Land Rover Defender vs. Mercedes-Benz GLS
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Land Rover Defender and Mercedes-Benz GLS contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Land Rover Defender and the Mercedes-Benz GLS.
In comparing the Land Rover Defender's and the Mercedes-Benz GLS's specifications and ratings, the Land Rover Defender has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and resale value. The Mercedes-Benz GLS has the advantage in the area of base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Land Rover Defender's and the Mercedes-Benz GLS's specifications and ratings, the Land Rover Defender is a better car than the Mercedes-Benz GLS.
Pricing: A used 2024 Land Rover Defender ranges from $64,998 to $118,820 while a used 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS is priced between $83,588 to $179,881. For a new model, the Land Rover Defender's price is between $66,991 and $116,257, with the Mercedes-Benz GLS priced between $89,741 and $187,332.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Land Rover Defender loses 49.4 percent of its value and the Mercedes-Benz GLS loses 55.8 percent of its value. This means the Land Rover Defender retains 6.4 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Mercedes-Benz GLS.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Land Rover Defender’s base engine makes 296 horsepower, and the Mercedes-Benz GLS base engine makes 375 horsepower.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$66,991 - $116,257
Starting MSRP:
$56,400
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
$50,139
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
$22,400 - $79,100
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$89,741 - $187,332
Starting MSRP:
$87,000
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Large SUVs)
$88,803
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Large SUVs)
$43,900 - $155,295
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$84,375
Price Range:
$64,998 - $118,820
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
$57,314
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
$27,806 - $84,530
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
655
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
9,661
# Good or Great Deals:
100
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$106,084
Price Range:
$83,588 - $179,881
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Large SUVs)
$108,428
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Large SUVs)
$48,353 - $235,429
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
281
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
9,054
# Good or Great Deals:
55
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$28,769
Depreciation %:
51%
Resale Value $:
$27,631
Residual Value %:
49%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
50.5%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
40.4% - 56.6%
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$49,089
Depreciation %:
56.4%
Resale Value $:
$37,911
Residual Value %:
43.6%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Luxury Large SUVs)
57%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Luxury Large SUVs)
42.8% - 61.5%
Land Rover Defender Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
7.4 / 10
Safety:
Not available
Mercedes-Benz GLS Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
6.3 / 10
Reliability:
5.6 / 10
Retained Value:
7.0 / 10
Safety:
Not available
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Land Rover Defender
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
12.3
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
10.7 - 13.3
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Mercedes-Benz GLS
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
11.8
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Large SUVs)
10.4
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Large SUVs)
8.5 - 18.9
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
22.2%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
1.4
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
3.1
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
0.8 - 26.1
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
3.1
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Large SUVs)
3.1
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Large SUVs)
1.5 - 32.7
Land Rover Defender Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 29Ranking
1 out of / 29Ranking
1 out of / 29Ranking
1 out of / 29Ranking
3 out of / 29Ranking
4 out of / 29Ranking
4 out of / 29Ranking
5 out of / 29Ranking
7 out of / 29Ranking
7 out of / 29Ranking
7 out of / 26Ranking
12 out of / 29Ranking
14 out of / 29Ranking
17 out of / 29Ranking
18 out of / 29Ranking
18 out of / 29Ranking
20 out of / 27Ranking
25 out of / 29Mercedes-Benz GLS Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 68Ranking
2 out of / 68Ranking
2 out of / 29Ranking
2 out of / 22Ranking
2 out of / 4Ranking
4 out of / 68Ranking
4 out of / 29Ranking
4 out of / 22Ranking
5 out of / 68Ranking
5 out of / 68Ranking
5 out of / 22Ranking
6 out of / 29Ranking
7 out of / 22Ranking
8 out of / 22Ranking
8 out of / 10Ranking
8 out of / 10Ranking
11 out of / 29Ranking
12 out of / 22Ranking
12 out of / 22Ranking
12 out of / 19Ranking
13 out of / 29Ranking
14 out of / 22Ranking
14 out of / 22Ranking
15 out of / 29Ranking
15 out of / 29Ranking
16 out of / 22Ranking
18 out of / 68Ranking
20 out of / 29Ranking
20 out of / 29Ranking
21 out of / 26Ranking
23 out of / 29Ranking
38 out of / 68Ranking
39 out of / 68Ranking
39 out of / 68Ranking
53 out of / 59Ranking
57 out of / 68Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Land Rover Defender Trim Levels
110 P300 S, 110 P400 S, 110 P400 X, 110 P400 X-Dynamic SE, 110 V8 P500 SE, 110 V8 P525, 110 V8 P525 Carpathian Edition, 130 P300 S, 130 P400 Outbound, 130 P400 S, 130 P400 X, 130 P400 X-Dynamic SE, 130 V8 P500, 90 P300 S, 90 P400 X-Dynamic SE, 90 V8, 90 V8 Carpathian Edition
Mercedes-Benz GLS Trim Levels
AMG GLS 63, GLS 450, GLS 580, Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years / 50000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
296 hp @ 4000 rpm
Torque:
295 foot-lbs @ 1500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.076 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
375 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque:
369 foot-lbs @ 1800 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.069 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
18 / 21 / 19
Range (city/hwy):
421 / 491 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
3 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Air Suspension:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Front Bench Seats:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Internet Radio:
N/A
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Air Suspension:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Standard
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Automatic Parking:
Standard
Captain's seat:
Available
Massage Seats:
Available
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Quad Seats:
Available
Safety Features
360-Degree Camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Backup camera:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
360-Degree Camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Backup camera:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.6 inches
Front Leg Room:
39.1 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
60.8 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.2 inches
Rear Leg Room:
36.6 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
59.2 inches
Cargo Space:
10.5 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
58.3 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
Not yet available
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.4 inches
Front Leg Room:
40.3 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
59.3 inches
Rear Head Room:
40.2 inches
Rear Leg Room:
41.9 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
58.5 inches
Cargo Space:
17.4 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
84.7 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
161.0 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3870 lbs
Width:
82.9 inches
Height:
77.5 inches
Length:
180.5 inches
Wheelbase:
101.9 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.9 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
5467 lbs
Width:
84.9 inches
Height:
72.4 inches
Length:
205 inches
Wheelbase:
123.4 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.9 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
19.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
255/55R19
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
21.0 x 10.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
275/45R21
Exterior Colors
Black
Santorini Black Metallic
Blue
Tasman Blue Metallic
Brown
Gondwana Stone Metallic
Gray
Carpathian Grey Metallic / Eiger Grey Metallic
Green
Pangea Green Metallic
Silver
Hakuba Silver Metallic / Silicon Silver Metallic
White
Fuji White
Red
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Black / Obsidian Black Metallic
Blue
Twilight Blue Metallic
Brown
Not available
Gray
MANUFAKTUR Alpine Grey / Selenite Grey Metallic
Green
Emerald Green Metallic
Silver
Cirrus Silver Metallic
White
MANUFAKTUR Diamond White Metallic / MANUFAKTUR Moonlight White Metallic / Polar White
Red
MANUFAKTUR Cardinal Red Metallic
Interior Colors
Beige
Khaki / Vintage Tan
Black
Ebony
Brown
Acorn
White
Light Oyster
Interior Colors
Beige
Catalana Beige/Black / Macchiato Beige/Black
Black
Black
Brown
Bahia Brown/Black
White
Not available
