VS
At a Glance
Power
386 kW
500 kW
Torque
625 Nm
1020 Nm
Fuel
12.8 l/100km
11.0 when hybrid battery discharged / 7.
Towing
3500 Kg
1800 Kg
0-100 km/h
5.2 s
3.5 s
Engine
5000 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 386 kW while the Mercedes-AMG GLC produces 500 kW. On fuel, the Defender returns 12.8 l/100km while the GLC uses 11.0 when hybrid battery discharged / 7.5 combined l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R2 386 200 for the Defender and R2 896 143 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
386 kW
500 kW
Torque
625 Nm
1020 Nm
0-100 kph
5.2 s
3.5 s
Top Speed
240 Km/h
275 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
5000 cc
1991 cc
Engine Layout
V
inline
Cylinders
8
4
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol-electric hybrid
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
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
12.8 l/100km
11.0 when hybrid battery discharged / 7.
Fuel Tank Capacity
90 l
65 l
CO2 Emissions
294 g/km
170 combined g/km
Dimensions
Length
4583 mm
4792 mm
Width
2008-2105 mm
1920-2076 mm
Height
1969 mm
1603 mm
Wheelbase
2587 mm
2888 mm
Ground Clearance
290 mm
—
Kerb Weight
2471 DIN / 2546 EU Kg
2235 DIN / 2310 EU Kg
Doors
3
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
297-1263 l
390-1335 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500 Kg
1800 Kg
Load Capacity
550 l
550 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
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
Optional
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
GLC
Fuel Economy
GLC
Value
Defender
Practicality
Defender
Pros & Cons
Land Rover Defender
Lower starting price (R2 386 200)
Higher towing capacity (3500 Kg)
Higher fuel consumption (12.8 l/100km)
Less power than rival (386 kW vs 500 kW)
Mercedes-AMG GLC
More powerful engine (500 kW)
Better fuel economy (11.0 when hybrid battery discharged / 7.5 combined l/100km)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (3.5 ss)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Defender or GLC?
The Defender uses 12.8 l/100km and the GLC uses 11.0 when hybrid battery discharged / 7.5 combined l/100km on the combined cycle. The GLC 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 386 kW and 625 Nm of torque while the GLC delivers 500 kW and 1020 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 386 200 and the GLC from R2 896 143. The Defender is cheaper by R509 943 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 3500 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.