VS
At a Glance
Power
297 kW
350kW@6100
Torque
640 Nm
700Nm@2650
Fuel
2.8 l/100km
—
Towing
3000 Kg
3360
0-100 km/h
5.6 s
—
Engine
1997 cc
5439
Choosing between the Land Rover Defender and the MERCEDES G-CLASS is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Land Rover Defender delivers 297 kW while the MERCEDES G-CLASS produces 350kW@6100. On fuel, the Defender returns 2.8 l/100km while the G-CLASS uses 0 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R2 370 200 for the Defender and R2 300 000 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
297 kW
350kW@6100
Torque
640 Nm
700Nm@2650
0-100 kph
5.6 s
—
Top Speed
191 Km/h
—
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1997 cc
5439
Engine Layout
inline
LONGITUDINAL V 8
Cylinders
4
8
Fuel Type
petrol-electric hybrid
UNLEADED
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
AUTOMATIC
Number of Gears
8
5
Drive Wheels
all
ALL
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
2.8 l/100km
—
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
90 l
96
CO2 Emissions
78 g/km
—
Dimensions
Length
5018 mm
4680
Width
2008-2105 mm
1864
Height
1967 mm
1931
Wheelbase
3022 mm
2850
Ground Clearance
290 mm
—
Kerb Weight
2538 DIN / 2613 EU Kg
2550
Doors
5
5
Seats
5 (opt 6)
5
Load Volume
857-1946 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3000 Kg
3360
Load Capacity
—
2250
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
—
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
ESP
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✗
Airbag Count
6
6
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
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
—
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✗
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
FRONT + REAR
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
Optional
✗
Tow Bar
Optional
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5 vehicle / 8 hybrid battery
24
Warranty Distance
100000 Km
—
Service Plan
—
M
Service Intervals
—
30000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Land Rover Defender
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Defender
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
G-CLASS
Practicality
Defender
Pros & Cons
Land Rover Defender
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (2.8 l/100km)
Higher starting price
MERCEDES G-CLASS
Lower starting price (R2 300 000)
Higher towing capacity (3360)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Defender or G-CLASS?
The Defender uses 2.8 l/100km and the G-CLASS uses 0 on the combined cycle. 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 297 kW and 640 Nm of torque while the G-CLASS delivers 350kW@6100 and 700Nm@2650 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Defender and G-CLASS?
The Defender starts from R2 370 200 and the G-CLASS from R2 300 000. The G-CLASS is cheaper by R70 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-CLASS?
The Defender has a braked towing capacity of 3000 Kg and the G-CLASS can tow 3360. 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.