2025 Land Rover Defender vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

$56,900 · Crossover

$61,850 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Land Rover Defender ignites the trail with its rugged 296 hp and stout 295 lb-ft of torque, embodying raw capability, despite its slightly compromised 19 combined MPG. Conversely, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class offers sophisticated road manners with 255 hp and the same 295 lb-ft, boasting superior efficiency at 23 combined MPG. The Defender presents a more compact, adventurous stance at 180.5 inches long, while the GLE-Class rewards families with a massive 33.3 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Defender's 15.6 cu ft. Priced at $56,900, the Defender undercuts the GLE-Class's $61,850 MSRP by $4,950. This contest pits the Defender’s punchy performance against the GLE-Class’s superior space and fuel economy, setting up a dynamic choice between rugged soul and refined utility.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

The GLE-Class wins for commuters due to its superior 23 combined MPG, offering better fuel economy on daily drives than the Defender's 19 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Families will favor the GLE-Class because its 33.3 cu ft of cargo capacity nearly doubles the Defender's 15.6 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Land Rover Defender

The Defender appeals more to driving enthusiasts with its substantial 41 hp advantage, delivering 296 hp versus the GLE-Class's 255 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Land Rover Defender

The Defender offers better immediate value by having a lower starting MSRP of $56,900, undercutting the GLE-Class by $4,950.

Choose the Land Rover Defender if...

You prioritize outright power, benefiting from the Defender's 296 hp engine.
You prefer a more accessible entry price point, starting at $56,900.
You require a more manageable footprint, with the Defender measuring 180.5 inches in length for easier maneuvering.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class if...

You need maximum utility, utilizing the GLE-Class's segment-leading 33.3 cu ft of cargo volume.
You seek better running costs, as the GLE-Class achieves 23 combined MPG versus 19 MPG for Car 1.
You prefer a smoother ride dynamic indicated by the GLE-Class's standard Rear Wheel Drive setup and longer wheelbase (implied by length).

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Land Rover Defender	Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class
Length	180.5"	194.3"
Width	-	76.7"
Height	77.5"	70.7"
Wheelbase	101.9"	117.9"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Land Rover	Mercedes-Benz
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	—
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	—
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	—
Driver Attention Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Brake Preparation System	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Fog Lights	✓	—
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	—	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
Front Power Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Land Rover	Mercedes-Benz
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	296 hp @ 5500 rpm	255 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	295 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm	295 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Land Rover	Mercedes-Benz
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	9-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	rear wheel drive
4WD System Type	Full Time	—
Transfer Case Gearing	Electronic Hi-Lo	—
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Land Rover	Mercedes-Benz
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	18/21 MPG	21/28 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	19 MPG	23 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	428.4/499.8 mi.	472.5/630.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	23.8 gal.	22.5 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Land Rover	Mercedes-Benz
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	—
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Front View Camera	✓	✓
Side View Camera	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors with Side Sensing	✓	—
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	—
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Simulated Alloy Trim on Steering Wheel	✓	—
Heated Steering Wheel	✓	—
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	—	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Automatic Parking Assist	—	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Land Rover	Mercedes-Benz
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Meridian Speakers	✓	—
Stereo Power	400W	—
Speaker System	11	—
Subwoofer Count	1	2
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	—
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Infotainment Display	—	12.3 in
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	6 months

Power Feature

Feature	Land Rover	Mercedes-Benz
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass Extended	1st Row Power Glass
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Land Rover	Mercedes-Benz
Front Head Room	40.6 in.	40.5 in.
Front Leg Room	39.1 in.	40.3 in.
Seat Material: Leather/Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	2-way	10-way
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	—
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Manual	Power
Driver Seat Memory Settings	3	3
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	2-way	10-way
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	—
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Manual	Power
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Front Shoulder Room	—	59.3 in.
Front Hip Room	—	60.8 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	—	3

Rearseats

Feature	Land Rover	Mercedes-Benz
Rear Head Room	37.2 in.	36.9 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.6 in.	40.9 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Rear Shoulder Room	—	58.3 in.
Rear Hip Room	—	59.8 in.

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Land Rover	Mercedes-Benz
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Diameter	19 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	255/65R19	255/50R19
Spare Tire Type	Full Size Matching	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Outside Rear Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
Wheel Size	—	19 x 8.0 in

Suspension

Feature	Land Rover	Mercedes-Benz
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Land Rover	Mercedes-Benz
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	6 yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	6 yr./ 62000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Land Rover Defender and 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class.

How significant is the power difference between the 2025 Defender and GLE-Class?

The Land Rover Defender holds a distinct advantage, producing 296 hp compared to the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class's 255 hp. This 41 hp difference suggests the Defender will feel significantly punchier during acceleration and overtakes.

Which crossover is better for carrying cargo for family trips?

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is the clear choice for cargo volume, offering 33.3 cu ft behind the rear seats. The 2025 Land Rover Defender provides substantially less space at only 15.6 cu ft.

Is the higher price of the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class justified by its efficiency?

The GLE-Class costs $4,950 more upfront but rewards owners with superior fuel economy, achieving 23 combined MPG compared to the Defender's 19 combined MPG, potentially offsetting costs over time.

Do both vehicles use premium fuel?

Yes, both vehicles require premium unleaded fuel; however, the Defender recommends it while the GLE-Class mandates it for its operation.

How does the driving orientation differ between these two models?

The Defender employs an All-Wheel Drive system for maximum traction in varied conditions. In contrast, the GLE-Class utilizes a Rear Wheel Drive setup, which often lends itself to a more traditional, performance-oriented road feel.

Which car is physically larger for exterior parking?

The Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is noticeably longer, measuring 194.3 inches compared to the Defender's 180.5 inches. However, the Defender is significantly taller at 77.5 inches, making it a more imposing vehicle vertically.