2027 Defender 130 vs. Mercedes-Benz GLS Comparison with Price, Specs, & Photos

There are plenty of luxury SUVs out there, but most can’t offer much in the way of practicality to go with the comfortable seats and high-end materials. This is where the Defender 130 has always had an advantage. Spacious, luxurious, and imbued with a class-leading level of off-road ability, the Defender 130 is a tough vehicle to beat. But that doesn’t mean other vehicles don’t try. The Mercedes-Benz GLS also offers three rows of seats in a spacious interior. It has a higher towing capacity than most Mercedes-Benz SUVs, and it’s not without a fair number of off-road features. Is that enough to take on the Defender 130? Not quite; read on to see why.

Defender 130 VS Mercedes-Benz GLS

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The first win for the Defender 130 in the practicality department is the price, where it has a very clear advantage. Additionally, the Defender 130 offers more seats, more cargo capacity, and a higher towing capacity. But one of the biggest differences can be seen in one small detail. While both vehicles come with standard all-wheel drive, only the Defender 130 includes a twin-speed transfer box. This is what enables the Defender to have low-range operation, an absolutely vital feature for serious off-roading. And it’s not as though Mercedes-Benz doesn’t want you to use the GLS off-road; it comes with an off-road menu that shows steering angle, tilt angle, grade percentage, and more. But the GLS falls well short in terms of actual capability, as evidenced by the fact that Mercedes doesn’t offer the GLS with all-terrain tires or an off-road package, both of which are available for the Defender 130.

The GLS comes with more standard horsepower than the Defender 130, and that would be meaningful if it weren’t for the fact that the Mercedes costs so much more that an engine upgrade for the Defender 130 that makes it more powerful than the GLS still costs less than the Mercedes. In the luxury department, neither has a clear advantage. Both are offered with standard heated and ventilated seats and a premium name-brand stereo, and both offer leather upholstery. But if one has an edge, it still goes to the more spacious interior in the Defender 130. And while Mercedes-Benz makes very good-looking large sedans, that same design language looks awkward in a large SUV. Looks are subjective, but it stands to reason that an all-SUV automaker would build a better-looking SUV.

*Starting at price shown is the current Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price and subject to change. Excludes destination & delivery charge ($1,275 for Range Rover Evoque and Discovery Sport, $1,375 for Range Rover Velar, $2,150 for Range Rover, $1,850 for Range Rover Sport, Discovery and Defender). Tax, title, license, and retailer fees, all due at signing, and optional equipment. Base Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price excludes destination & delivery charge and may include optional equipment but excludes tax, title, license, and retailer fees, all due at signing. Total Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price includes destination & delivery charge and may include optional equipment but excludes tax, title, license, and retailer fees, all due at signing. Retailer price, terms and vehicle availability may vary. See your local authorized Land Rover Retailer for details.