VS
At a Glance
Power
257 kW
310 engine kW
Torque
700 Nm
500 Nm
Fuel
8.7 l/100km
10.3 l/100km
Towing
3000 Kg
1800 Kg
0-100 km/h
6.8 s
4.8 s
Engine
2997 cc
1991 cc
Choosing between the Land Rover Defender and the Mercedes-AMG GLC is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Land Rover Defender delivers 257 kW while the Mercedes-AMG GLC produces 310 engine kW. On fuel, the Defender returns 8.7 l/100km while the GLC uses 10.3 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R2 461 300 for the Defender and R1 942 639 for the GLC. 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
257 kW
310 engine kW
Torque
700 Nm
500 Nm
0-100 kph
6.8 s
4.8 s
Top Speed
191 Km/h
250 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2997 cc
1991 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
6
4
Fuel Type
diesel
petrol-electric hybrid
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
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
8.7 l/100km
10.3 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
89 l
62 l
CO2 Emissions
216 g/km
234 g/km
Dimensions
Length
5358 mm
4792 mm
Width
2008-2105 mm
1920-2076 mm
Height
1970 mm
1603 mm
Wheelbase
3022 mm
2888 mm
Ground Clearance
290 mm
—
Kerb Weight
2591 DIN / 2666 EU Kg
1920 DIN / 1995 EU Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
8 (opt 5 / opt 7)
5
Load Volume
389-1232-2291 l
545-1490 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3000 Kg
1800 Kg
Load Capacity
700 l
540 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
7
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
Optional
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
Optional
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
Optional
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
Optional
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
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
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
GLC
Fuel Economy
Defender
Value
GLC
Practicality
Defender
Pros & Cons
Land Rover Defender
Better fuel economy (8.7 l/100km)
Higher towing capacity (3000 Kg)
Less power than rival (257 kW vs 310 engine kW)
Higher starting price
Mercedes-AMG GLC
More powerful engine (310 engine kW)
Lower starting price (R1 942 639)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (4.8 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (10.3 l/100km)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Defender or GLC?
The Defender uses 8.7 l/100km and the GLC uses 10.3 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 GLC?
The Defender produces 257 kW and 700 Nm of torque while the GLC delivers 310 engine kW and 500 Nm of torque. The GLC is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Defender and GLC?
The Defender starts from R2 461 300 and the GLC from R1 942 639. The GLC is cheaper by R518 661 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Defender or GLC?
The Defender has a braked towing capacity of 3000 Kg and the GLC can tow 1800 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Defender or the GLC?
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.