2027 Defender 130 vs. Mercedes-Benz GLS Comparison with Price, Specs, & Photos
It can be difficult to find a three-row luxury SUV that offers genuine practicality along with the usual comfortable seats and high-tech driver’s aids. This has always been one of the big advantages of the Defender 130, a potent mix of off-road ability, interior space, luxury, and style. But the Defender 130 isn’t the only full-size luxury SUV, and newer models like the Mercedes-Benz GLS have come along to challenge its dominance. How does the big Mercedes actually compare to the Defender 130? Let’s take a closer look and see.
Defender 130 VS Mercedes-Benz GLS
|
2027 Defender 130 |
VS. |
2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS |
| $74,000 ✓ | Starting MSRP* | $90,250 |
| 8 ✓ | Maximum Seating | 7 |
| 89 cubic feet ✓ | Maximum Cargo Capacity | 84.7 cubic feet |
| 8,200 pounds ✓ | Max Towing | 7,700 pounds |
| AWD with twin-speed transfer box ✓ | Drivetrain | AWD |
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The Defender scores some big points for practicality right from the start. It has a price advantage, more seats, more cargo capacity, and a higher towing capacity. On top of that, while both vehicles come with standard all-wheel drive, the GLS AWD system doesn’t have a low-range mode. That’s a very clear indicator of an SUV that’s not intended for serious off-road use. The Defender 130, on the other hand, has the twin-speed transfer box that makes low-range operation possible. That one feature greatly expands the range of what is possible with your SUV, making the Defender 130 just as at home in mud and snow as it is on pavement. It’s a similar story with the air suspension, a feature that comes standard on both vehicles, but the Defender 130 suspension is height-adjustable, allowing for more ground clearance while navigating rocks or ruts.
Both vehicles come with a 3.0-liter inline-six engine under the hood. The one in the GLS makes more power as standard, but the Defender 130 has a large enough price advantage that moving up to a trim with an engine that makes more power than the Mercedes still costs less than the GLS. As far as luxury, the two are fairly comparable; leather upholstery is available for both, and front seats are both heated and ventilated as standard. Both even come standard with a name-brand premium stereo system. But the Defender has a more spacious interior, including an extra seat, something that is indispensable when you have eight people to transport. And even though taste is subjective, you’re going to have a hard time finding too many people who would consider the GLS a better-looking vehicle than the Defender 130.
Winner – Defender 130
While the GLS is luxurious and offers competent on-road performance, that’s pretty much the limit of what it can do. When you need to go off-road, when you ned to carry cargo, or when you need to fit eight people in the vehicle, the Defender 130 is the only choice. And to top it all off, you’ll look better doing it. Let Land Rover South Hills help you find your next full-size SUV that’s fit for adventure.
*Starting at price shown is the current Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price and subject to change. Excludes destination & delivery charge ($1,275 for Range Rover Evoque and Discovery Sport, $1,375 for Range Rover Velar, $2,150 for Range Rover, $1,850 for Range Rover Sport, Discovery and Defender). Tax, title, license, and retailer fees, all due at signing, and optional equipment. Base Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price excludes destination & delivery charge and may include optional equipment but excludes tax, title, license, and retailer fees, all due at signing. Total Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price includes destination & delivery charge and may include optional equipment but excludes tax, title, license, and retailer fees, all due at signing. Retailer price, terms and vehicle availability may vary. See your local authorized Land Rover Retailer for details.