Land Rover Defender OCTA vs Mercedes-Benz GLC

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.

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 GLC gets a 11.9-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments.

The Land Rover Defender OCTA stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, ventilated seats, power tailgate and Meridian audio — features our data doesn't list for the Mercedes-Benz GLC. The Mercedes-Benz GLC counters with head-up display. 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 GLC offers synthetic leather. Climate control is 3-zone in the Land Rover Defender OCTA and 2-zone in the Mercedes-Benz GLC.

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 GLC responds with a Petrol making 150kW and 320Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.2 seconds.

The Land Rover Defender OCTA has the clear power advantage at 467kW vs 150kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Land Rover Defender OCTA is 4.2s 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, 97mm longer than the Mercedes-Benz GLC at 4,716mm (2,888mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Land Rover Defender OCTA generally means more rear legroom.

For towing, the Land Rover Defender OCTA leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 2,000kg. That 1,500kg 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 GLC's turning circle is 0.9 m tighter, 11.9 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 fuel for the Mercedes-Benz GLC about $2,138 a year (7.5 L/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh. That is $1,596 a year less for the Mercedes-Benz GLC.

Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (Land Rover Defender OCTA) and 5 years / Unlimited (Mercedes-Benz GLC).

Where each one leads

The Land Rover Defender OCTA: more power (467kW against 150kW) and the higher braked towing limit (3,500kg against 2,000kg).

The Mercedes-Benz GLC: the lower starting price ($89,900 against $304,500) and lower fuel or energy costs on our assumptions ($2,138 a year against $3,734).

The Verdict

Level: here's what splits them

The Land Rover Defender OCTA (55) and Mercedes-Benz GLC (62) are too close to call on the figures we hold. What splits them: fuel economy (Mercedes-Benz GLC ahead by 51 points), performance (Land Rover Defender OCTA ahead by 45 points), value (Mercedes-Benz GLC ahead by 25 points). At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Mercedes-Benz GLC costs about $1,596 less (7.5 L/100km against 13.1 L/100km, at $1.90 a litre).

Common questions