Land Rover Defender vs Mercedes-Benz G-Class (2026)
Land Rover Defender (₹1.07 Crore – ₹2.62 Crore) and Mercedes-Benz G-Class (₹2.90 Crore – ₹3.80 Crore) go head-to-head in the luxury suv space. Here is how they compare on the numbers (October 2026).
- The Land Rover Defender is more affordable — it starts ₹1.83 Crore lower than the Mercedes-Benz G-Class.
- The Land Rover Defender is the more powerful car, with 626 bhp against 579 bhp.
Specification Comparison
Shortlisting a third car? See the full three-way comparison →
Land Rover Defender in short
The Defender is Land Rover's icon and its widest Indian range: three body lengths (three-door 90, five-door 110, eight-seat 130) and four engines spanning ₹1.07 crore for the 2.0 petrol 110 X-Dynamic HSE to ₹2.62 crore for the 635 PS OCTA Black — the most extreme Defender ever made. In between sit the 350 PS D350 diesel, the 5.0L V8 across all three bodies, and the twin-turbo 4.4L V8 OCTA flagship. All prices are from Land Rover India's official July 2026 pan-India price list. Its only real rival in capability-plus-status terms is the Mercedes G-Class, at roughly double the entry money.
Full Defender prices & variants →Mercedes-Benz G-Class in short
The G-Class is the definitive luxury off-roader, and India's range covers all three energies: the ₹2.90 crore G 450d diesel, the ₹3.10 crore all-electric G 580 with EQ Technology — a quad-motor EV that can tank-turn on the spot — and the ₹3.74 crore AMG G 63 V8. Ladder-frame construction, three locking differentials and five-decade-old silhouette remain across all of them. It has no direct rival; the Land Rover Defender is the closest in ability, at a fraction of the price and prestige.
Full G-Class prices & variants →Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper: Defender or G-Class?
The Land Rover Defender is more affordable — it starts ₹1.83 Crore lower than the Mercedes-Benz G-Class. (Ex-showroom prices, October 2026.)
Defender vs G-Class — which is safer?
NCAP ratings: Land Rover Defender — not yet tested; Mercedes-Benz G-Class — not yet tested.
Should I buy the Defender or the G-Class?
The Land Rover Defender is more affordable — it starts ₹1.83 Crore lower than the Mercedes-Benz G-Class. The Land Rover Defender is the more powerful car, with 626 bhp against 579 bhp. Beyond the numbers, shortlist by test-driving both — ride quality and dealer experience differ by city.