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Land Rover Defender vs Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

What's the difference?

VS
Land Rover Defender
Land Rover Defender

$92,626 - $317,592

2025 price

Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class
Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

$34,999 - $60,990

2021 price

Summary

2025 Land Rover Defender
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class
Safety Rating

Engine Type
Supercharged V8, 5.0L

Turbo 4, 2.0L
Fuel Type
Premium Unleaded Petrol

Premium Unleaded Petrol
Fuel Efficiency
12.7L/100km (combined)

8.3L/100km (combined)
Seating
8

7
Dislikes
  • Auto shifter is fiddly
  • Less-than-ideal fuel consumption
  • 3000kg towing capacity is below segment standard

  • Second row doesn't tumble forward
  • Expensive but desirable options
  • Standard active safety falls short
2025 Land Rover Defender Summary

The Land Rover Defender 130 is the big dog of the Defender line-up. It’s bulky and long, roomy inside (with three rows of seats) and offers plenty in terms of onboard features and optional extras.

The latest generation has managed to retain the old beloved Landie spirit and combine it with contemporary styling.

But that’s not worth noting. What is worth noting right at the get-go is the fact that the last of the V8s on offer in the range – the 5.0-litre supercharged V8 pumping out 368kW/610Nm – is in our test vehicle, the Land Rover Defender 130 P500.

Also worth noting, the V8 has the option of 'Captain Chairs'. This second-row seating choice comprises two individual seats, with winged headrests and arm rests, separated by an aisle for walk-through access to the third row. 

So, while the short-wheelbase Defender 90 is likely the best choice for the more adventurous off-roaders among us, is the Defender 130, as large and in charge as it is, the better choice for a family?

Read on.

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Interested in a Land Rover Defender?
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class Summary

So, you want an SUV with seven seats for the family (and maybe friends), but also want it to be premium and have a performance focus. There hasn’t been a model that fits the bill this side of six figures… until now.

Yep, Mercedes-Benz’s mould-breaking GLB mid-sizer has officially been given the AMG treatment. Enter the ‘entry-level’ GLB35, which is out to prove you can have your cake and eat it too, especially if you’re the above buyer.

But is the GLB35 trying to do too many things at once? Is it really a jack of all trades, or a master of none? As always, there’s one way to find out: put it to test. We’ve done exactly that, so please read on.

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Interested in a Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class?

Deep dive comparison

2025 Land Rover Defender 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

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