2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2023 Land Rover Defender

The 2023 Land Rover Defender was a standout in the Land Rover lineup, outselling the Discovery by a significant margin. Despite being similar in size and price, the Defender's boxy, classic truck design resonated with customers who favored its rugged, square-jawed appearance over the Discovery's more conventional look. The Defender's design paid homage to its 1980s predecessor with features like the dome and faux-metal step plates on the hood, skylights along the roof, and a full-size spare wheel mounted on the hatch. Available in three body styles—90, 110, and 130—the Defender offered a unique blend of nostalgia and modernity, appealing to those who valued choice and versatility in an SUV.

Inside, the Defender prioritized function and durability over luxury, with an interior dominated by rubbers and plastics designed to withstand the elements. Despite its high price tag, the Defender's interior was basic, with exposed screws and a utilitarian design that contrasted sharply with the plush interiors of other Land Rover models. While the build quality was excellent, the Defender's interior lacked the opulence of a Range Rover, making its high MSRP seem excessive to some. Nevertheless, its unique character and robust design continued to attract a loyal customer base.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE, on the other hand, featured subtle aesthetic updates that enhanced its already sophisticated look. The sharper headlights and taillights, along with black fender flares and chrome grille inserts, added a touch of modernity to its exterior. The optional AMG Line package further elevated its sporty appeal, complemented by standard 19-inch wheels, with an option to upgrade to 21-inch wheels. The GLE coupe, available in the sporty Mercedes-AMG guise, offered a sleeker profile but at the cost of reduced interior space.

Inside, the GLE's cabin exuded luxury with its leather and soft-touch surfaces, though it lacked the futuristic feel of Mercedes' newer electric models. The open-pore walnut trim was a highlight, though the Bahia Brown seating in our tester gave the interior a dated look. Opting for lighter leather colors could remedy this design choice. Overall, the GLE's interior was a testament to Mercedes' commitment to comfort and style, offering a serene and luxurious driving experience.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender excelled off-road, showcasing impressive grip, wheel articulation, and clearance. Its air suspension allowed it to tackle challenging terrains with ease, though most owners rarely utilized its full off-road capabilities. On-road, the Defender's performance was less refined, with noticeable body roll, slow steering, and wind noise. The turbocharged inline-six and supercharged V8 engines provided ample power, with the V8 delivering 518 horsepower and 461 lb-ft of torque. The six-cylinder engine, part of a mild hybrid system, offered 395 hp and 406 lb-ft, balancing performance with fuel efficiency. The four-cylinder engine, however, felt underpowered for highway driving.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of powertrains, including the entry-level GLE 350 with 255 horsepower, the mid-line GLE 450 with a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, and the top-tier GLE 580 with a 4.0-liter V8. Our test vehicle, the 450e plug-in hybrid, combined a 2.0-liter turbo inline four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, producing 381 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. Despite its power, the 450e was slower to 60 mph than the GLE 450 due to its heavier battery. The plug-in hybrid offered an impressive electric range of up to 55 miles and featured a seamless transition between electric and gas power. While the GLE's driving dynamics were not particularly sporty, it excelled in comfort and efficiency, making it an ideal choice for those prioritizing a smooth and quiet ride.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender was a versatile SUV, offering unmatched 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 wider third row for up to eight seats. The Defender's large windows and optional panoramic moonroof provided excellent visibility, and its cargo space varied by model, with the 130 offering up to 77 cubic feet with seats folded. The Defender also boasted a range of practical features, including a metal roof rack, console refrigerator, and off-road accessories, catering to adventurous drivers.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE prioritized interior luxury, with standard heated front seats and optional ventilation and massage functions. The cabin featured customizable ambient lighting, a panoramic sunroof, and a quiet ride, enhanced by the Burmester stereo system. However, the fixed sun visors were a minor inconvenience. The GLE offered ample cargo space, with 31.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 74.9 cubic feet with the second row folded. It also had a towing capacity of 7,700 pounds and included Trailer Maneuvering Assist technology for easier trailer handling.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender featured two touchscreen infotainment systems running Pivi Pro software, with a standard 10-inch screen and an optional 11.4-inch screen. Both screens were user-friendly, with the larger screen offering better legibility. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a voice assistant, and navigation. Higher trims added features like heated power seats, a Meridian stereo, and advanced safety systems, including adaptive cruise control and a head-up display.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE came with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and the latest MBUX infotainment system. While the screen was smaller than those in other Mercedes models, it was easy to use, with a touchpad on the center console and voice control. The GLE also offered augmented reality navigation and an off-road information page. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, though connectivity issues were noted. The GLE featured multiple USB-C ports for charging devices.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender received a five-star rating in Euro NCAP crash testing, though it lacked ratings from U.S. agencies. It came with six airbags and standard safety features like lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. Optional features included a digital instrument panel, head-up display, and 360-degree camera system.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered advanced driver aids, with standard blind-spot monitoring and optional features like active blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The GLE earned a five-star side crash rating and a four-star rollover rating from NHTSA, and top scores from IIHS in crashworthiness and crash avoidance. The Digital Light package provided an "Acceptable" headlight rating.