2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs 2022 Land Rover Defender

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, known as the G-Wagen, was a blend of ruggedness and luxury. Its design, characterized by straight edges and a boxy silhouette, harked back to its origins as a military vehicle. Despite its utilitarian roots, the G-Class became a status symbol, often seen in bold custom colors and adorned with luxury features. Inside, the G-Class offered a sophisticated environment with a 12.3-inch widescreen infotainment system and a matching virtual instrument panel, allowing for a personalized driving experience. The G-Class was hand-built in Austria, emphasizing its exclusivity and attention to detail.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender retained its iconic boxy profile, reminiscent of the original model, while incorporating modern design elements like rounded corners and recessed LED headlights. The Defender's interior was spacious and ergonomic, offering more headroom and legroom than its predecessor. The design emphasized functionality, with exposed metal and screws adding to its rugged charm. The Defender's interior was a mix of leather and suede, designed to withstand off-road adventures. Despite its off-road capabilities, the Defender was comfortable on pavement, making it a versatile choice for everyday driving.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class was a powerhouse, with the G550 model featuring a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine producing 416 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque. This engine allowed the G550 to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds. The G-Class had a nine-speed automatic transmission and permanent four-wheel drive, with various driving modes for different terrains. The G63 variant offered even more power, with 577 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. Despite its size, the G-Class was surprisingly agile, with a turning circle of 44.6 feet. However, its fuel economy was a downside, with ratings of 13 mpg city and 19 mpg highway for the G550.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender offered a range of powertrains, including a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 296 horsepower and a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six mild-hybrid with 395 horsepower. The new V8 engine, producing 518 horsepower and 461 pound-feet of torque, allowed the Defender 90 to reach 0 to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds. The Defender's suspension was tuned for both on-road comfort and off-road capability, with features like an electronic active rear differential and Dynamic drive mode. The Defender excelled in off-road conditions, with a 4WD system, good approach and departure angles, and up to 11.5 inches of ground clearance.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class offered a spacious and luxurious interior, with 38.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row and up to 68.6 cubic feet with the second row folded. The G550 had a payload capacity of over 1,000 pounds and could tow up to 7,700 pounds. The cabin was roomy, with ample headroom and legroom, and featured a standard sunroof. However, some luxury features, like ventilated front seats, were only available in expensive packages. The G-Class's spare tire was mounted on the tailgate, adding to its rugged aesthetic.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender provided versatile interior configurations, with the Defender 90 offering 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats. The four-door Defender 110 model offered more cargo space, with up to 70.4 cubic feet available. The interior design emphasized practicality, with a large center-console storage bin and optional refrigeration. The Defender also offered exterior cargo options, like a basket-style roof rack and side-mounted cargo boxes, enhancing its utility for outdoor adventures.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class featured twin 12.3-inch HD screens for the instrument panel and infotainment system, offering a customizable and immersive experience. The COMAND system was intuitive, with Touch Control buttons on the steering wheel for easy navigation. The G-Class included a Burmester Surround Sound system, WiFi, and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, wireless device charging was not available.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender came with the Pivi Pro infotainment system, featuring a 10-inch central touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster was standard on most trims, with an optional 11.4-inch touchscreen. The Defender's interface was user-friendly, though the touchscreen required a firm touch. Optional tech included a 14-speaker Meridian audio system and a surround-view camera system, enhancing its off-road capabilities.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class included numerous safety features, such as a rearview camera, Pre-Safe, active lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. However, its size and weight posed risks to pedestrians and other vehicles. The G-Class had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender offered standard driver-assist features like lane-keep assist and automatic emergency braking, with optional blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control. Like the G-Class, the Defender had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA.