2025 Land Rover Discovery vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class
Comparison Overview
So you're cross-shopping the 2025 Land Rover Discovery and the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class? It’s a classic showdown between rugged capability and refined luxury. The Discovery starts slightly lower at an MSRP of $60,200, but brings more raw muscle with 296 horsepower compared to the GLE’s 255 hp. However, the GLE claws back points with superior efficiency, achieving 23 MPG combined versus the Discovery's 21 MPG, which translates to fewer trips to the pump. While both require premium unleaded, the GLE offers a slightly better highway rating of 28 MPG versus the Land Rover’s 24 MPG. Dimensionally, the Discovery is significantly taller at 74.3 inches compared to the GLE’s 70.7 inches, hinting at more imposing presence or interior headroom. Ultimately, deciding hinges on whether you prioritize that extra 41 horsepower for towing/off-roading or the GLE's better long-term running economy and slightly smaller footprint.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class
The Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class wins for daily commuting due to its better 23 MPG combined fuel economy compared to the Discovery's 21 MPG.
2025 Land Rover Discovery
The Land Rover Discovery is likely better for families needing maximum vertical space, measuring 74.3 inches high versus the GLE’s 70.7 inches.
2025 Land Rover Discovery
Enthusiasts will favor the Discovery because it offers 296 horsepower, significantly more than the GLE's 255 horsepower rating.
2025 Land Rover Discovery
The Land Rover Discovery offers a lower starting MSRP of $60,200 while still delivering 295 lb-ft of torque.
Choose the Land Rover Discovery if...
- You frequently need more outright power, as the Discovery delivers 296 horsepower.
- You prefer the assurance of standard Four Wheel Drive for varied weather conditions.
- You benefit from the Discovery’s commanding height of 74.3 inches, which is over three inches taller than the GLE.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class if...
- Fuel economy matters to you, given the GLE achieves 28 MPG on the highway versus the Discovery’s 24 MPG.
- You want a slightly tighter footprint, as the GLE has a smaller overall height at 70.7 inches.
- You prefer the longer-geared 9-speed automatic transmission, potentially aiding relaxed cruising efficiency.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Land Rover Discovery | Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 195.1" | 194.3" |
| Width | - | 76.7" |
| Height | 74.3" | 70.7" |
| Wheelbase | 115.1" | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-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 |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | ✓ | — |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Drying | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Front Power 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 | four wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
| 4WD System Type | Full Time | — |
| Transfer Case Gearing | Electronic Single-Speed | — |
| Locking Hubs | Automatic | — |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Land Rover | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 19/24 MPG | 21/28 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 21 MPG | 23 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 452.2/571.2 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 | ✓ | — |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Side View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Assisted Parking Assist | ✓ | — |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Wheel Material | Simulated Alloy | — |
| Heated Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Automatic Parking Assist | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
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 (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | — |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 6 months |
| Infotainment Display | — | 12.3 in |
| USB Port with External Media Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Land Rover | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass | 1st Row Power Glass |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Land Rover | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.0 in. | 40.5 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 39.1 in. | 40.3 in. |
| Seat Material: Leather | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 14-way | 10-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Driver Seat Thigh Extension | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | 3 | 3 |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 14-way | 10-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Passenger Seat Thigh Extension | ✓ | — |
| Passenger Seat Memory Settings | 3 | 3 |
| 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 | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Land Rover | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.0 in. | 36.9 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 37.4 in. | 40.9 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | — |
| Rear Shoulder Room | — | 58.3 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | — | 59.8 in. |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Land Rover | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | 20 in. | — |
| Tire Size | N/A | 255/50R19 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Size | — | 19 x 8.0 in |
| Tire Type | — | All Season |
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 Discovery and 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class.
Which car is quicker off the line, the 2025 Discovery or the 2025 GLE-Class?
The 2025 Land Rover Discovery holds the edge in raw power with 296 horsepower, making it the quicker vehicle compared to the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, which produces 255 horsepower.
How does the fuel cost difference look between these two premium SUVs?
The GLE-Class is slightly more economical, rated at 23 MPG combined versus the Discovery's 21 MPG combined, meaning you might spend a bit more at the pump for the Land Rover over the long run.
Is the Discovery’s all-wheel drive better than the GLE’s rear-wheel drive setup?
The Discovery comes standard with four-wheel drive, which is generally superior for dedicated off-roading or severe slippery conditions, whereas the standard GLE uses a RWD platform.
Which vehicle offers more cargo space for family trips?
Based only on the available specifications, the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class specifies a 33.3 cu ft cargo capacity, whereas the Discovery's capacity figures were not provided in this comparison set.
How close are the starting prices for these two luxury crossovers?
The starting MSRPs are very close, with the Land Rover Discovery priced at $60,200 and the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class slightly higher at $61,850.
Do both SUVs require the same type of fuel?
Yes, both the 2025 Land Rover Discovery and the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class explicitly require premium unleaded fuel to operate optimally.
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