Discovery from Land Rover is a popular 7-seater SUV known for its ruggedness and off-roading capabilities. The Mercedes Benz GLE Class is available only with the 5-seating configuration in the Indian market. It rivals many premium cars due to its stylish and luxurious interiors and refined driving experience. Both these cars are upgraded with advanced technology and features. Therefore, let’s compare these cars to figure out the differences between them.
Land Rover Discovery vs Mercedes Benz GLE Class: Dimensions
Analyse the dimensions of Mercedes Benz GLE Class and Land Rover Discovery to determine which car is more spacious among them. Also, the bigger car often demands better road presence and therefore, comparing Land Rover Discovery vs Mercedes Benz GLE Class based on their dimensions makes complete sense. The below table provides us with more insights regarding this:
| Dimensions | Land Rover Discovery | Mercedes Benz GLE Class |
| Length | 4988 mm | 4926 mm |
| Width | 2220 mm | 2157 mm |
| Height | 1888 mm | 1797 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2923 mm | 2995 mm |
| Bootspace | 258 litres | 630 litres |
| Ground Clearance | 207 mm | 215 mm |
Though the difference in dimensions isn’t huge, Land Rover Discovery proves to be an overall bigger vehicle. The wheelbase of the GLE Class is slightly better than Discovery providing more legroom to the rear passengers. When all the seats are up, the GLE also provides more bootspace for storing luggage during long trips. The ground clearance of GLE is also slightly better on paper but with adaptive air suspension that adjusts the ground clearance based on the terrain and road conditions, Land Rover Discovery can prove to be the real winner on the roads.
Summary: Land Rover Discovery is a bigger car overall but GLE offers more bootspace and comes with a higher ground clearance.
Land Rover Discovery vs Mercedes Benz GLE Class: Engine & Transmission
Comparing Land Rover Discovery and Mercedes Benz GLE Class on the basis of engine and transmission is a must before arriving at a conclusion. More insights regarding these details are provided in the below table:
| Basis of Comparison | Land Rover Discovery | Mercedes Benz GLE Class |
| Engine Options | 2.0-litre Petrol (P300)3.0-litre Diesel (D300) | 3.0-litre Petrol Engine for the GLE 450 model2.0-litre Diesel Engine for the GLE 300d or 400d models |
| Transmission | 8-Speed Torque Converter | 9G-Tronic Automatic Transmission |
| Power | Up to 296 bhp | 265 to 375 bhp depending on engine type |
| Torque | Ranges from 400 Nm to 650 Nm depending upon engine type and variant | Petrol: 500 NmDiesel: 750 Nm |
| Mileage/Range | Up to 13.2 kmpl depending upon engine. Fuel-type, and variant | Up to 9.7 kmpl |
Owing to its more powerful engine, the GLE Class beats Land Rover Discovery with its sheer power and high torque. However, the higher power range deteriorates its fuel-efficiency which makes Discovery win in the department of mileage.
Summary: GLE is more powerful whereas Discovery delivers better mileage.
Also Read: Mercedes-Benz Cars in India
Land Rover Discovery vs Mercedes Benz GLE Class: Features & Comfort
Features and comfort are probably the topmost priority of car enthusiasts while picking their favourite car among the luxury car models. So, let’s compare Mercedes Benz GLE Class and Land Rover Discovery on the basis of their comfort and features now:
| Features | Land Rover Discovery | Mercedes Benz GLE Class |
| Infotainment | 11.4-inch HD Pivi Pro touchscreen infotainment system | 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system by MBUX |
| Music | Meridian Surround Sound System | Burmester 3D surround audio system |
| Climate Control | 3-zone automatic climate control (dual zone in some variants) | 4-zone automatic climate control |
| Ventilated Seats | Front seats are equipped with both heating and cooling function | Ventilated heating/cooling seats with memory function |
| Adjustable Steering | Electrically-adjustable steering column | Power-adjustable telescopic steering wheel |
| Drive Modes | Standard modes such as Comfort, Eco, and Dynamic Terrain-specific modes such as Grass/Gravel/Snow, Sand, Mud & Ruts, and Rock Crawl | Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Individual modes |
| Instrument Cluster | 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with customisable options | 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster |
| Sunroof | Panoramic sunroof | Panoramic Sunroof |
| Adjustable Seats (Manual or Electric) | 20-way power adjustable seats with memory functions | Power-adjustable seats with recline, lumbar support, and memory function |
| Rear AC Vents | Dedicated AC vents for both second and third-row passengers | Rear AC vents with separate controls |
| 60:40 Rear Split Seats | 60:40 rear split seats | 40:20:40 or 60:40 rear split seats |
| Cruise Control | Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control | Standard cruise control |
Both Mercedes Benz GLE Class and Land Rover Discovery are identical when it comes to their features. However, the GLE scores higher marks when it comes to pure comfort and luxury. Discovery takes the lead over GLE with its advanced driver-centric features for conquering difficult terrains and challenging conditions.
Summary: Mercedes Benz GLE Class provides lounge-like experience with its superior comfort and ride-quality.
Land Rover Discovery vs Mercedes Benz GLE Class: Safety Features
Safety features are an important consideration while comparing cars priced in the similar range. Therefore, let’s compare these cars on the basis of their safety specifications now:
| Safety Features | Land Rover Discovery | Mercedes Benz GLE Class |
| GNCAP Safety Rating | 5-star rating from Euro NCAP (ENCAP) | 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating |
| Airbags | Up to 7 airbags | 9 standard airbags |
| ABS with EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| ESC | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rain-Sensing Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Hold Assist | ✓ (Hill Launch Assist) | ✓ |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Sensors | Front and rear parking sensors | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Camera | 360-degree HD surround camera | 360-degree camera in provided only in the top trims and rear parking camera is provided as a standard across the variants |
| ISOFIX Child Seat Anchor Points | ✓ | ✓ |
| ADAS | Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, Autonomous Emergency Braking, and other advanced safety features | ADAS Level 2 features such as active parking assist, emergency braking, Blind spot assist, etc. are provided in Mercedes Benz GLE Class |
Mercedes Benz GLE Class offers more airbags but that doesn’t mean that it is safer than Land Rover Discovery. Both cars have secured 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating and come with advanced safety features like ADAS. However, Land Rover Discovery can be considered slightly better in this department because of its robust build-quality and sheer ruggedness.
Summary: Both Land Rover Discovery and GLE Class come with advanced safety features and sturdy build-quality.
Also Read: Land Rover Discovery Alternatives: Competitors of Land Rover Discovery
Land Rover Discovery vs Mercedes Benz GLE Class: Pricing Details
After comparing Land Rover Discovery vs Mercedes Benz GLE Class on most things, the final comparison takes us to their pricing difference. More insights regarding this are shared in the below table:
| Land Rover Discovery | Ex-Showroom Price | Mercedes Benz GLE Class | Ex-Showroom Price |
| Base Variants: 3.0 Diesel S and Gemini Edition | Rs. 1.25 crore to Rs. 1.26 crore | Base Variant: 300d 4Matic AMG | Rs. 96.14 lakhs |
| Mid Variant: Dynamic HSE | Rs. 1.30 crore | Mid Variant: GLE 450 4Matic | Rs. 1.07 crores |
| Top Variants: Metropolitan and Tempest Edition | Rs. 1.37 crore to Rs. 1.39 crore | Top Variant: 450d 4Matic | Rs. 1.12 crores |
Land Rover Discovery is more expensive than GLE Class across the variants. This means that the insurance cost of GLE variants will be a lot lesser than the variants of Discovery.
Summary: GLE Class comes at a cheaper price than Land Rover Discovery.
Summary
Both Discovery and GLE are excellent rides for those seeking comfort, luxury, and safety in one package. Yet, GLE is the better car when it comes to superior comfort and driving dynamics. On the other hand, Discovery is the clear winner when it comes to navigating unpredictable and difficult road conditions. So, the final choice depends on your driving style, preferences, and exact requirements.
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FAQs: Land Rover Discovery vs Mercedes Benz GLE Class
Q. Which car to prefer for long drives: Land Rover Discovery or Mercedes Benz GLE Class?
For better ride-quality, unmatchable comfort, and executive level quality, you can prefer the Mercedes Benz GLE Class. For more space, ruggedness, and dominating road presence, you can choose the Land Rover Discovery.
Q. Which car provides more reliability and stability at high speeds: Land Rover Discovery or Mercedes Benz GLE Class?
Mercedes Benz GLE Class proves to be the better car when it comes to reliable performance and stability at high speeds. The superior design and advanced suspension, makes the car feel planted even at speeds over 120 kmph.
Q. Should I opt for Land Rover Discovery or Mercedes Benz GLE Class for my family?
For superior comfort, you can choose the GLE but if your family has more members and prefer going to hiking trails frequently, Discovery might prove to be the better choice.
Q. Can I sell second-hand luxury cars from Land Rover or Mercedes Benz in India?
Yes, using verified used car platforms like Spinny, you can sell your pre-owned luxury cars from Land Rover or Mercedes Benz at a reasonable price in India.
Q. Which car is more suited for the rural roads in India: Land Rover Discovery or Mercedes Benz GLE Class?
Discovery is the ultimate choice for uneven roads, steep potholes, and large speed breakers of Indian roads.
