Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class vs Land Rover Defender 90
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 24 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.
$199,900RRP
- no option data for this car
$98,400RRP
- with the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class's standard kit: $98,400 (nothing to add; 5 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 GLS-Class starts from $199,900 before on-road costs, while the Land Rover Defender 90 opens at $98,400. That makes the Land Rover Defender 90 the more affordable entry point by $101,500.
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 $108,240 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 GLS-Class
- REC-006362 · published 16 Jun 2025Due to a manufacturing defect, the multi-purpose camera and/or the interior rear-view mirror on the windscreen may not have been bonded correctly and could detach.Year range on the notice: 2024
- REC-005922 · published 20 Mar 2024Due to a software issue in the transmission control module, the transmission may not downshift under certain conditions and could result in a sudden loss of engine power.Year range on the notice: 2019 - 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
- 7 more on the model page.
Land Rover Defender 90
- 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
- 13 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 GLS-Class features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Land Rover Defender 90 gets a 11.4-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display, panoramic roof, power tailgate, Burmester audio and ambient lighting — features our data doesn't list for the Land Rover Defender 90. The Land Rover Defender 90 counters with Apple CarPlay and heated front seats. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class gets nappa leather upholstery while the Land Rover Defender 90 offers leather. Climate control is 4-zone in the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class and 3-zone in the Land Rover Defender 90.
Drivetrain
The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class uses a Petrol producing 270kW and 750Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.1 seconds.
The Land Rover Defender 90 responds with a 3.0 i6 Diesel Mild Hybrid making 183kW and 570Nm, paired to a 8-speed automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8 seconds.
The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class has the clear power advantage at 270kW vs 183kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class is 1.9s 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 5,215mm long on a 3,135mm wheelbase, 892mm longer than the Land Rover Defender 90 at 4,323mm (2,587mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 355L in the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class and 397L in the Land Rover Defender 90, giving the Land Rover Defender 90 a 42L advantage. The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the Land Rover Defender 90 leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 2,700kg. That 800kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.3m to 12.5m
Based on 12.5m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.3m 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 $2,223/year for the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class and $2,309/year for the Land Rover Defender 90. That is a $86 annual difference in favour of the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Land Rover Defender 90). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class if: You prioritise performance, want lower running costs, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Land Rover Defender 90 if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Land Rover's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Land Rover Defender 90: Top CarSorted Score, 67 vs 66
The Land Rover Defender 90 comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (67 vs 66), taking 3 of 6 key spec rows below and coming in at a lower price. The deciding gaps: performance (Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class ahead by 20), value (Land Rover Defender 90 ahead by 16), practicality (Land Rover Defender 90 ahead by 9). The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class will save you roughly $86 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Land Rover Defender 90 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 GLS-Class and Land Rover Defender 90?
The Land Rover Defender 90 is the cheapest at $98,400 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class by $101,500.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class uses the least fuel at 7.8L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class and Land Rover Defender 90 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 Land Rover Defender 90 has the largest boot at 397L with the seats up.
Which can tow the most?
The Land Rover Defender 90 has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class makes the most power at 270kW. The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class is quickest to 100km/h in 6.1s.
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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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