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The Land Rover Defender has enjoyed its status as the only retrostyled dieselpowered offroader SUV to woo Indians, putting decent sales figures in JLR’s Indian chapter. However, MercedesBenz wanted to spoil Land Rover’s party by bringing its dieselpowered GWagon to our shores. The newly launched MercedesBenz G450d slots into the German marque’s stable as the more accessible and practical alternative to the iconic G63 AMG. 

With a potent diesel engine under the bonnet, the vanilla GClass promises to offer most of the thrills and fun as the AMG and Electric equivalent, while offering better efficiency at a more accessible price. The new Mercedes G 450d, priced at an exshowroom rate of Rs 2.9 crore (without options), competes with the Land Rover Defender 110 D350 Mild Hybrid Diesel, which retails for a significantly lower price.

Which one fares better for the discerning Indian SUV buyers? Let’s find out.

MercedesBenz G 450d vs Land Rover Defender 110 D350: Price 

One of the most striking differences between the two models is the cost. The topspec Land Rover Defender 110 diesel, such as the Trophy Edition, is priced around Rs 1.3 crore (exshowroom), whereas the lowerspec trims with fewer equipment cost Rs 1.26 crore (prices only for diesel variants). This means the newly launched Mercedes G 450d is a massive Rs 1.6 crore more expensive than its closest diesel rival.

This huge price gap positions the G 450d not just as a luxury offroader, but as an exclusive status symbol, especially since only 50 units of the SUV will be allocated to India in the first batch. The Defender, while being highly capable, doesn’t match the GClass’ exclusivity but is readily available and a lot more accessible. You even get different body styles with the Defender – a 3door body, a 5door shortwheel base, a 5door long wheelbase, and a performancecentric Octa variant.

Hence, the price alone sets a distinction between these two offroaders.

MercedesBenz G 450d vs Land Rover Defender 110 D350: Performance

In terms of power, the G 450d brings a stronger engine to the segment. It is powered by a 3.0litre, 6cylinder turbocharged diesel engine paired with a 48V mildhybrid system. This setup produces a combo of 367hp and 750Nm of peak torque. The mildhybrid system alone offers an additional 20hp when needed, helping the massive SUV achieve a quick 0100kph time of 5.8 seconds.

In comparison, the Land Rover Defender 110 D350 Mild Hybrid Diesel gets a 3.0litre, inlinesix twinturbocharged diesel engine. This powerplant produces 350hp and 700Nm of torque. Although the power figures are quite comparable, the G450d edges ahead with its additional power and torque on offer. 

MercedesBenz G 450d vs Land Rover Defender 110 D350: Features

Inside, both SUVs offer highend luxuries. However, the G 450d incorporates the latest Mercedes tech, including dual 12.3inch screens running the MBUX NTG7 software, augmented reality navigation, a ‘transparent bonnet’ function for offroading, and a powerful 760W Burmester sound system. The interiors flaunt active multicontour seats upholstered in fine Nappa leather, offering heating, ventilation, and massaging functions for comfort on long journeys. The entire cabin is appointed in highend materials that include openpore wood, metal trim, and ambient lighting with 64 colour options.

On the other hand, the Defender’s cabin offers highgrade Windsor leather upholstery and durable trim finishes. Exclusive models like the Trophy Edition add bespoke touches, including unique LED sill plates and dashboards finished to match the exterior colour. The fast Pivi Pro system features a minimalist, smartphonelike interface, available on a 10inch or larger 11.4inch Touchscreen (on higher trims). It supports smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with optional connected services via the Online Pack. Drivers also get a headsup display, a 360degree surround camera system, Land Rover’s Terrain Response 2 drive management system, and a 700W Meridian Surround Sound System with up to 14 speakers plus a subwoofer on toptier trims.

Conclusion

The Land Rover Defender 110 D350 is a more accessible yet capable luxury offroader for almost any tricky terrain you can throw at it. On the other hand, the MercedesBenz G450d offers slightly more capability and performance along with a fancier cabin experience at a substantial premium. If the onroad price isn’t a concern for your bank accounts, the MercedesBenz G540d is the one to go for (provided you get access to the early slots).

That said, the Land Rover Defender 110 D350 remains an unbeatable package as far as value and convenience are concerned.