VS
At a Glance
Power
313 kW
258kW@6000
Torque
550 Nm
530Nm@2800
Fuel
13.2 l/100km
14.9
Towing
3500 Kg
3500
0-100 km/h
5.8 s
6.1
Engine
5000 cc
5461
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 313 kW while the Mercedes-Benz G-Class produces 258kW@6000. On fuel, the Defender returns 13.2 l/100km while the G-Class uses 14.9 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R2 399 700 for the Defender and R1 497 899 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
313 kW
258kW@6000
Torque
550 Nm
530Nm@2800
0-100 kph
5.8 s
6.1
Top Speed
191 Km/h
210
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
5000 cc
5461
Engine Layout
V
LONGITUDINAL V 8
Cylinders
8
8
Fuel Type
petrol
UNLEADED
Forced Induction Device
supercharger
—
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
13.2 l/100km
14.9
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
90 l
96
CO2 Emissions
294 g/km
348
Dimensions
Length
5018 mm
4662
Width
2008-2105 mm
1760-2007
Height
1967 mm
1951
Wheelbase
3022 mm
2850
Ground Clearance
290 mm
205
Kerb Weight
2336 DIN / 2411 EU Kg
2530
Doors
5
5
Seats
5 (opt 6 / opt 7)
5
Load Volume
857-1946 (160-743-1826 with opt 7 seats)
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500 Kg
3500
Load Capacity
750 l
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
✓ 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
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Defender
Fuel Economy
Defender
Value
G-Class
Practicality
Defender
Pros & Cons
Land Rover Defender
Better fuel economy (13.2 l/100km)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (5.8 ss)
Higher starting price
Mercedes-Benz G-Class
Lower starting price (R1 497 899)
Higher fuel consumption (14.9)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Defender or G-Class?
The Defender uses 13.2 l/100km and the G-Class uses 14.9 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-Class?
The Defender produces 313 kW and 550 Nm of torque while the G-Class delivers 258kW@6000 and 530Nm@2800 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Defender and G-Class?
The Defender starts from R2 399 700 and the G-Class from R1 497 899. The G-Class is cheaper by R901 801 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. 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.