2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2023 Land Rover Defender

In Canada, the 2023 Land Rover Defender was a popular choice, outselling the Land Rover Discovery by a significant margin. The Defender's boxy design, reminiscent of the old LR4, appealed to customers who preferred its classic truck aesthetic over the Discovery's more conventional look. The Defender's design was characterized by its square-jawed face, rectangular hood and doors, and abruptly chopped tail, all of which contributed to its rugged and timeless appearance. Tasteful accents, such as the dome and faux-metal step plates on the hood, skylights along the roof, and the full-size wheel mounted on the hatch, paid homage to the original 1980s Defender. The Defender was available in three body styles: the short two-door 90, the medium-length four-door 110, and the extended-length four-door 130, offering a range of options for buyers.

Inside, the Defender prioritized function and durability over luxury, with an interior that featured rubbers and plastics designed to resist moisture and stains. Despite its high price, the interior was basic and barren, with exposed screws and plain-looking air vents. However, this simplicity was refreshing, as it maintained the Defender's hardcore character. The build quality and fit were excellent, but the Defender's price tag, especially for the V8 Carpathian Edition, was considered excessive by some. Nevertheless, the Defender continued to sell well in Canada, indicating that its unique charm resonated with many buyers.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE received a subtle exterior makeover for 2024, with changes that were not immediately noticeable. The Mercedes star logos on the front grille were a clever new detail, and the LED headlights and taillights added a touch of modernity. The GLE 450e, finished in Twilight Blue metallic and equipped with 21-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels, exuded a sense of elegance and sophistication. The interior of the GLE 450e was equally impressive, featuring a combination of Macchiato beige and black leather upholstery with natural grain brown walnut trim. Mercedes offered a wide range of interior colour choices and trims, ensuring that buyers could customize their GLE to their liking.

The GLE's cabin was a testament to luxury and quality, with features such as power-adjustable heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and a panoramic sunroof. The GLE 450e's interior was spacious and comfortable, with ample headroom and legroom for passengers. The GLE's attention to detail and high-quality materials made it one of the most robust-looking cabins in its segment, setting it apart from its competitors.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender was a formidable off-road vehicle, boasting impressive grip, wheel articulation, and clearance. Its air suspension allowed it to tackle challenging trails with ease, although most owners were unlikely to use its full off-road capabilities. On the road, the Defender's performance was less impressive, with excessive body roll, slow steering, and noticeable wind noise. The V8 engine, however, provided ample power with 518 horsepower and 461 pound-feet of torque, making it a thrilling drive despite its top-heavy nature. The six-cylinder engine, part of a 48-volt mild hybrid powertrain, offered 395 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque, providing a balance of performance and efficiency. The Defender's fuel economy varied depending on the engine, with the V8 being the least efficient.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of powertrains to suit different preferences. The GLE 450e, with its turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine and electric motor, delivered a combined output of 381 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. The nine-speed automatic transmission ensured smooth power delivery, and the GLE 450e could accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in approximately 5.5 seconds. The GLE 450e's fuel economy was impressive, with an estimated 4.1 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres in hybrid mode. The electric mode allowed for silent highway driving at speeds up to 140 km/h. The GLE's suspension was supple and capable, providing a comfortable ride even on rough roads. Its sophisticated steering made it easy to maneuver, and the GLE 450e's driving manners were refined and enjoyable.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender excelled as an everyday SUV, offering unmatched seating configurations. The Defender 90 could seat six with a jump seat, while the 110 and 130 models offered optional third rows for additional passengers. The Defender 130 could accommodate up to eight passengers, with features such as a separate moonroof, air vents, and USB ports for rear passengers. The Defender's cargo space varied depending on the model, with the 130 offering up to 2,180 litres with the seats folded. The Defender's versatility extended to its off-road capabilities, with options for off-road or all-season tires, a metal roof rack, and various accessories.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE provided ample space and comfort for 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 was competitive with other SUVs in its class. While the GLE's optional third-row seat was limited to certain trims and best suited for children, the overall cabin experience was luxurious and well-appointed. The GLE 450e featured power-adjustable heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and a panoramic sunroof, among other comfort touches. The GLE's attention to detail and high-quality materials contributed to its reputation as a premium SUV.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender featured two touchscreen infotainment systems running Pivi Pro software. The standard 10-inch screen was integrated into the dashboard, while the optional 11.4-inch screen offered greater legibility. Both screens were user-friendly, and the system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, a voice assistant, and connected apps. The Defender's technology package included heated front seats, keyless entry, and heated power-folding mirrors. Higher trims offered additional features such as air suspension, a head-up display, and a rearview mirror with a camera display.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE was equipped with the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, featuring a pair of 12.3-inch screens for the digital instrument panel and main touchscreen. The system was intuitive, with touch commands, a control pad, and touch-sensitive buttons on the steering wheel. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with Bluetooth and an improved voice command system. The GLE's optional head-up display and augmented reality navigation were praised for their clarity and convenience. The GLE's technology package was comprehensive, offering a range of features to enhance the driving experience.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender received a five-star rating in Euro NCAP crash testing, praised for its solid structure. It was equipped with six airbags, although some felt this was insufficient. The Defender offered a range of safety features, including a digital instrument panel with full-screen maps, a head-up display, and a 360-degree camera system. Standard safety features included lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE came with a comprehensive lineup of active safety features and driver assistance technologies. Standard features included blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, and pedestrian detection. Optional features included active blind-spot assist, adaptive cruise control, and traffic sign recognition. The GLE received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS based on the 2022 model year, although crash tests for the 2024 model were not yet completed.