Land Rover Defender vs Mercedes-Benz G-Class
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class wins on money kept: 77% retained after three years vs 60%, worth about R 1 622 234 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| Defender | G-Class | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 1 839 400 | R 3 557 169 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 32 150/m | R 62 174/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 79% | 89% |
| Retained after 3 years | 60% | 77% |
| Value after 3 years | R 1 106 412 | R 2 728 646 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 732 988 | R 828 523 |
| Value after 5 years | R 817 038 | R 2 307 016 |
| Our tier | Premium (established) | Legendary retainer |
Land Rover Defender →
The classic Defender was a farm and safari staple in South Africa until 2016, and the monocoque reinvention that arrived in 2020 turned the nameplate into JLR SA's biggest seller. It spans 90, 110 and 130 bodies with diesel, petrol and V8 power. Demand stays strong and it holds value better than any other Land Rover product.
Known for: go-anywhere image and strong demand
Mercedes-Benz G-Class →
Mercedes' military-derived off-roader returned to the official SA line-up in the early 2010s and demand has often outstripped supply, especially for the AMG G63. Waiting lists have kept used prices unusually strong, with low-mileage G63s at times trading close to new price. The G450d offers the same body with saner running costs.
Known for: g63 status and waiting lists
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Land Rover Defender or the Mercedes-Benz G-Class?
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class. It keeps about 77% of its price after three years against 60% for the Land Rover Defender, a gap of 17 points.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The Land Rover Defender loses about R 732 988 over three years and the Mercedes-Benz G-Class loses about R 828 523. Fuel, insurance and servicing can narrow or widen that, but the depreciation gap is the number to start from.
What do they cost per month?
On typical finance (10% deposit, 72 months, 11.75%), the Land Rover Defender runs about R 32 150 per month and the Mercedes-Benz G-Class about R 62 174, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.