Mercedes Benz GLC is a premium SUV known for its robustness when it comes to conquering the roads. It is also an epitome of comfort and refined engineering. On the other hand Land Rover Defender has been wooing celebrities, politicians, and commoners across the country. The ruggedness of this SUV has been the benchmark for modern-day SUVs in many ways. Therefore the comparison between Mercedes Benz GLC and Land Rover Defender is inevitable. Let’s compare Land Rover Defender vs Mercedes Benz GLC on the basis of their dimensions, features, comfort, safety, and pricing details now.
Table of Contents
Land Rover Defender vs Mercedes Benz GLC: Dimensions
Comparing dimensions is crucial while comparing two cars because they directly correlate to spaciousness and comfort. Let’s compare Land Rover Defender vs Mercedes Benz GLC on the basis of their dimensions now:
| Dimensions | Land Rover Defender | Mercedes Benz GLC |
| Length | 5018 mm | 4716 mm |
| Width | 2105 mm | 2075 mm |
| Height | 1967 mm | 1640 mm |
| Wheelbase | 3022 mm | 2888 mm |
| Bootspace | 520 litres | 620 litres |
| Ground Clearance | 218 mm | 201 mm |
The Land Rover Defender is clearly the bigger car in all aspects. It offers better legroom, shoulder room, and headroom to the rear passengers. However, the Mercedes Benz GLC offers more bootspace than Defender with all the seats up. Defender has a higher ground clearance as well which makes it a capable car for navigating all types of terrains.
Summary: Land Rover Defender has a bigger interior space because of its extra-large dimensions while Mercedes Benz GLC has a bigger bootspace for carrying luggage while traveling long distances.
Land Rover Defender vs Mercedes Benz GLC: Engine & Transmission
Comparing the engine options and specifications is crucial, especially if you are a driving enthusiast. Here’s a detailed comparison of Land Rover Defender vs Mercedes Benz GLC on the basis of the engine, transmission options, power, mileage, and related features:
| Basis of Comparison | Land Rover Defender | Mercedes Benz GLC |
| Engine Options | 2.0-litre Turbo Petrol3.0-litre Turbo Diesel5.0-litre Supercharged V84.4-litre Twin-Turbo V8 | 2.0-litre Inline-4 Turbo Petrol2.0-litre Inline-4 Turbo Diesel |
| Transmission | 8-Speed Torque Converter | 9G-TRONIC 9-Speed Automatic |
| Power | Ranges from 296 bhp to 626 bhp depending upon the variant | Petrol: 258 hp with mild-hybrid boost Diesel: 197 hp with mild-hybrid boost |
| Torque | Ranges from 400 Nm to 750 Nm | Petrol: 400 NmDiesel: 440 Nm |
| Mileage/Range | Up to 14 kmpl depending upon engine. Fuel-type, and variant | Petrol: Up to 14.72 kmplDiesel: Up to 19.47 kmpl |
When it comes to engine options and raw power, Defender takes a clear lead from Mercedes Benz GLC. However, with its mild-hybrid electric motor integrated with both petrol and diesel engines, the Mercedes Benz GLC proves to be more fuel efficient, especially when you pick the diesel variants.
Summary: Land Rover Defender is a powerful machine with smooth transmission whereas Mercedes GLC is a fuel-efficient car with a slightly more responsive automatic transmission.
Land Rover Defender vs Mercedes Benz GLC: Features & Comfort
For most car buyers, features and comfort play a major role while selecting a car. So, lets compare Mercedes Benz GLC vs Land Rover Defender on the basis of their features and comfort now:
| Features | Land Rover Defender | Mercedes Benz GLC |
| Infotainment | 131-inch Pivi Pro touchscreen infotainment system | 11.9-inch MBUX touchscreen infotainment system |
| Music | Meridian Surround Sound System | 15-speaker Burmester surround audio system on select trims |
| Climate Control | 3-zone automatic climate control (dual zone in some variants) | Dual-zone climate control |
| Ventilated Seats | Front seats are equipped with both heating and cooling function | Front seats come with heating and cooling functions |
| Adjustable Steering | Power-adjustable tilt and telescopic steering adjustment | Power-adjustable tilt and telescopic steering with mounted controls |
| Drive Modes | Multiple drive modes including Sand, Mud, Rock Crawl, and Snow | Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Individual modes |
| Instrument Cluster | 12.3-inch interactive driver’s display | 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with fully customisable options |
| Sunroof | Panoramic sunroof | Panoramic sunroof with touch-sensitive controls |
| Adjustable Seats (Manual or Electric) | Electrically-adjustable front seats with memory function for the driver’s seat | Both driver and co-driver seats get 12-way electronically adjustable seats with memory function |
| Rear AC Vents | Dedicated AC vents for both 2nd and 3rd row passengers | Dedicated AC vents are provided for the rear passengers |
| 60:40 Rear Split Seats | 60:40 rear split seats | Available (60:40 split rear seats) |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control can be upgraded from the showroom (optional feature for extra cost) | Standard Cruise Control |
Land Rover Defender proves to be a feature-packed vehicle but when it comes to comfort-related features, GLC walks away with the win. Apart from the cruise control, everything else on the Mercedes Benz GLC is class apart. Yet, Land Rover Defender does not lag behind in terms of tech-related features. In short, Defender is more of a driving-oriented car whereas GLC focuses on chauffeur-driven experience and therefore, comfort and luxury are its topmost priorities.
Summary: Both Defender and GLC are comparable when it comes to features. However, GLC proves to be slightly better when it comes to features that are specially developed for rear passengers.
Land Rover Defender vs Mercedes Benz GLC: Safety Specifications
Safety is one of the most crucial aspects in any vehicle and therefore, let’s compare Land Rover Defender vs Mercedes Benz GLC on the basis of their safety features and specifications now:
| Safety Features | Land Rover Defender | Mercedes Benz GLC |
| GNCAP Safety Rating | 5-star rating from Euro NCAP (ENCAP) | 5-star safety rating from Euro NCAP (ENCAP) |
| Airbags | 6 airbags | 9 airbags is offered as a standard across the variants |
| ABS with EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| ESC | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rain-Sensing Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Hold Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Sensors | Front and rear parking sensors | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Camera | ✓ (can be upgraded to a 3D Surround Camera) | 360-degree surround view camera |
| ISOFIX Child Seat Anchor Points | ✓ | ✓ |
| ADAS | Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, Autonomous Emergency Braking, and other advanced safety features are included in the ADAS package of Land Rover Defender | Lane Keep Assist, Blind Spot Assist, Active Brake Assist, and other standard ADAS features |
Having more airbags does not mean that the car is more safe. This statement proves to be true in the case of Land Rover Defender and Mercedes Benz GLC. While Defender has only 6 airbags, GLC comes with 9 airbags. However, when it comes to the safety features, both the cars are quite similar. Defender variants can handle extreme environments and road conditions whereas the GLC is designed to offer a comfortable experience in most conditions.
Summary: Defender comes with solid build-quality and is built to sustain all types of terrains including off-road trails whereas GLC prioritises comfort and advanced safety over off-roading capabilities.
Land Rover Defender vs Mercedes Benz GLC: Pricing Details
Pricing is another important factor that car enthusiasts might consider while comparing two cars. The detailed pricing comparison between Mercedes Benz GLC and Land Rover Defender is given below:
| Land Rover Defender | Ex-Showroom Price | Mercedes Benz GLC | Ex-Showroom Price |
| Base Variants: 2.0 Petrol 110 SE, 2.0 Petrol 90 HSE, and 3.0 Diesel 90 HSE | Rs. 1.03 crore to Rs. 1.26 crore | GLC 300 4Matic | Rs. 77 lakhs |
| Mid Variants: 3.0 Diesel 110 X-Dynamic HSE, 3.0 Diesel 130 X-Dynamic HSE, and 3.0 Petrol 130 X | Rs. 1.29 crore to Rs. 1.46 crore | GLC 220d 4Matic | Rs. 77 lakhs |
| Top Variants: 5.0 V8 Petrol 110, and 4.4 V8 Petrol OCTA Edition One | Rs. 1.50 crore to Rs. 2.79 crore | AMG GLC 43 | Rs. 99.85 lakhs |
Defender is more expensive than GLC across the variants. Therefore, car buyers who want to experience the exceptional features of Mercedes Benz GLC under Rs. 1 crore (slightly above Rs. 1 crore for the performance variant AMG GLC 43), can opt for it.
Summary: When it comes to pricing, Defender proves to be more expensive than Mercedes Benz GLC but it also justifies its price with its robust build-quality and advanced features in all the departments.
Summary
Both Land Rover Defender and Mercedes Benz GLC are exceptional cars. Defender is the more rugged SUV with a commanding road presence whereas GLC has a more understated yet sophisticated appeal. Defender pumps-up your adrenaline while coasting off the off-roading tracks whereas GLC gives you a premium and comfortable ride-quality without any issues. Therefore, the final choice between the two depends upon your driving style, comfort requirements, and preferences when it comes to looks, road presence, and pricing.
FAQs
Q. Which is the better vehicle for off-roading: Land Rover Defender or Mercedes Benz GLC?
Due to its rugged build-quality, terrain-specific modes, and ability to take over adverse conditions, Land Rover Defender proves to be a better choice for off-roading as compared to the GLC variants.
Q. Which car offers more comfort for rear passengers: Land Rover Defender or Mercedes Benz GLC?
When it comes to space, airy cabin, and legroom, Land Rover Defender proves to be better than Mercedes GLC. However, GLC provides better ride-quality, luxurious interiors, and plush seats.
Q. Is the automatic transmission of Mercedes Benz GLC more responsive than that of Defender?
Yes, the 9G-Tronic transmission of Mercedes Benz GLC feels more responsive than the 8-speed Torque converter of Land Rover Defender.
Q. Is it possible to get cars like GLC and Defender in the second-hand car markets?
Yes, you can find Land Rover Defender and Mercedes GLC easily in the pre-owned luxury car markets in India. For a detailed inspection report and certifier cars with 1-year warranty, you can opt for organised used car platforms such as Spinny.
Q. Which car has more body roll: Land Rover Defender or Mercedes Benz GLC?
As Defender is taller and bulkier, you will feel slightly more body roll while driving in sharp corners as compared to the Mercedes Benz GLC.
