2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2024 Land Rover Defender

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS exuded a refined elegance with its modern design, which, while understated, promised longevity. The GLS 450 test vehicle featured striking 22-inch AMG rims, a new silver four-louver grille, and polished metal accents, all complemented by a Twilight Blue paint. Inside, the GLS 450 boasted a Bahia Brown over Black interior with Grey Oak trim, contrast stitching, and polished aluminum accents, creating a luxurious environment typical of Mercedes.

In contrast, the 2024 Land Rover Defender combined a classic boxy profile with modern touches like angular headlights. Its interior was rugged yet refined, featuring soft-touch materials and practical elements like grip handles and rubberized floors. The Defender offered a more adventure-ready feel compared to other Land Rovers, aligning more with vehicles like the Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine with mild-hybrid technology, producing 375 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. It accelerated to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, offering smooth and responsive performance. The GLS had a nine-speed automatic transmission and a variable 4Matic all-wheel-drive system, with a towing capacity of 7,700 pounds and a combined fuel economy of 21 mpg.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender offered multiple powertrains, including a turbocharged four-cylinder and two supercharged V8 options. Our P400 test model had a mild-hybrid 3.0-liter inline-six engine, delivering 395 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. The Defender excelled off-road, with features like adaptive air suspension and Terrain Response 2. It could tow up to 7,716 pounds and had impressive off-road capabilities, especially in models like the Defender X.

The Mercedes-Benz GLS provided a luxurious interior with supple leather, heated and ventilated seats, and a panoramic sunroof. The second-row captain’s chairs offered excellent thigh support, though accessing the third row was cumbersome. Cargo space was practical, with up to 84.7 cubic feet available.

The Land Rover Defender balanced luxury and utility, with seating for five to eight passengers depending on the model. The Defender 130 offered the most cargo space, with up to 76.1 cubic feet. The interior featured practical elements like rubberized floors and hard plastic surfaces, making it easy to clean and suitable for rugged use.

The GLS was equipped with the latest MBUX infotainment system, featuring dual 12.3-inch displays. It offered intuitive touchscreen operation, natural voice recognition, and augmented reality navigation. However, touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel and center console were prone to accidental activation.

The Defender came with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and an 11.4-inch touchscreen. It included navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 10-speaker Meridian stereo. The straightforward setup complemented the Defender’s utilitarian design, providing essential features without overwhelming complexity.

The Mercedes-Benz GLS came with over 20 advanced safety features, including adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist. The systems were adjustable through MBUX, allowing customization of alerts and sensitivity. The GLS handled various driving conditions smoothly, with subtle and effective ADAS interventions.

The Land Rover Defender included standard safety features like forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and a 360-degree camera system. However, lane-departure and lane-keeping assist were overly sensitive. As of this writing, the Defender had not been crash-tested by IIHS or NHTSA.