Mercedes-Benz GLS-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.
Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class
From $199,900
SUV
Petrol
270kW
10.5 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
680L
Land Rover Defender 130
From $114,500
SUV
3.0 i6 D350 Diesel Mild Hybrid
257kW
8.1 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
389L
Price Breakdown
The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class starts from $199,900 before on-road costs, while the Land Rover Defender 130 opens at $114,500. That makes the Land Rover Defender 130 the more affordable entry point by $85,400.
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 $219,890 and $125,950 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Land Rover Defender 130 by roughly $3,420 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class and Land Rover Defender 130 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 7 out of 10 key ADAS systems.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 9 in the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class and 6 in the Land Rover Defender 130.
Feature Showdown
The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class features a 12.3-inch touchscreen, while the Land Rover Defender 130 gets a 13.1-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class stands out with head-up display, panoramic roof, power tailgate and Burmester audio that you will not find on 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.
Drivetrain
The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class uses a Petrol producing 270kW and 500Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 5.9 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 GLS-Class has the clear power advantage at 270kW vs 257kW. In the real-world sprint, the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class is 0.9s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class measures 5,207mm long on a 3,135mm wheelbase, 108mm longer than the Land Rover Defender 130 at 5,099mm (3,587mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Land Rover Defender 130 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 680L in the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class and 389L in the Land Rover Defender 130, giving the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class a 291L advantage.
For towing, the Mercedes-Benz GLS-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 12.8m
Based on 12.8m 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
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,993/year for the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class and $2,309/year for the Land Rover Defender 130. That is a $684 annual difference in favour of the Land Rover Defender 130.
Estimated annual total: $2,993 (Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class) vs $2,309 (Land Rover Defender 130). The Land Rover Defender 130 saves you roughly $684 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Land Rover Defender 130). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mercedes-Benz GLS-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
The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class takes 4 of 6 key spec categories. The Land Rover Defender 130 will save you roughly $684 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
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.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 20 April 2026
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