2024 Land Rover Defender vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2024 Land Rover Defender showcased a blend of classic and modern design elements. Its boxy profile and angular headlights connected it visually to other Land Rover models, while the interior emphasized durability and adventure-readiness, reminiscent of a Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco. The Defender was available in three body styles—90, 110, and 130—with various trims like S, X-Dynamic SE, and Carpathian Edition. Our test drive of the Defender 110 S featured the County visual package, adding vintage graphics and white wheels, enhancing its nostalgic appeal. Standard features included 19-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, and a panoramic glass roof, with options for premium leather and additional climate control.

In contrast, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE, refreshed for 2024, maintained a unique identity within the Mercedes lineup. It featured a rounded profile with squared-off wheel arches and a horizontal grille, giving it a wide stance. The GLE Coupe models, like our test vehicle, had a fastback-style roofline that created unusual proportions. New paint colors and Manufaktur interiors added personalization options. The interior boasted upscale elements like chunky air vents and a 64-color ambient lighting system, creating a luxurious atmosphere. The GLE’s design adhered to Mercedes’ brand identity, ensuring it was unmistakably a Benz.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender offered multiple powertrains, starting with a 296-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Our P400 test model featured a 395-hp mild-hybrid turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six. Two supercharged V8 options, P500 and P525, delivered 493 hp and 518 hp, respectively. All engines used an eight-speed automatic transmission with full-time 4WD. The Defender excelled in off-road capabilities, with features like adaptive air suspension and Terrain Response 2. The P400 model provided ample power for highway driving, though it exhibited slight lurching at low speeds.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered six powertrain options, including a plug-in hybrid and AMG variants. The GLE 350 had a 255-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while the GLE 450 4Matic featured a 375-hp inline-six. The GLE 580 4Matic boasted a 510-hp twin-turbo V8. AMG models included the GLE 53 with 429 hp and the GLE 63 S with 603 hp. The GLE 63 S impressed with its rapid acceleration and V8 soundtrack. Despite its power, the GLE felt larger than it was, making maneuvering in tight spaces challenging.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender balanced luxury and practicality with soft-touch materials, grip handles, and rubberized floors. Seating capacity varied from five to eight, with the Defender 130 offering the most space. Cargo capacity ranged from 15.3 to 78.8 cubic feet, depending on the model. The Defender 110 provided a versatile cargo area with easy-to-clean surfaces.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered two-row and three-row configurations, though third-row specs were not published. The GLE provided competitive headroom and legroom, with slightly more space than rivals. Cargo space was 33.3 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 74.9 cubic feet with seats folded. The GLE’s center console offered ample storage, and its towing capacity reached 7,700 pounds.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and an 11.4-inch touchscreen. It included navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 10-speaker Meridian stereo. The straightforward setup emphasized utility, with home buttons for easy navigation.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE had dual 12.3-inch screens for instruments and infotainment. The MBUX system included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and navigation. Multiple access methods, including voice recognition, enhanced usability. AMG models offered additional drive modes and off-road displays, with features like a “transparent hood” function for the 360-degree camera.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender came with standard driver assistance features like forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and a 360-degree camera. Lane-departure and lane-keeping assist were overly sensitive but could be deactivated. No crash-test ratings were available from IIHS or NHTSA.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered numerous driver-assist features, though some were optional. Standard features included forward collision warning and blind-spot monitoring. The optional Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control and evasive steering assist. The GLE received a 2025 Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS, though front-crash prevention ratings were mixed.