VS
At a Glance
Power
180kW@4000
270 engine kW
Torque
600Nm@2000
750 Nm
Fuel
9.3L/100km
7.5 l/100km
Towing
3500kg
3500 Kg
0-100 km/h
9.6s
6.1 s
Engine
2993cc
2989 cc
Choosing between the Land Rover Discovery and the Mercedes-Benz GLS is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The Land Rover Discovery delivers 180kW@4000 while the Mercedes-Benz GLS produces 270 engine kW. On fuel, the Discovery returns 9.3L/100km while the GLS uses 7.5 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R737 442 for the Discovery and R2 368 818 for the GLS. 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.
Specification
Land Rover Discovery3.0 D V6 HSE 2010 - From R737 442
Mercedes-Benz GLS450d 4matic (mild Hybrid) 2024 - From R2 368 818
Performance
Power Output
180kW@4000
270 engine kW
Torque
600Nm@2000
750 Nm
0-100 kph
9.6s
6.1 s
Top Speed
180km/h
250 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2993cc
2989 cc
Engine Layout
LONGITUDINAL V 6
inline
Cylinders
6
6
Fuel Type
DIESEL
diesel
Forced Induction Device
—
turbocharger
Transmission
AUTOMATIC
automatic
Number of Gears
6
9
Drive Wheels
ALL
all
Full Time 4x4
✗
✓ Standard
Low Range
✗
Optional
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
9.3L/100km
7.5 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
11.2L/100km
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
8.3L/100km
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
82L
90 l
CO2 Emissions
244g/km
206 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4838mm
5207 mm
Width
2176mm
1956-2030 mm
Height
1920mm
1823 mm
Wheelbase
2885mm
3135 mm
Ground Clearance
240mm
—
Kerb Weight
-
2615 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
7
7
Load Volume
—
355-2400 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500kg
3500 Kg
Load Capacity
2476kg
685 lkg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
DSC
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
9
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
✗
Optional
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
PREMIUM
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
—
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✗
✓ Standard
Electric Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✗
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
—
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
36
2
Warranty Distance
100000km
unlimited Km
Service Plan
M
—
Service Intervals
25000
service interval indicator
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Mercedes-Benz GLS
2 / 4 categories
Performance
GLS
Fuel Economy
GLS
Value
Discovery
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Land Rover Discovery
Lower starting price (R737 442)
Higher fuel consumption (9.3L/100km)
Mercedes-Benz GLS
Better fuel economy (7.5 l/100km)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (6.1 ss)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Discovery or GLS?
The Discovery uses 9.3L/100km and the GLS uses 7.5 l/100km on the combined cycle. The GLS is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Discovery or GLS?
The Discovery produces 180kW@4000 and 600Nm@2000 of torque while the GLS delivers 270 engine kW and 750 Nm of torque. The GLS is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Discovery and GLS?
The Discovery starts from R737 442 and the GLS from R2 368 818. The Discovery is cheaper by R1 631 376 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Discovery or GLS?
The Discovery has a braked towing capacity of 3500kg and the GLS can tow 3500 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Discovery or the GLS?
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.