Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs Land Rover Defender 130
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Data checked: specs 28 Aug 2026, price 25 Jun 2026
Driver assistance, as the maker lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
$214,900RRP
- no option data for this car
$136,000RRP
- with the Mercedes-Benz G-Class's standard kit: $136,000 (nothing to add; 1 with no data, not charged)
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
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Price Breakdown
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class starts from $214,900 before on-road costs, while the Land Rover Defender 130 opens at $136,000. That makes the Land Rover Defender 130 the more affordable entry point by $78,900.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $236,390 and $149,600 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Recalls on our record
Mercedes-Benz G-Class
- REC-006071 · published 3 Sep 2024The jack provided with the vehicle may not include a base plate.Year range on the notice: 2010 - 2023
- REC-005747 · published 8 Aug 2023Due to a manufacturing defect, the fuel delivery unit may fail causing the fuel pump to switch off.Year range on the notice: 2021 - 2022
- REC-005667 · published 4 May 2023Due to a manufacturing defect, the front axle wiring harness may come in contact with the oil cooler.Year range on the notice: 2018 - 2022
- 10 more on the model page.
Land Rover Defender 130
- REC-006645 · published 2 Jul 2026Driver airbag clock spring connector fretting corrosionYear range on the notice: 2019 - 2026
- REC-006642 · published 2 Jul 2026Due to a manufacturing defect, the connection to the driver’s airbag clock spring may corrode over time and lead to an increased resistance in the airbag circuit.Year range on the notice: 2019 - 2026
- REC-006638 · published 2 Jul 2026Due to a manufacturing defect, the front-end auxiliary drive belt idler pulley may over rotate and cause damage to the oil pressure and temperature sensor.Year range on the notice: 2024 - 2026
- 7 more on the model page.
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Feature Showdown
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Land Rover Defender 130 gets a 11.4-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class stands out with head-up display and Burmester audio — features our data doesn't list for the Land Rover Defender 130. The Land Rover Defender 130 counters with heated front seats and Meridian audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Mercedes-Benz G-Class gets nappa leather upholstery while the Land Rover Defender 130 offers leather.
Drivetrain
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class uses a Diesel producing 270kW and 750Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a 4WD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 5.8 seconds.
The Land Rover Defender 130 responds with a 3.0 i6 D350 Diesel Mild Hybrid making 257kW and 700Nm, paired to a 8-speed automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.8 seconds.
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class has the clear power advantage at 270kW vs 257kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Mercedes-Benz G-Class is 1.0s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class measures 4,825mm long on a 2,890mm wheelbase, 274mm shorter than the Land Rover Defender 130 at 5,099mm (3,022mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Land Rover Defender 130 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 480L in the Mercedes-Benz G-Class and 389L in the Land Rover Defender 130, giving the Mercedes-Benz G-Class a 91L advantage. The Land Rover Defender 130 seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 3,000kg. That 500kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
12.8m to 13.0m
Based on 13.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,480/year for the Mercedes-Benz G-Class and $2,309/year for the Land Rover Defender 130. That is a $171 annual difference in favour of the Land Rover Defender 130.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz G-Class) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Land Rover Defender 130). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mercedes-Benz G-Class if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Land Rover Defender 130 if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, or prefer Land Rover's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Mercedes-Benz G-Class: Level on the CarSorted Score at 65, ahead on the category wins, but the Land Rover Defender 130 is $78,900 cheaper
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (65 vs 65), taking 4 of 6 key spec rows below. The deciding gaps: reliability (Mercedes-Benz G-Class ahead by 7), safety (Mercedes-Benz G-Class ahead by 6), fuel economy (Land Rover Defender 130 ahead by 6). The Land Rover Defender 130 will save you roughly $171 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Mercedes-Benz G-Class and Land Rover Defender 130?
The Land Rover Defender 130 is the cheapest at $136,000 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mercedes-Benz G-Class by $78,900.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Land Rover Defender 130 uses the least fuel at 8.1L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of Mercedes-Benz G-Class and Land Rover Defender 130 carry a published ANCAP rating yet, so there is no crash result to compare. Check back as they are tested.
Which has the most boot space?
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class has the largest boot at 480L with the seats up.
Which can tow the most?
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class makes the most power at 270kW. The Mercedes-Benz G-Class is quickest to 100km/h in 5.8s.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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