2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2021 Land Rover Defender

The 2021 Land Rover Defender carried forward the distinctive look and character of its predecessors, which dated back to 1948. The new model featured half-round LED headlights, a structural-looking grille, and flat-topped fenders with a diamond-plate pattern. The Defender's short overhangs and bold "DEFENDER" nameplate added to its rugged appeal. Inside, the exposed structure theme was prominent, with a dash held between horizontal beams and beefy controls. The leather-upholstered seating was both tough and luxurious, and the digital instrument panel and center touchscreen interface were crisp and clean.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC, on the other hand, embraced a more timeless aesthetic with soft curves and rounded edges. The long hood and wide grille gave it a dramatic stance, reminiscent of a raised C-Class or E-Class sedan. Inside, the GLC's cabin was an automotive work of art, with flowing lines and a floating center touchscreen. The interior was minimalist yet luxurious, with synthetic leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and a fully digital instrument panel. The GLC Coupe offered a sharp look but at the cost of usable space.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender offered two powertrains in the U.S. The base model had a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four-cylinder engine producing 296 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The more powerful option was a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder mild-hybrid setup, delivering 395 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD. The Defender's off-road capabilities were impressive, with a 30.1-degree approach angle, 37.6-degree departure angle, and a maximum wading depth of 35.4 inches. On the road, the Defender was quick, with the 2.0-liter model going from 0-60 mph in 7.7 seconds and the 3.0-liter in 5.8 seconds. It also had a maximum towing capacity of 8,200 pounds.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 came standard with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that made 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. Power was routed through a nine-speed automatic transmission to the rear wheels or available 4MATIC all-wheel drive. The GLC featured steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters and Dynamic Select with Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ drive modes. The AMG GLC43 added a twin-turbocharged V6 with 385 horsepower, while the AMG GLC63 offered a twin-turbo V8 with up to 503 hp. The GLC struck a balance between refined and responsive, with precise turn-in and confident high-speed turns.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender rode on a unibody platform, making extensive use of aluminum for weight reduction and strength. It featured four-wheel independent multi-link air suspension, enhancing both on-road and off-road performance. The Defender offered a jump seat between the front seats and a third-row seat for two in the long-wheelbase 110. Cargo space was generous, with 34-34.6 cubic feet behind the second row in the 110 and 15.6 cubic feet in the 90. The 110 had a maximum cargo capacity of 78.8 cubic feet.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC provided 56.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 19.4 cubic feet with them up. The GLC Coupe's fastback profile reduced these figures to 49.4 and 17.6 cubic feet, respectively. The GLC had a decently sized center console, deep door pockets, and retractable cupholders. Rear-seat space was adequate, with plenty of legroom and headroom in the SUV, though the Coupe's low roofline cut into headroom.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender featured Land Rover's Electronic Vehicle Architecture 2.0, allowing for remote software updates. The Pivi Pro infotainment system included a 10-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Defender also offered multiple camera views, a six-speaker audio system, and optional Meridian sound systems. A full-color head-up display and ClearSight rear-view mirror were also available.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC came equipped with the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, featuring a 10.25-inch center touchscreen, center console touch controller, and advanced voice-control system. The steering wheel had touch-sensitive pads for customizing the digital instrument panel and navigating the main infotainment screen. The system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though switching between the GLC's radio and smartphone apps could be cumbersome.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender came with an extensive list of standard safety features, including a perimeter alarm, front airbags, a tire pressure monitoring system, electronic traction control, dynamic stability control, roll stability control, emergency braking, blind spot assist, lane-keep assist, driver condition monitor, traffic sign recognition, rear traffic monitor, clear exit monitor, and a 360-degree parking aid. The Defender underwent extensive durability testing but had not been rated by NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC included standard safety tech such as automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Other features included front- and rear parking sensors, hands-free parking assist, and a driver drowsiness monitor. Optional safety features were a 360-degree parking camera, dynamic cruise control, automatic high beams, and lane departure warning. The parking and proximity sensors were overly sensitive but could be deactivated.