VS
At a Glance
Power
386 kW
373kW@6100
Torque
625 Nm
700Nm@2750
Fuel
12.8 l/100km
15.9
Towing
3500 Kg
3500
0-100 km/h
5.2 s
5.5
Engine
5000 cc
5439
Choosing between the Land Rover Defender and the MERCEDES G-GLASS is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Land Rover Defender delivers 386 kW while the MERCEDES G-GLASS produces 373kW@6100. On fuel, the Defender returns 12.8 l/100km while the G-GLASS uses 15.9 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R3 046 200 for the Defender and R1 919 500 for the G-GLASS. 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
373kW@6100
Torque
625 Nm
700Nm@2750
0-100 kph
5.2 s
5.5
Top Speed
240 Km/h
210
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
5000 cc
5439
Engine Layout
V
LONGITUDINAL V 8
Cylinders
8
8
Fuel Type
petrol
UNLEADED
Forced Induction Device
supercharger
—
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
12.8 l/100km
15.9
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
21.4
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
12.7
Fuel Tank Capacity
90 l
96
CO2 Emissions
295 g/km
378
Dimensions
Length
4583 mm
4662
Width
2008-2105 mm
1760-2007
Height
1969 mm
1837
Wheelbase
2587 mm
2850
Ground Clearance
290 mm
205
Kerb Weight
2471 DIN / 2546 EU Kg
2580
Doors
3
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
297-1263 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500 Kg
3500
Load Capacity
550 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
Optional
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✗
Sunroof
✓ Standard
SUNROOF
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
BOTH FRONT
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
✓ Standard
—
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
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Defender
Fuel Economy
Defender
Value
G-GLASS
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Land Rover Defender
Better fuel economy (12.8 l/100km)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (5.2 ss)
Higher starting price
MERCEDES G-GLASS
Lower starting price (R1 919 500)
Higher fuel consumption (15.9)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Defender or G-GLASS?
The Defender uses 12.8 l/100km and the G-GLASS uses 15.9 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-GLASS?
The Defender produces 386 kW and 625 Nm of torque while the G-GLASS delivers 373kW@6100 and 700Nm@2750 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Defender and G-GLASS?
The Defender starts from R3 046 200 and the G-GLASS from R1 919 500. The G-GLASS is cheaper by R1 126 700 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Defender or G-GLASS?
The Defender has a braked towing capacity of 3500 Kg and the G-GLASS can tow 3500. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Defender or the G-GLASS?
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.