2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2025 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 changes like repositioned door handles and more aggressive headlights. The taillights were notably different, connected by a trim piece across the back, and the rear design was updated with less chrome and a more pronounced trunk. The GLC Coupe retained its steeply sloping profile, resembling an inflated hatchback, with a distinctive grille setting it apart from the GLC 300. Inside, the GLC was luxurious, with options like two-tone leather upholstery and a wood-and-metal dash. The interior was gadget-heavy, featuring numerous screens, buttons, and ambient lighting, making it a class leader in terms of technology and luxury.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender, particularly the 110 four-door, struck a balance in design, offering a rugged yet customizable appearance. The Defender 130 X trim came with the Extended Black Exterior Pack and upgraded interior materials, enhancing its off-road capabilities. The test vehicle featured 20-inch wheels with Pirelli Scorpion Zero tires, and options like the Towing Pack and Climate Pack added to its versatility. The Defender's interior was industrial yet high-quality, with premium Windsor hides and Kvadrat fabric. Despite its rugged nature, the Defender's cabin was purposeful, offering a practical and comfortable environment without the frills of a traditional luxury SUV.

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 V6. This engine was supported by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, enhancing its performance. The GLC 300, in contrast, offered 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, which was respectable but overshadowed by the GLC 43's capabilities. The GLC 300 was rear-wheel-drive, with an optional all-wheel-drive system, while the GLC 43 came standard with 4Matic AWD. Both models used 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 made the GLC 43 a sporty choice, though its firmer ride might not suit everyone.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender's test vehicle featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine, delivering 395 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with a mild-hybrid system, provided smooth acceleration and a maximum tow rating of 8,200 pounds. The Defender 130 X accelerated to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds, with an adaptive air suspension and Terrain Response 2 driving modes enhancing its off-road capabilities. Despite its off-road prowess, the Defender was comfortable on pavement, though its 20-inch wheels and Pirelli tires limited its enthusiasm for twisty roads. The Defender's 5,685-pound curb weight was noticeable, but its adaptive air suspension provided a smooth ride, absorbing urban bumps with ease.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC's cabin was driver-focused, with controls angled toward the driver. Standard features included heated and memory front seats, with optional ventilation and heated rear seats. The GLC SUV offered 21.9 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 59.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The GLC Coupe was tighter, with 17.6 cubic feet of cargo volume, expanding to 52.6 cubic feet. The power-folding rear seats added convenience, though the Coupe's cargo space was limited compared to some sedans.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender 130 offered three rows of spacious seating, with 12-way power-adjustable front seats featuring heating and ventilation. The Defender's tall seating position provided excellent visibility, though the side mirrors seemed undersized. The panoramic sunroof and large windows created an open and airy feel. The Defender 130's third-row seat was heated and roomy, offering comfort for adults. The side-hinged cargo door was heavy and awkward, but the air suspension could be lowered to ease loading. The Defender 130 provided 15.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 89 cubic feet with all rear seats folded.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC featured an 11.9-inch touchscreen running the MBUX infotainment system, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system's voice command functionality was impressive, and the Exclusive trim added navigation and a Burmester 3D surround sound system. The Pinnacle trim included a head-up display and augmented reality navigation. Optional tech included an Advanced USB package, increasing the number of USB-C ports.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender was equipped with the Pivi Pro infotainment system, accessed via an 11.4-inch touchscreen. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and connected services. The Pivi Pro system had improved, with accurate voice command responses and a more intuitive user experience. The Defender's Meridian premium sound system was impressive, and additional features included a head-up display, ClearSight digital rearview mirror, and a surround-view camera system. The Towing Pack added a hands-free trailer reverse-steering system.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, with an "Acceptable" rating for the standard front crash-prevention system. Standard safety features included active brake assist, attention assist, blind-spot and exit warning assist, and Pre-Safe. The optional Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control, active steering assist, and active lane-keeping assist.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender came with several driver aids, including automatic high-beam headlights, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality. The lane-keep assist was decisive, though it occasionally attempted to steer the Defender into a turnout area. Crash-test ratings for the Defender were unavailable at press time.