VS
At a Glance
Power
467 kW
400kW@5500
Torque
750 Nm
760Nm@2000
Fuel
13.5 l/100km
13.8
Towing
3500 Kg
3500
0-100 km/h
4.0 (with Dynamic Launch engaged) s
5.4
Engine
4395 cc
5461
Choosing between the Land Rover Defender and the MERCEDES G-GLASS is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Land Rover Defender delivers 467 kW while the MERCEDES G-GLASS produces 400kW@5500. On fuel, the Defender returns 13.5 l/100km while the G-GLASS uses 13.8 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R3 739 200 for the Defender and R2 047 000 for the G-GLASS. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
467 kW
400kW@5500
Torque
750 Nm
760Nm@2000
0-100 kph
4.0 (with Dynamic Launch engaged) s
5.4
Top Speed
250 Km/h
210
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
4395 cc
5461
Engine Layout
V
LONGITUDINAL V 8
Cylinders
8
8
Fuel Type
petrol
UNLEADED
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
AUTOMATIC
Number of Gears
8
7
Drive Wheels
all
ALL
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
✓ Standard
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
13.5 l/100km
13.8
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
90 l
96
CO2 Emissions
298 g/km
322
Dimensions
Length
5003 mm
4769
Width
2064-2105 mm
1855-2055
Height
1995 mm
1938
Wheelbase
3023 mm
2850
Ground Clearance
323 mm
—
Kerb Weight
2510 DIN / 2585 EU Kg
2550
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
786-1875 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500 Kg
3500
Load Capacity
—
2250
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
ESP
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
2
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✗
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✗
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✗
Sunroof
✓ Standard
Optional
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
BOTH FRONT
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✗
Tow Bar
Optional
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✗
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
24
Warranty Distance
100000 Km
—
Service Plan
—
M
Service Intervals
—
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Land Rover Defender
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Defender
Fuel Economy
Defender
Value
G-GLASS
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Land Rover Defender
Better fuel economy (13.5 l/100km)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (4.0 (with Dynamic Launch engaged) ss)
Higher starting price
MERCEDES G-GLASS
Lower starting price (R2 047 000)
Higher fuel consumption (13.8)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Defender or G-GLASS?
The Defender uses 13.5 l/100km and the G-GLASS uses 13.8 on the combined cycle. The Defender is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Defender or G-GLASS?
The Defender produces 467 kW and 750 Nm of torque while the G-GLASS delivers 400kW@5500 and 760Nm@2000 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Defender and G-GLASS?
The Defender starts from R3 739 200 and the G-GLASS from R2 047 000. The G-GLASS is cheaper by R1 692 200 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Defender or G-GLASS?
The Defender has a braked towing capacity of 3500 Kg and the G-GLASS can tow 3500. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Defender or the G-GLASS?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.