2023 Land Rover Defender vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE 53 Coupe, with its Selenite Gray paint, 22-inch forged aluminum wheels, and polished brightwork, presented a balanced aesthetic that was neither offensive nor overly dramatic. Despite its resemblance to an athletic sneaker from certain angles, the GLE Coupe managed to maintain a sophisticated appearance. Inside, the vehicle was a showcase of luxury, featuring high-end materials like Nappa premium leather, a Dinamica simulated suede headliner, and brushed aluminum trim. The dual-screen instrumentation and infotainment design added a high-tech touch, while ambient lighting enhanced the driving experience at night.

In contrast, the 2023 Land Rover Defender embraced a rugged, boxy design reminiscent of the classic LR4. Its square-jawed face, rectangular hood, and doors, along with the abruptly chopped tail, defined its truck-like appearance. Tasteful accents like the dome and faux-metal step plates on the hood, skylights along the roof sides, and the body-color square separating the side glass paid homage to the original 1980s Defender. Available in three body styles—90, 110, and 130—the Defender offered a variety of configurations to suit different needs. Despite its utilitarian interior, which focused on function and durability with rubber and plastic coatings, the Defender maintained a unique character that set it apart from the more luxurious Range Rover models.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE 53 Coupe was powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine, producing 429 hp at 6,100 rpm and 384 lb-ft of torque from 1,800 to 5,800 rpm. The engine featured EQ Boost, a 48-volt mild-hybrid system that added extra power when needed and helped conserve fuel. The EPA estimated a combined fuel economy of 19 mpg, though our test vehicle achieved 18.5 mpg. The GLE 53 Coupe also boasted a SpeedShift nine-speed automatic transmission and an AMG Performance 4Matic+ AWD system with fully variable torque distribution. The AMG Dynamic Select system offered multiple driving modes, including Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Slippery, Individual, and Off-road. The AMG Active Ride Control suspension and AMG Performance brakes further enhanced the vehicle's performance.

In comparison, the 2023 Land Rover Defender excelled off-road, with its permanent 4WD, Terrain Response 2 system, and impressive wheel articulation and clearance. The Defender's turbocharged inline-six and supercharged V8 engines provided robust performance, with the V8 delivering 518 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque. The six-cylinder engine, part of a 48-volt mild hybrid powertrain, produced 395 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. The Defender's fuel economy varied, with the four-cylinder engine rated at 17 mpg city, 20 mpg highway, and 18 mpg combined, while the six-cylinder achieved 18/23/20 mpg. The V8, however, returned a lower 14/19/16 mpg. Despite its off-road prowess, the Defender's on-road performance was less refined, with excessive body roll, slow steering, and noticeable wind noise.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe offered seating for up to five people, though it was more comfortable for four. The front seats featured numerous power adjustments, heating, ventilation, and massage functions, providing comfort on long drives and support during spirited driving. The back seat offered ample legroom, and the cargo hold provided 27.5 cubic feet of space, expandable to 63.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Additional comfort features included a four-zone automatic climate control system, a Warmth and Comfort Package, and an Air Balance in-cabin fragrance system.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender stood out with its versatile seating configurations. The Defender 90 could seat six with an optional jump seat, while the 110 offered an optional third row, and the 130 came standard with a third row, accommodating up to eight passengers. The Defender's cargo space varied by model, with the 130 offering 77 cubic feet with the third row and second row folded, and the 110 providing up to 79 cubic feet. The Defender also featured large windows, including "alpine lights," and a panoramic moonroof on the 130. Buyers could equip their Defenders with various accessories, including off-road tires, a metal roof rack, a console refrigerator, and a winch.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe came standard with the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, featuring dual 12.3-inch screens, a navigation system, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Mercedes Me connected services. The system was user-friendly, with natural voice recognition technology and multiple interaction methods. Optional features included an MBUX Interior Assistant with gesture recognition, an augmented video feature for navigation, a head-up display, and an upgraded Burmester 3D high-end surround-sound system.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender offered two touchscreen infotainment systems running Pivi Pro software. The standard 10-inch screen was wide and integrated into the dashboard, while the optional 11.4-inch screen was larger and more legible. Both screens were quick and easy to operate. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a voice assistant, connected apps, and navigation. Higher trims added features like heated 12-way power seats, a Meridian stereo, fog lights, surround sound, auto-dimming exterior mirrors, and cooled front seats. The X trim included air suspension, a locking rear differential, adaptive cruise control, a head-up display, and a rearview mirror with a camera display.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe was equipped with numerous safety features, including forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, forward automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The Pre Safe Sound system emitted a "pink noise" tone before a collision to protect hearing. The Driver Assistance Package added 15 additional systems, including Traffic Jam Assist, Active Lane Change Assist, and Active Emergency Stop Assist. The GLE Coupe's safety systems were refined and accurate, though the route-based speed adaption function for adaptive cruise control could be irritating. Crash-test results for the GLE Coupe were unavailable, but the standard GLE received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender had not been rated by U.S. safety organizations but received five stars in Euro NCAP crash testing. The Defender came with six airbags, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. Optional features included a digital instrument panel, a head-up display, and a 360-degree camera system. The Defender also offered automatic steering when reversing a trailer, though a self-steering highway assist was not available.