2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2023 Land Rover Defender

The 2023 Land Rover Defender boasted a design that resonated with timeless automotive aesthetics, preserving the iconic boxy look reminiscent of the old LR4. This preference for the Defender's classic, square-jawed visage led it to outsell the similarly sized and priced Land Rover Discovery by a considerable margin. The Defender's hallmark design elements included rectangular hood and doors set parallel to the ground, and an abruptly chopped tail which defined its classic truck appeal. Particularly appealing were the elements that paid homage to the original 1980s Defender, such as the dome and faux-metal step plates on the hood, skylights along the roof’s sides, and a body-color square separating the side glass.

The Defender's exterior could be customized heavily with four accessory packages, enabling owners to outfit their vehicles with ladders, roof racks, a storage box, snorkels, mud flaps, and skid plates. Higher trims like the X featured a two-tone hood, unique front fascia, and larger wheels, while the V8 variant was completely blacked-out and rode on 22-inch wheels. The Defender offered three body styles: the short two-door 90, the medium-length four-door 110, and the extended-length four-door 130.

Inside, the Defender's emphasis was on functionality and durability rather than opulence. Despite the availability of Windsor leather, the majority of the cabin was swathed in resilient rubbers and plastics designed to resist moisture and stains. It featured a six-inch-wide metal dash spanning the cabin, exposed screws, and utilitarian air vents, creating a basic but uniquely rugged interior. Though the build quality was excellent, it was hard to justify its hefty price tag, especially when a fully-equipped model could reach around $120,000 without matching the luxurious feel of a Range Rover.

By contrast, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class underwent subtle external updates for 2024, which might have gone unnoticed by many. The new model featured clever details like Mercedes star logos filling out the front grille, and updated headlights and taillights that were more noticeable when compared side-by-side with the previous model. The GLE 450e test vehicle exemplified this understated elegance, finished in a stunning Twilight Blue metallic and equipped with sleek 21-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels that added to its allure.

On the road, the GLE's refined design was complemented by its luxurious interior, where the combination of Macchiato beige and black leather upholstery, paired with natural grain brown walnut trim, created a high-class ambiance. Mercedes offered an extensive range of customization options with ten interior color choices and five trim options, making it possible to tailor the GLE to individual tastes. Standard features included power-adjustable heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, a power sunroof, and MX-Tex faux leather upholstery. The Pinnacle trim elevated luxury further with features like massaging and rapid-heating front seats, a head-up display, heated and cooled cupholders, and the Air Balance cabin-air fragrance system.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender was a force to be reckoned with off-road. In trials, it excelled with remarkable grip, wheel articulation, and ground clearance, making it capable of tackling almost any terrain when the air suspension was raised. Despite this prowess, the Defender's on-road performance left much to be desired, with significant friction in the drivetrain and aerodynamic drag that sapped speed, slow and imprecise steering, notable wind noise, and substantial body roll, even in the V8 model's stiffer Dynamic setting.

Offered in a range of powertrains, the Defender's most potent option was the supercharged V8, producing 518 horsepower and 461 pound-feet of torque, likened humorously to a commercial fishing trawler with a speedboat engine due to its power and the Defender’s bulky frame. The six-cylinder engine, with 395 hp and 406 pound-feet of torque, came equipped with a 48-volt mild hybrid system, improving responsiveness and fuel efficiency, returning 18 mpg city and 23 mpg highway. The base turbocharged four-cylinder engine, however, was deemed underwhelming with its 296 hp and 295 pound-feet of torque.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class offered a diverse lineup of powertrains, making it adaptable to different preferences and driving needs. Entry-level models like the GLE 350 featured a turbocharged four-cylinder, while the range topped out with the AMG GLE 63 S that packed a twin-turbo V8 engine producing a staggering 603 horsepower. Our GLE 450e test vehicle combined a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor for a total of 381 hp and 479 pound-feet of torque, achieving a 0-60 mph time of 5.4 seconds.

The hybrid system allowed for smooth transitions between electric and gasoline power, facilitating a seamless driving experience. The GLE 450e could cover approximately 40 miles on electric power alone, capable of highway speeds up to 87 mph in electric mode. The suspension provided exceptional comfort, absorbing road imperfections with ease, and the steering offered remarkable maneuverability, making the large SUV feel nimble.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender stood out with its unique and adaptable seating configurations, suitable for extraordinary daily use. The two-door Defender 90 could seat six with an optional front jump seat, while the larger 110 and 130 models offered various third-row options to accommodate up to eight passengers. The third-row amenities included a separate moonroof, air vents, climate controls, cupholders, USB ports, and armrests.

In terms of cargo capacity, the Defender varied by model. The 130 provided 77 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded, but only 14 cubic feet with all seats up. The 90 offered 16 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 58 cubic feet when folded. The 110, depending on the configuration, ranged from 11 cubic feet with all rows up to 79 cubic feet with the seats down. The extensive range of accessories further augmented the Defender’s functionality, from off-road tires to a robust roof rack capable of supporting a considerable weight.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class was tailored for luxury and comfort with spacious and well-appointed interiors. Our GLE 450e comfortably seated five adults with ample legroom and an airy cabin feel, enhanced by large windows and the optional panoramic sunroof. While the GLE also offered an optional third-row seat in the GLE 350 and GLE 450, it was notably cramped, suitable only for children.

Cargo space behind the second row was 33 cubic feet, competitive but slightly less than some three-row rivals like the Cadillac XT6 and Volvo XC90. The split-folding second row facilitated versatile storage options, and several luxury amenities like heated and ventilated seats, dual-zone climate control, and power-adjustable memory seats elevated the in-cabin experience.

The Land Rover Defender employed Pivi Pro, the automaker’s latest and highly reliable infotainment software. The standard 10-inch widescreen and the optional 11.4-inch touchscreen provided intuitive controls and fast operation. Key features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, navigation, and a voice assistant. Additional creature comforts on higher trims included heated 12-way power seats with leather, a Meridian sound system, adaptive cruise control, a head-up display, and ambient lighting.

The Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class impressed with its advanced MBUX system, integrating a pair of 12.3-inch screens for the digital instrument panel and main infotainment display. These could be managed through touch commands, a console pad, or touch-sensitive steering wheel buttons. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, alongside an enhanced "Hey Mercedes" voice control system. High-tech features such as augmented reality navigation and a head-up display further elevated the GLE’s sophistication, though the sensitivity of touch controls on the steering wheel could sometimes cause unintentional volume adjustments.

The Land Rover Defender had yet to be rated by U.S. safety organizations, but it earned a five-star rating from Euro NCAP for its solid structure. Equipped with six airbags, the Defender fell short of some competitors in protection. It featured lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and a comprehensive 360-degree camera system for enhanced visibility during parking and off-road driving.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class came well-equipped with active safety features, such as blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, pedestrian detection, and hands-free park assist. The optional Driver Assistance package, priced at $1,950, added further safety functions like active lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and evasive steering assist. These systems were designed to be non-intrusive, providing reliable support without overreacting in typical driving scenarios.