2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2025 Land Rover Defender

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE exhibited subtle yet impactful aesthetic changes. Its sharper headlights and taillights, along with black fender flares over the wheel arches, added a touch of modernity. The grille featured chrome inserts, and the optional AMG Line package enhanced its sporty appeal. Standard 19-inch wheels could be upgraded to 21-inch options for a more commanding presence. Inside, the cabin maintained the classic Mercedes-Benz luxury with leather and soft-touch surfaces, though it lacked the futuristic vibe of the newer EQ models. The open-pore walnut trim was a standout feature, though pairing it with Bahia Brown seating gave the interior a dated look, which could be remedied with lighter leather choices.

In contrast, the 2025 Land Rover Defender presented a rugged and customizable design. The Defender 110 four-door model struck a balance in aesthetics, while the Defender 90 and 130 had their unique visual quirks. The Defender 130 X trim, priced at $102,525, included the Extended Black Exterior Pack and upgraded interior materials. The test vehicle featured 20-inch wheels with Pirelli Scorpion Zero tires, and options like the Towing Pack and Climate Pack increased the MSRP to $106,092. The Gondwana Stone paint, paired with orange brake calipers, was less appealing, suggesting that colors like Pangea Green or Santorini Black might be better choices. Inside, the Defender X boasted premium Windsor hides and Kvadrat fabric, maintaining an industrial yet quality-focused interior theme.

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. However, the test vehicle was the new 450e plug-in hybrid, which combined a 2.0-liter turbo inline four-cylinder engine with an electric motor to produce 381 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. Despite its power, the 450e was about a half-second slower to 60 mph than the GLE 450 due to its 23.3-kWh battery. The battery allowed for an impressive 48 miles of all-electric range, with the potential for 55 miles after charging. The 450e featured an 11-kW onboard charger and could accept a 60-kW DC fast charge, making it convenient for road trips. While the Sport mode didn't significantly enhance driving dynamics, the GLE 450e provided a comfortable commute.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender's test vehicle featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine with a mild-hybrid system, producing 395 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, the Defender 130 X could tow up to 8,200 pounds and accelerate to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds. The adaptive air suspension, hill descent control, and Terrain Response 2 driving modes enhanced its off-road capabilities. Despite its prowess, the Defender 130 was primarily driven on pavement, where it excelled in comfort but lacked enthusiasm for twisty roads. The Defender's 11.4 inches of ground clearance and 35.4-inch wading depth highlighted its off-road potential, though the 20-inch wheels and Pirellis limited its on-road agility. The Defender's six-cylinder engine provided ample power, but its steering and brakes required careful modulation.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE prioritized interior luxuries, with standard heated front seats and optional ventilation and massage functions. Heated and cooled cup holders, customizable ambient lighting, a panoramic sunroof, and soft-close doors contributed to a serene cabin experience. The GLE could tow 7,700 pounds and featured Trailer Maneuvering Assist technology. Cargo space was generous, with 31.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 74.9 cubic feet with the second row folded. However, the non-extending sun visors were a notable omission in this luxury SUV.

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 forward visibility, though the square side mirrors seemed undersized. The panoramic sunroof and fixed glass panel over the third row created an open and airy feel. The Defender 130's second-row captain's chairs were heated and ventilated, while the third-row seat was roomy and supportive. Cargo space was limited to 15.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 43.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 89 cubic feet with all rear seats down. The side-hinged cargo door was heavy and awkward, though a button in the cargo area allowed for air suspension adjustment.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and the MBUX infotainment system with a 12.3-inch screen. While not as large as other Mercedes models, the screen was functional, with a touchpad on the center console and voice command capabilities. The augmented reality navigation system and off-road page in MBUX provided useful information. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, though connectivity issues with the iPhone were noted. USB-C ports delivered up to 100W of power for device charging.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender was equipped with the Pivi Pro infotainment system, accessible via an 11.4-inch touchscreen. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L, and connected services. Pivi Pro's response to voice commands was slower than desired, but its accuracy was impressive. The user experience was more intuitive, with fewer dead ends. The Defender's Meridian premium sound system, head-up display, ClearSight digital rearview mirror, and surround-view camera system enhanced the driving experience. The Towing Pack added a hands-free trailer reverse-steering system.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered advanced driver aids, with blind-spot monitoring as standard. The optional Driver Assistance Package Plus included active blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control with steering assist, and lane-change assist. The GLE received a five-star side crash rating and a four-star rollover rating from the NHTSA. The IIHS awarded the GLE top scores in crashworthiness and crash avoidance, with an "Acceptable" headlight rating for models with the Digital Light package.

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