to 355 L. That’s a difference of about 431 L.

When it comes to payload, the Mercedes GLS carries very slightly more – 820 kg compared to 819 kg. That’s a difference of about 1 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Land Rover Defender is decisively 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 £57,900
Defender

Land Rover Defender

  • Engine Type Petrol, Diesel MHEV, Plugin Hybrid, Petrol MHEV
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 200 - 635 HP
  • Consumption L/100km 6 - 14.4 L/100km
  • Electric Range 48 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 …
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 …
Mercedes GLS
Land Rover Defender

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

Mercedes GLS

The GLS — usually just called the GLS — is Mercedes' flagship SUV, wrapping limousine-like comfort and commanding road presence into a smart, family-ready package. It pampers occupants with a hushed cabin, premium materials and intuitive tech, while still managing to feel confident and a little indulgent on the daily commute.

details
19C0481_004
19C0481_007
19C0483_036
19C0480_047
18C1072_111

Reviews Mercedes GLS

No reviews yet. Share your experience and help others decide.

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

Frequently compared as well

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.
Land Rover Defender
Porsche Macan
VS
The Land Rover Defender and Porsche Macan 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 GLS
VS
In the world of luxury SUVs, the Mercedes G-Klasse, with its iconic boxy design and legendary off-road capabilities, stands in stark contrast to the elegant and spacious Mercedes GLS, often dubbed the "S-Class of SUVs." The G-Klasse appeals to adventure seekers and those who appreciate a rugged …
BMW X5
Land Rover Defender
VS
Unsure whether the BMW X5 or the Land Rover Defender is the better match? Compare both models directly and discover differences in power, efficiency, comfort and value for money — all summarized in one easy view to support your decision.
VW Touareg
Land Rover Defender
VS
Unsure whether the VW Touareg or the Land Rover Defender is the better match? Compare both models directly and discover differences in power, efficiency, comfort and value for money — all summarized in one easy view to support your decision.
Land Rover Range Rover Evoque
Land Rover Defender
VS
Land Rover Range Rover Evoque and Land Rover Defender 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.
BMW X7
Land Rover Defender
VS
BMW X7 and Land Rover Defender 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
Land Rover Defender
VS
The Mercedes GLE and Land Rover Defender 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 GLS
Land Rover Defender

Costs and Consumption
Price
92,700 - 104,600 £
Price
57,900 - 172,000 £
Consumption L/100km
7.9 - 9.9 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
6 - 14.4 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
48 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
206 - 226 g/km
co2
135 - 324 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
Off-Roader
Seats
7
Seats
2 - 8
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
2,580 - 2,670 kg
Curb weight
2,300 - 2,745 kg
Trunk capacity
355 L
Trunk capacity
293 - 786 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,956 mm
Width
2,008 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
810 - 820 kg
Payload
494 - 819 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, 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
336 - 404 HP
Power HP
200 - 635 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.6 - 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
247 - 297 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
CO2 Efficiency Class
G, D
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
Brand
Land Rover
Is the Mercedes GLS offered with different drivetrains?

The Mercedes GLS is available as 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.