Which $200K SUV Rules Off-Road? Mercedes-Benz G550 vs Land Rover Defender OCTA
- Alain Kuhn Von Kuhnenfeld
- 3 minutes ago
- 6 min read
In the exclusive world of six-figure SUVs, the phrase "off-road beast" takes on a whole new meaning. It's not just about capability; it's about making a statement, a lifestyle, and a no-compromise approach to luxury and performance. The two titans we have for a head-to-head showdown today are the 2025 Mercedes-Benz G550 and the Land Rover Defender OCTA. Both command attention, both carry a price tag north of CAD 200,000, and both are designed to conquer any terrain you throw at them, from the slick city streets to the rugged wilderness. But as we found out, they go about their business in two very different, yet equally compelling, ways.
Let's start with the 2025 Mercedes-Benz G550, dressed in the sophisticated and menacing Platinum MAGNO, a matte finish that perfectly highlights its iconic, boxy silhouette. The first thing you notice is the G550's transformation under the hood. Mercedes-Benz has audaciously replaced the beloved V8 with a new 3.0-litre mild-hybrid inline-six. A purist might scoff, but after putting it through its paces, especially on a demanding off-roading trip to Mont-Tremblant, it's clear that Mercedes-Benz has not only kept the G-Wagen's soul intact but has arguably improved it. The new powertrain produces a healthy 443 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque, a slight drop in torque but a noticeable gain in horsepower over the outgoing model. The hybrid system is the real hero here, providing a seamless and instant boost that makes the power delivery feel incredibly smooth and responsive. On the road, the G550 glides effortlessly, and its 9-speed transmission shifts imperceptibly. Off the beaten path, the mild-hybrid system eliminates the jerky starts and stops that plague other systems, a pleasant surprise that speaks to the engineering prowess you'd expect at this price point. Our real-world fuel economy test came in at 12.8 L/100km, a significant improvement over the old V8, with an even better best-case scenario of 9.2 L/100km in mixed driving, a family-friendly bonus that means fewer stops at the pump, you can easily go 800km on one tank based on our driving style.
While the G550 has embraced a touch of electrification, it remains a "raw machine" at its core. The three differential locks and new "Transparent Hood" off-road camera system are marvels, but the driving experience still feels very mechanical and analog. There's a tangible connection to the road and the terrain, a feeling of pure, unadulterated strength. You don't need a thousand different modes and settings; you lock the diffs, and the G-Wagen goes. This simplicity is a major part of its charm and what makes it feel so special. It's a testament to its heritage and its reputation as a go-anywhere vehicle.
Stepping inside the G550, the cabin is a masterclass in understated luxury. While a plethora of options are available to customize every surface, our test vehicle featured the Nappa leather upholstery with diamond stitching, which is both plush and supportive. The seats themselves are a comfort-focused design, with available massaging and ventilation functions, making them perfect for long hauls or a relaxing drive after a strenuous off-road session. The interior is a symphony of high-quality materials, with optional trims like Natural Grain Walnut or AMG Carbon Fibre available to match any taste. The sound system, a 15-speaker Burmester 3D Surround Sound system with a 640-watt amplifier, delivers a crisp, clear, and powerful auditory experience. For a true audiophile, the soundstage and richness are arguably a touch better than what's on offer in the Defender, providing an exceptional soundtrack for any drive.
Then we have the contender, the Land Rover Defender OCTA; a machine that feels like it was designed from the future. Cloaked in a striking Petra Copper paint, the OCTA's muscular physique is a clear departure from the G-Wagen's anachronistic shape. Under its hood is a twin-turbo V8 that delivers an astonishing 626 horsepower, a number that puts it squarely in the supercar league. Driving the OCTA is a visceral experience; the BMW-sourced 4.4L V8 is an intoxicating symphony, and the acceleration is breathtaking. If that engine sounds familiar, it's the same engine used in several M cars from BMW. While it's not meant to be a drag racer, the power is always on tap, making highway merging or overtaking a non-event. Our highway trip from Toronto to New Jersey to meet with hundreds of Defender owners at "Destination Defender" demonstrated its surprising efficiency, with a tested fuel economy as low as 10.7L/100km, which is impressive for a vehicle of this size and power.
The OCTA's off-road credibility is equally, if not more, impressive than the G550's. Our experience pushing it to its limits in the mud showed us a vehicle that has become entirely reliant on technology. And that's not a bad thing, it's a masterclass in what modern engineering can do. The OCTA's 6D Dynamics suspension system, which ditches traditional anti-roll bars in favour of a hydraulically linked system, allows for incredible axle articulation and poise. It effortlessly adjusts to multiple scenarios, making the vehicle feel nimble and planted even on the most challenging trails. This technological wizardry gives the Defender a level of customization and capability that the G550, with its more direct, mechanical approach, cannot match. Our trip to Destination Defender confirmed this, as we witnessed and experienced firsthand the sheer breadth of its capabilities.
Inside the Defender OCTA, the interior continues its performance-focused theme. Our test model featured the stunning Ebony perforated Semi-Aniline leather seats with an Ebony interior, a combination that exudes both luxury and toughness. The front "bucket seats" are a revelation, offering exceptional bolstering and support that holds you firmly in place during aggressive driving, both on and off-road. The interior is punctuated with bespoke touches like the extensive use of chopped carbon fibre trim, which gives the cabin a modern, race-inspired feel. A notable and somewhat polarizing feature is the "Body and Soul Seat" system, which delivers vibroacoustic technology that lets you "feel" the music. While it's a neat party trick, and the Meridian sound system is excellent, the seat vibration can feel a bit gimmicky and ultimately detracts from the listening experience rather than enhancing it.
When you look at the price tags, CAD 225,900.00 for the G550 and CAD 205,132.00 for the Defender OCTA, you see two very different philosophies at work. The G550, with its higher price and less powerful engine, is selling a legacy and a feeling of old-school cool. It's a beautifully crafted machine that is as much a status symbol as it is an off-roader. The Defender, on the other hand, is a technological tour de force that offers more power and arguably more off-road flexibility for a slightly lower price. It represents the cutting edge of what an SUV can be, and as a "Driving Fun" enthusiast, it offers an incredible amount of performance for the money.
Family-Friendly Off-Roaders: Car Seat Installation
As a family car, both are beyond capable, but the experience of daily use, especially with young children, is where their practical differences shine. Both vehicles provide ample space and the necessary hardware for safely installing car seats, but they approach the task with slightly different ergonomics.
The G550, with its generous rear seat dimensions and high seating position, offers an excellent vantage point for a parent. The ISOFIX/LATCH anchors are well-placed in the outboard rear seats, and the vehicle's owner's manual provides clear instructions on how to use them. The large door openings and the square-ish interior make it relatively easy to maneuver a bulky car seat into the cabin, a bonus when dealing with a fussy toddler or a sleeping infant. The tether anchors for forward-facing seats are also easy to access. The overall feeling is one of solid, secure installation, and there is more than enough legroom to accommodate a large rear-facing car seat without having to compromise the front passenger's seating position.
The Defender OCTA, while also excellent for family duties, presents a slightly different experience. Its rear cabin is spacious, and the seats themselves offer a great mix of comfort and support. The ISOFIX/LATCH anchors are present in the second row, and while they are accessible, the sporty bolstering of the OCTA's seats can make reaching them a little more challenging than in the G-Wagen. The Defender also offers tether anchors for forward-facing car seats, which are labelled clearly on the seatbacks. The Defender's massive doors and high roofline are an asset for loading children in and out. The Defender's overall interior space is highly versatile, and it can be configured to accommodate multiple car seats, though fitting three across can be a tight squeeze.
In the end, this isn't a battle of which is "better," but a question of which philosophy you align with. The G550, with its mechanical soul and smooth, refined off-road prowess, is an excellent choice if you value heritage and a sense of raw capability. This vehicle marries analog driving fun with a no-fuss family experience. However, suppose you want a true monster, a car that pushes the boundaries of off-road technology and delivers mind-bending performance. In that case, the Defender OCTA offers a more compelling package for the money. With the G63 starting in a different price league entirely, the OCTA's value proposition is hard to ignore.
Disclaimer: Mercedes-Benz and Defender have lent us these vehicles as a press loan. We have no affiliation with Mercedes-Benz and Defender Canada. The above reflects our personal opinion of the cars referred to above.
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