Mercedes-Benz GLB 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.
Mercedes-Benz GLB
From $63,900
SUV
Petrol
120kW
6.5 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
570L
Land Rover Defender 90
From $98,400
SUV
3.0 i6 Diesel Mild Hybrid
183kW
8.1 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
397L
Price Breakdown
The Mercedes-Benz GLB starts from $63,900 before on-road costs, while the Land Rover Defender 90 opens at $98,400. That makes the Mercedes-Benz GLB the more affordable entry point by $34,500.
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 $70,290 and $108,240 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mercedes-Benz GLB by roughly $2,280 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Mercedes-Benz GLB and Land Rover Defender 90 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 92% for the Mercedes-Benz GLB and 85% for the Land Rover Defender 90.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Land Rover Defender 90 packs more ADAS features with 7 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 6 in the Mercedes-Benz GLB.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Mercedes-Benz GLB and 6 in the Land Rover Defender 90. The Land Rover Defender 90 adds a 360-degree camera that the Mercedes-Benz GLB misses.
Feature Showdown
The Mercedes-Benz GLB features a 10.3-inch touchscreen, while the Land Rover Defender 90 gets a 13.1-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mercedes-Benz GLB stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, power tailgate and ambient lighting that you will not find on the Land Rover Defender 90. The Land Rover Defender 90 counters with Apple CarPlay. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Mercedes-Benz GLB uses a Petrol producing 120kW and 250Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.4 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 Land Rover Defender 90 has the clear power advantage at 183kW vs 120kW. In the real-world sprint, the Land Rover Defender 90 is 1.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mercedes-Benz GLB measures 4,634mm long on a 2,829mm wheelbase, 311mm longer than the Land Rover Defender 90 at 4,323mm (2,587mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz GLB generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 570L in the Mercedes-Benz GLB and 397L in the Land Rover Defender 90, giving the Mercedes-Benz GLB a 173L advantage. The Mercedes-Benz GLB seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the Land Rover Defender 90 leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 1,600kg. That 1,900kg 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 11.6m
Based on 11.6m 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
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,853/year for the Mercedes-Benz GLB and $2,309/year for the Land Rover Defender 90. That is a $456 annual difference in favour of the Mercedes-Benz GLB.
Estimated annual total: $1,853 (Mercedes-Benz GLB) vs $2,309 (Land Rover Defender 90). The Mercedes-Benz GLB saves you roughly $456 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz GLB) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Land Rover Defender 90). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mercedes-Benz GLB if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Land Rover Defender 90 if: You prioritise performance, need stronger towing, or prefer Land Rover's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Mercedes-Benz GLB and Land Rover Defender 90 trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Mercedes-Benz GLB will save you roughly $456 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Mercedes-Benz GLB 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 GLB and Land Rover Defender 90?
The Mercedes-Benz GLB is the cheapest at $63,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Land Rover Defender 90 by $34,500.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mercedes-Benz GLB uses the least fuel at 6.5L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Mercedes-Benz GLB and Land Rover Defender 90 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Mercedes-Benz GLB has the largest boot at 570L.
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 Land Rover Defender 90 makes the most power at 183kW. The Land Rover Defender 90 is quickest to 100km/h in 8s.
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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