2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2024 Land Rover Defender

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE received an exterior makeover, but the changes were subtle enough to go unnoticed by many. Up close, the new Mercedes star logos on the front grille were a clever detail, and the changes to the headlights and taillights were more apparent when compared side-by-side with the previous model. Standard LED headlights and optional multi-beam LED headlights were available. The GLE 450e we tested was finished in Twilight Blue metallic and featured 21-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels, which added a touch of elegance.

Inside, the GLE 450e exuded luxury with its Macchiato beige and black leather upholstery, complemented by natural grain brown walnut trim. The interior offered 10 color choices and five trims, including brushed aluminum and various wood options. The cabin was one of the highest quality and most robust-looking in its segment, providing a comfortable and luxurious environment for passengers.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender combined an old-school, boxy profile with modern features like angular headlights, connecting it visually to other Land Rover models. The interior, however, was more rugged and adventure-ready, resembling a Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco but with more soft-touch materials. The Defender was available in three body styles: the two-door 90, the four-door 110, and the extended-wheelbase four-door 130, each offered in various trims.

Our test vehicle, the Defender 110 S, came with the County visual package, featuring white wheels and vintage graphics. Standard features on the S trim included 19-inch alloy wheels, power-adjustable heated front seats, partial leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, a panoramic glass roof, and a heated steering wheel. The Defender's interior was a blend of refinement and utility, with practical features like grip handles and rubberized floors, making it suitable for both urban driving and rugged adventures.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of powertrains, starting at approximately $63,805. The lineup included the GLE 350, GLE 450, GLE 450e, and GLE 580, with two additional AMG models: the AMG GLE 53 and AMG GLE 63 S. Engines ranged from turbocharged four- and six-cylinders to a twin-turbo V8 producing 603 horsepower in the AMG GLE 63 S. Our GLE 450e tester featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor, delivering a combined 381 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque. The GLE 450e accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds and offered an estimated electric-only range of 40 miles.

The transition from gas to electric power was seamless, and the nine-speed automatic transmission provided smooth gear changes. The GLE 450e's suspension absorbed bumps and ruts effortlessly, and its sophisticated steering made it feel maneuverable despite its size. The GLE 450e's performance exceeded expectations, offering a quiet and comfortable ride even in hybrid mode.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender offered several powertrains, starting with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine in the P300, producing 296 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. Our P400 test model featured a mild-hybrid turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six, delivering 395 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. The Defender also had two supercharged 5.0-liter V8 options: the P500 with 493 hp and 450 lb-ft of torque, and the P525 with 518 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque. All engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time active four-wheel drive.

The most powerful V8 in the Defender 110 Carpathian Edition accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds. The Defender excelled in off-road capabilities, with features like adaptive air suspension, Terrain Response 2 system, electronic differential, and all-terrain progress control. Our P400 test model had ample power for highway speeds and passing maneuvers, though there was a slight lurch when starting and stopping. Overall, the Defender provided a pleasant on-road ride with minimal body roll.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered ample space for adults in both the first and second rows, with a light and airy cabin feel. The GLE 450e provided 33 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, comparable to the BMW X5 but less than the Cadillac XT6 and Volvo XC90. The optional third-row seat was limited to the GLE 350 and GLE 450 and was suitable only for young children. Standard comfort features included power-adjustable heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, a power sunroof, and a power liftgate. Our test vehicle also had options like a Burmester surround-sound audio system, massaging front seats, and a panoramic sunroof.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender offered a blend of luxury and functionality, with soft-touch materials, grip handles, rubberized floors, and numerous cargo compartments. Seating capacity ranged from five to eight passengers, depending on the configuration. The Defender 110 had an optional third row suitable for children, while the Defender 130 offered three seats in the third row, bringing the total to eight. Cargo capacity varied by model, with the Defender 130 offering up to 76.1 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. The Defender 110 provided up to 78.8 cubic feet in the two-row version and 69 cubic feet in the three-row configuration. The two-door Defender 90 offered up to 58.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with two 12.3-inch screens serving as the digital instrument panel and main infotainment screen. The system could be controlled via touch commands, a control pad on the center console, or touch-sensitive buttons on the steering wheel. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with an improved "Hey Mercedes" voice command system. The head-up display and augmented reality navigation were praised for their clarity and convenience, though the touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel could be overly sensitive.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender came with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and an 11.4-inch touchscreen. The touchscreen, though smaller than some competitors, was simple and played into the Defender's utilitarian persona. It included navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, satellite radio, HD radio, and a 10-speaker Meridian stereo system. The straightforward setup and home buttons on the touchscreen made it easy to navigate features like Apple CarPlay.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE came with a comprehensive lineup of active safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, pedestrian detection, hands-free park assist, rain-sensing wipers, automatic high-beam headlights, and a driver attention monitor. Our test vehicle had the optional Driver Assistance package, adding active blind-spot assist, active lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, and evasive steering assist. These features were unobtrusive during everyday driving and provided an extra layer of safety.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender included standard driver assistance features such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Other standard safety tech included traffic sign recognition, automatic high beams, rain-sensing wipers, and a 360-degree parking camera system. The lane-departure and lane-keeping assist features were a bit too touchy but could be deactivated. As of this writing, the Defender had not been crash-tested by the IIHS or NHTSA.