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

$56,900 · Crossover

$76,400 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between rugged capability and sleek performance often leaves buyers conflicted, especially when comparing the 2025 Land Rover Defender and the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe. The Defender starts at a significant $19,500 lower MSRP, priced at $56,900 compared to the GLE Coupe’s $76,400. While the Defender offers a robust 296 hp, the Mercedes counters with a higher 375 hp and significantly more torque at 369 lb-ft, making it the punchier performer. Practicality swings heavily toward the Defender in footprint; despite being shorter at 180.5 inches versus the GLE Coupe's 194.5 inches, the Defender maximizes vertical space (77.5 inches high). Conversely, the GLE Coupe surprisingly offers nearly double the usable space with 31.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Defender’s 15.6 cu ft. Fuel economy is close, with the GLE Coupe netting slightly better combined MPG at 21 versus the Defender's 19.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Land Rover Defender

The Land Rover Defender is the better commuter due to its significantly lower starting MSRP of $56,900.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe

The Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe is better for families because it offers substantially more cargo space at 31.6 cu ft versus the Defender's 15.6 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe

Enthusiasts will prefer the GLE-Class Coupe due to its superior power output of 375 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2025 Land Rover Defender

The Defender provides true all-wheel drive capability at a $19,500 lower entry price point.

Choose the Land Rover Defender if...

You want to save $19,500 upfront, as the Defender starts at $56,900.
You need a vehicle with a more upright, boxy stance, indicated by its 77.5-inch height.
You prefer not to deal with premium unleaded fuel being strictly required, as the Defender only recommends it.

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

Maximum hauling capability is crucial, given the GLE Coupe’s 31.6 cu ft of cargo capacity.
You prioritize acceleration, as the Mercedes delivers 375 hp compared to the Defender's 296 hp.
You value efficiency on long drives, evidenced by the GLE Coupe achieving 25 highway MPG.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Land Rover Defender	Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe
Length	180.5"	194.5"
Width	-	79.3"
Height	77.5"	68.1"
Wheelbase	101.9"	115.6"

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	3.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 6
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	296 hp @ 5500 rpm	375 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	295 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm	369 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm
Number of Valves	16	24
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	all wheel drive
4WD System Type	Full Time	—
Transfer Case Gearing	Electronic Hi-Lo	—
Hill Descent Control	✓	✓
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	Land Rover	Mercedes-Benz
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	18/21 MPG	19/25 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	19 MPG	21 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	428.4/499.8 mi.	427.5/562.5 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 Extended
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.
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Land Rover	Mercedes-Benz
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	19 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	255/65R19	275/50R20
Spare Tire Type	Full Size Matching	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Outside Rear Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Size	—	20 x 9.0 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 Coupe.

What is the key difference in size between the 2025 Defender and the 2025 GLE-Class Coupe?

The Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe is considerably longer, measuring 194.5 inches compared to the Defender's 180.5 inches. However, the Defender is significantly taller at 77.5 inches, suggesting a more vertical, capable stance.

Is the higher price of the Mercedes justified by better fuel economy?

Not substantially; the GLE-Class Coupe achieves 21 combined MPG, which is only 2 MPG better than the Defender's 19 combined MPG. You are paying $19,500 more for that marginal efficiency gain plus more power.

Which vehicle has more practical cargo hauling ability?

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe clearly wins the cargo battle with 31.6 cu ft available, nearly double the 15.6 cu ft offered in the 2025 Land Rover Defender.

If performance is the goal, how do the horsepower figures compare?

The GLE-Class Coupe is the clear performance leader, producing 375 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. The Land Rover Defender offers a respectable 296 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, making it less potent.

Do both SUVs require premium gasoline?

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe explicitly requires premium unleaded fuel to achieve its rated performance. The 2025 Land Rover Defender recommends premium unleaded but is not listed as strictly requiring it.

How does the driving experience differ based on transmission?

The GLE Coupe pairs its power with a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission, whereas the Defender utilizes an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.