2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2024 Land Rover Defender

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC maintained a familiar aesthetic, ensuring it did not alienate its loyal fanbase. The redesign was subtle, with new taillights and repositioned door handles, but the overall look remained consistent with its predecessor. The headlights were narrower and more aggressive, while the taillights were connected by a trim piece, giving the rear a refreshed appearance. The Coupe version retained its distinctive fastback roof, and the grille design differentiated the AMG models from the GLC 300. Inside, the GLC exuded luxury with its two-tone leather upholstery and wood-and-metal dash treatment, complemented by a plethora of screens, buttons, and ambient lighting, making it a gadget lover's dream.

In contrast, the 2024 Land Rover Defender combined a classic boxy profile with modern touches like angular headlights, aligning it with other Land Rover models. The interior was rugged yet refined, featuring soft-touch materials and practical elements like grip handles and rubberized floors. The Defender was available in three body styles: the two-door 90, the four-door 110, and the extended-wheelbase 130, each offering various trims. Our test model, the Defender 110 S, came with the County visual package, adding vintage graphics and white wheels, enhancing its nostalgic appeal. The interior was functional, with standard features like power-adjustable heated front seats and a panoramic glass roof, while optional upgrades included premium leather upholstery and advanced climate control systems.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC 43 was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing an impressive 416 horsepower, surpassing the previous generation's 385 hp V6. This engine was supported by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, enhancing its performance. The base GLC 300 offered 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, with an optional 4Matic AWD system. Both powertrains utilized a nine-speed automatic transmission, with the GLC 43 featuring the AMG Speedshift MCT 9-speed for faster shifts. The performance suspension and four-wheel steering provided a sporty driving experience, though the ride was firmer than some might prefer for daily commuting.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender offered a range of powertrains, starting with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine in the P300, delivering 296 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. Our P400 test model featured a mild-hybrid turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six, producing 395 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. The Defender also offered two supercharged 5.0-liter V8 options, with the P500 making 493 hp and the P525 delivering 518 hp. All engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time active 4WD. The Defender excelled in off-road capabilities, with features like adaptive air suspension and Terrain Response 2 system, making it a formidable choice for adventure enthusiasts.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC's cabin was driver-focused, with controls angled towards the driver. Standard features included heated front seats with memory functions, while optional upgrades offered ventilated front seats and heated rear seats. The GLC SUV provided 21.9 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 59.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The Coupe version was more compact, offering 17.6 cubic feet of cargo volume, expanding to 52.6 cubic feet with the seats down.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender balanced luxury and practicality, with soft-touch materials and functional features like grip handles and rubberized floors. Seating capacity varied, with the Defender 110 offering an optional third row, while the Defender 130 accommodated up to eight passengers. Cargo capacity depended on the model, with the Defender 130 providing 15.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 76.1 cubic feet with all seats folded. The Defender 110 offered 34 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 78.8 cubic feet with the seats down.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC featured an 11.9-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen running the third-generation MBUX infotainment system, known for its responsive voice command capabilities. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the Exclusive trim added navigation and a 15-speaker Burmester sound system. The Pinnacle trim offered a head-up display and augmented reality navigation, with additional tech options available.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender came with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and an 11.4-inch touchscreen, offering navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The straightforward setup included Bluetooth, satellite radio, and a 10-speaker Meridian stereo system. The touchscreen was user-friendly, with home buttons for easy navigation, providing a blend of refinement and utility.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, with standard safety features including active brake assist, attention assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The Pre-Safe system prepared the vehicle for imminent collisions, while optional advanced driver-assistance systems were available through the Driver Assistance Package.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender offered a comprehensive suite of standard driver assistance features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The lane-departure and lane-keeping assist systems were noted for being overly sensitive, but could be deactivated if desired. As of this writing, the Defender had not been crash-tested by the IIHS or NHTSA.