VS
At a Glance
Power
386 kW
380 engine kW
Torque
625 Nm
730 Nm
Fuel
12.8 l/100km
13.7 l/100km
Towing
3500 Kg
3500 Kg
0-100 km/h
5.2 s
4.9 s
Engine
5000 cc
3982 cc
Choosing between the Land Rover Defender and the Mercedes-Benz GLS is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Land Rover Defender delivers 386 kW while the Mercedes-Benz GLS produces 380 engine kW. On fuel, the Defender returns 12.8 l/100km while the GLS uses 13.7 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R3 046 200 for the Defender and R2 972 800 for the GLS. 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
386 kW
380 engine kW
Torque
625 Nm
730 Nm
0-100 kph
5.2 s
4.9 s
Top Speed
240 Km/h
250 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
5000 cc
3982 cc
Engine Layout
V
V
Cylinders
8
8
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Forced Induction Device
supercharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
8
9
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
✓ Standard
Optional
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
12.8 l/100km
13.7 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
90 l
90 l
CO2 Emissions
295 g/km
310 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4583 mm
5207 mm
Width
2008-2105 mm
1956-2030 mm
Height
1969 mm
1823 mm
Wheelbase
2587 mm
3135 mm
Ground Clearance
290 mm
—
Kerb Weight
2471 DIN / 2546 EU Kg
2640 Kg
Doors
3
5
Seats
5
7
Load Volume
297-1263 l
355-2400 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500 Kg
3500 Kg
Load Capacity
550 l
660 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
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
✓ Standard
✓ 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
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Defender
Fuel Economy
Defender
Value
GLS
Practicality
GLS
Pros & Cons
Land Rover Defender
More powerful engine (386 kW)
Better fuel economy (12.8 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Mercedes-Benz GLS
Lower starting price (R2 972 800)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (4.9 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (13.7 l/100km)
Less power than rival (380 engine kW vs 386 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Defender or GLS?
The Defender uses 12.8 l/100km and the GLS uses 13.7 l/100km 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 GLS?
The Defender produces 386 kW and 625 Nm of torque while the GLS delivers 380 engine kW and 730 Nm of torque. The Defender is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Defender and GLS?
The Defender starts from R3 046 200 and the GLS from R2 972 800. The GLS is cheaper by R73 400 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Defender or GLS?
The Defender has a braked towing capacity of 3500 Kg and the GLS can tow 3500 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Defender or the GLS?
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.