VS
At a Glance
Power
467 kW
270 engine kW
Torque
750 Nm
750 Nm
Fuel
13.5 l/100km
9.4 l/100km
Towing
3500 Kg
3500 Kg
0-100 km/h
4.0 (with Dynamic Launch engaged) s
5.8 s
Engine
4395 cc
2989 cc
Choosing between the Land Rover Defender and the Mercedes-Benz G-Class is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Land Rover Defender delivers 467 kW while the Mercedes-Benz G-Class produces 270 engine kW. On fuel, the Defender returns 13.5 l/100km while the G-Class uses 9.4 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R3 739 200 for the Defender and R3 561 203 for the G-Class. 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
270 engine kW
Torque
750 Nm
750 Nm
0-100 kph
4.0 (with Dynamic Launch engaged) s
5.8 s
Top Speed
250 Km/h
210 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
4395 cc
2989 cc
Engine Layout
V
inline
Cylinders
8
6
Fuel Type
petrol
diesel
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
8
9
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
13.5 l/100km
9.4 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
90 l
100 l
CO2 Emissions
298 g/km
246 g/km
Dimensions
Length
5003 mm
4825 mm
Width
2064-2105 mm
1913-2187 mm
Height
1995 mm
1973 mm
Wheelbase
3023 mm
2890 mm
Ground Clearance
323 mm
—
Kerb Weight
2510 DIN / 2585 EU Kg
2480 DIN / 2555 EU Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
786-1875 l
640-2010 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500 Kg
3500 Kg
Load Capacity
—
645 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
9
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ 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
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
Optional
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
Optional
Tow Bar
Optional
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
2
Warranty Distance
100000 Km
unlimited Km
Service Intervals
—
service interval indicator
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Mercedes-Benz G-Class
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Defender
Fuel Economy
G-Class
Value
G-Class
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Land Rover Defender
More powerful engine (467 kW)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (4.0 (with Dynamic Launch engaged) ss)
Higher fuel consumption (13.5 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Mercedes-Benz G-Class
Better fuel economy (9.4 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R3 561 203)
Less power than rival (270 engine kW vs 467 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Defender or G-Class?
The Defender uses 13.5 l/100km and the G-Class uses 9.4 l/100km on the combined cycle. The G-Class 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-Class?
The Defender produces 467 kW and 750 Nm of torque while the G-Class delivers 270 engine kW and 750 Nm of torque. The Defender is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Defender and G-Class?
The Defender starts from R3 739 200 and the G-Class from R3 561 203. The G-Class is cheaper by R177 997 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Defender or G-Class?
The Defender has a braked towing capacity of 3500 Kg and the G-Class can tow 3500 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Defender or the G-Class?
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.