2021 Land Rover Defender vs 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE

According to CarGurus experts, both the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class and the 2021 Land Rover Defender are rated 8 out of 10 for their look and feel.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class presents a smoother and less sculpted appearance, with softened lines and a more transformative front end. Inside, it offers extra headroom, extended wheelbase, and an optional third row. However, some imperfections in the paint and certain optional features may not justify their cost. The starting price for the GLE 350 was $53,700 when new, with various optional packages and features significantly increasing the final cost.

On the other hand, the 2021 Land Rover Defender pays homage to its predecessors' distinctive look while incorporating modern design elements. It features a box-shaped cabin, round LED headlights, and a functional vent on each side. Inside, the exposed structure, high-quality materials, and spacious seating configurations make for a rugged yet luxurious feel. The starting price for the Defender 90 was $46,100 when new, with the potential for extensive personalization and higher trim levels pushing the price into six figures.

CarGurus experts rate the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class at 7 out of 10 and the 2021 Land Rover Defender at 8 out of 10 for performance.

The GLE 350 is equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, offering 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. However, it may feel sluggish from a stop due to its weight and moments of disappointing turbo lag. The start-stop system and 9-speed automatic transmission have been noted as areas for improvement.

The Land Rover Defender offers two powertrain options: a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four-cylinder engine with 296 horsepower and a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder mild-hybrid setup with 395 horsepower. It also boasts impressive off-road capabilities and a maximum towing capacity of 8,200 pounds.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is rated 8 out of 10, while the 2021 Land Rover Defender scores 9 out of 10 for form and function.

The GLE-Class offers a spacious interior with dual 12.3-inch screens and a striking layout. However, some ergonomic issues with the steering wheel position and minor vibrations from the stereo have been noted.

The Land Rover Defender features a unibody platform, independent suspension, and versatile interior configurations. It offers ample cargo space and a range of seating options, including a jump seat and an available third row.

CarGurus experts rate the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class at 6 out of 10 and the 2021 Land Rover Defender at 8 out of 10 for technology.

The GLE-Class boasts the new MBUX infotainment system, offering advanced features and a comprehensive head-up display. However, some issues with voice control and pre-production vehicle concerns have been highlighted.

The Land Rover Defender utilizes Land Rover's Electronic Vehicle Architecture 2.0 and features the Pivi Pro infotainment system with multiple camera views, a variety of audio system options, and a new full-color head-up display.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is rated 5 out of 10, while the 2021 Land Rover Defender scores 7 out of 10 for safety.

The GLE-Class offers an impressive suite of autonomous safety systems, including Attention Assist and Seat Kinetics. However, there have been noted issues with the driver-assistance tech at higher speeds. The Land Rover Defender comes with an extensive list of standard safety features, including advanced driver aids and durability testing during development. However, official crash-test ratings are not yet available.