Land Rover Defender OCTA vs Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP's published record does not give the Land Rover Defender OCTA a rating. With no pair of ratings to compare, the active-safety features in the spec table above are the fairer comparison.

Recalls on our record

A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.

Charging times

How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to a DC fast charger, estimated from battery size and the car's own maximum charge rates.

Feature Showdown

The Land Rover Defender OCTA features a 11.4-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV gets a 12.8-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Land Rover Defender OCTA stands out with ventilated seats and Meridian audio — features our data doesn't list for the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV. The Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV counters with head-up display and Burmester audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Land Rover Defender OCTA gets leather upholstery while the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV offers artico man-made leather. Climate control is 3-zone in the Land Rover Defender OCTA and 4-zone in the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV.

Drivetrain

The Land Rover Defender OCTA uses a 4.4L V8 Twin-Turbo Petrol Mild Hybrid producing 467kW and 750Nm of torque, sent through a 8-speed automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 4 seconds.

The Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV responds with a Electric making 180kW and 550Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.3 seconds.

The Land Rover Defender OCTA has the clear power advantage at 467kW vs 180kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Land Rover Defender OCTA is 3.3s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The Land Rover Defender OCTA measures 4,813mm long on a 3,023mm wheelbase, 50mm shorter than the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV at 4,863mm (3,030mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV generally means more rear legroom.

For towing, the Land Rover Defender OCTA leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 750kg. That 2,750kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Neither U-turns in one sweep on a 7 m local street (both need a three-point turn); the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV's turning circle is 0.5 m tighter, 12.3 m against 12.8 m kerb to kerb. The street estimate is indicative, worked from the published turning circles.

Cost to own

At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Land Rover Defender OCTA costs about $3,734 a year (13.1 L/100km) and electricity for the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV about $859 a year (17.9 kWh/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh.

Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (Land Rover Defender OCTA) and 5 years / Unlimited (Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV). Capped-price servicing: no data (Land Rover Defender OCTA), 5 years (Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV).

Where each one leads

The Land Rover Defender OCTA: more power (467kW against 180kW) and the higher braked towing limit (3,500kg against 750kg).

The Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV: the lower starting price ($134,900 against $304,500).

The Verdict

Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV scores higher, 70 vs 55

The Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV scores 70 to the Land Rover Defender OCTA's 55 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 1 of the 4 spec rows that separate them, at the lower price. The biggest gaps: safety (Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV ahead by 31 points), performance (Land Rover Defender OCTA ahead by 31 points).

Common questions