2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2022 Land Rover Defender

The 2022 Land Rover Defender retained its iconic design, with no major exterior changes, maintaining its distinctive boxy profile, tailgate-mounted spare wheel, and flat hood reminiscent of the original version. The option for a white contrasting roof and steel wheels added a retro touch. Despite these nostalgic elements, the Defender's design was thoroughly modern, featuring rounded corners for improved aerodynamics and recessed LED headlights that gave it a unique personality. The modern Defender was significantly larger than its predecessor, offering enhanced interior space and ergonomics. The interior design emphasized the Defender’s rugged character, with a mix of leather and suede upholstery, bare metal, and exposed screws, creating a look that was both practical and stylish.

In contrast, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE received a subtle exterior makeover that might have gone unnoticed by many. The front grille featured clever Mercedes star logos, and changes to the headlights and taillights were more apparent when compared directly to the previous model. The GLE 450e test vehicle, finished in Twilight Blue metallic with 21-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels, presented a handsome appearance. The interior of the GLE 450e exuded luxury, with Macchiato beige and black leather upholstery complemented by natural grain brown walnut trim. Mercedes offered a wide range of interior colour choices and trims, ensuring a high-quality and robust-looking cabin.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender offered a range of powertrains, including a base 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 296 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, and a mid-level 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six mild-hybrid powertrain producing 395 hp and 406 lb-ft. The standout option was the new-for-2022 V8 engine, delivering 518 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque, propelling the Defender 90 from zero to 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds, with a top speed of 240 km/h. The V8 model featured an electronic active rear differential, Dynamic drive mode, and unique transmission and suspension tuning for sportier handling. Despite its off-road capabilities, the Defender was impressively comfortable on pavement, with a suspension that absorbed bumps effectively and minimized noise from the 22-inch tires. The Defender's off-road prowess was supported by a 4WD system with low range, good approach, departure, and breakover angles, and up to 29 centimetres of ground clearance with optional air suspension.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a variety of powertrains, including turbocharged four- and six-cylinder engines, with the AMG GLE 53 featuring a 3.0-litre turbo inline-six. The GLE 450e, with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine and electric motor, produced a combined 381 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque, achieving zero to 100 km/h in approximately 5.5 seconds. The GLE 450e's fuel economy was estimated at 4.1 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres in hybrid mode, with a range of 77 kilometres on electric power alone. The transition between gas and electric power was seamless, and the suspension provided a smooth ride, even on rough roads. The GLE's sophisticated steering made it feel maneuverable despite its size, and the GLE 450e's driving manners were refined and sophisticated.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender featured 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats, which were comfortable but challenging to access in the two-door Defender 90. The four-door Defender 110 offered more versatility, with two-row, five-seat, and three-row, seven-seat configurations. Cargo space varied, with three-row models offering 160 litres with all seats in place, 743 litres with the third row folded, and 1,826 litres with the second row folded. Two-row versions provided 786 litres with the rear seats up and 1,875 litres with the seats folded. The interior design emphasized functionality, with a large caged storage space below the dashboard and a spacious centre-console storage bin that could be equipped with refrigeration.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE provided ample space for five passengers, with generous headroom and legroom in both the first and second rows. The GLE 450e offered 630 litres of cargo space behind the second row, which compared favourably with rivals like the BMW X5. The optional third-row seat was limited to the GLE 350 and GLE 450 trims and was suitable only for young children. The GLE 450e came with numerous comfort features, including power-adjustable heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, and a power liftgate. Additional features included a Burmester surround-sound audio system, ventilated front seats, augmented reality navigation, and a head-up display.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender came equipped with the Pivi Pro infotainment system, featuring a 10-inch central touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster was standard on all trims except the base model, with an optional 11.4-inch touchscreen available. The system's graphics and menu layouts were well-designed, though the touchscreen required a firm touch to operate. A surround-view camera system was standard, with optional features including a 14-speaker Meridian audio system and a head-up display.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, with dual 12.3-inch screens serving as the digital instrument panel and main touchscreen. The system could be controlled via touch commands, a control pad on the centre console, or touch-sensitive buttons on the steering wheel. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with an improved "Hey Mercedes" voice command system. The optional head-up display and augmented reality navigation were praised for their clarity and convenience, though the touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel could be inadvertently activated.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender included standard driver-assist features such as lane-keep assist, automatic emergency braking, traffic-sign recognition, and blind-spot monitoring, with adaptive cruise control available as an option. The Defender had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, which was not uncommon for luxury vehicles.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a comprehensive suite of active safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, pedestrian detection, and hands-free park assist. Optional features included active blind-spot assist, active lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and evasive steering assist. The GLE received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS for the 2022 model year, though crash tests for the 2024 model had not been completed.