High-performance premium SUVs that can double as offroaders can be considered a bit of a niche product. Still, they are a marvel of engineering and some semblance of practicality. Cue the Land Rover Defender Octa, an outlandish high-performance variant of the current Defender, but we compared it against what would be its closest rival, the Mercedes-AMG G63. Yes, the G63 is capable of offroad usage; that's what the intention was in the first place rather than the common conception of it being an urban commuter for the nouveau riche.
Related: Land Rover Defender 110 Octa (2025) - Launch Video Review
Defender Octa vs Mercedes-AMG G63
| Land Rover Defender 110 Octa Edition One | Mercedes-AMG G63 | |
| Engine | 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged hybrid V8 petrol | 4.0-litre Biturbo Hybrid V8 petrol |
| Total Power /Torque | 467kW /750Nm | 445kW /850Nm |
| Gearbox | 8-Speed Automatic | 9-Speed AMG Speedshift TCT |
| Claimed Fuel Consumption | 13.5 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Towing Capacity (Unbraked/Braked) | 750kg /3500kg | 750kg /3500kg |
| Ground Clearance | 323mm | 244mm |
| Approach Angle | 40.2 | 26.7 |
| Break-Over Angle | 29.0 | 24.5 |
| Departure Angle | 42.8 | 29.2 |
| Driven Wheels | All | All |
| Kerb Weight | 2510kg DIN / 2585kg EU | 2565kg DIN / 2640kg EU |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90l | 100l |
| Service Plan | 5-year /100 000km maintenance plan | 5-year /100 000km maintenance plan |
| Price | from R3 749 100 | from R4 673 415 |
*Pricing stated here was correct when publishing and is subject to change without prior notice. Manufacturer figures were also claimed here.
Comparing the figures
Purchase Price
Let's get something straight: when you're well over the R1.5 million mark, money isn't so much of a factor, but it is worth noting the starting prices of these vehicles. Let's look at how much it will cost to pay one off if you choose a hire purchase agreement. We'll calculate using our finance tool and set the parameters at 72 months, a 10% deposit, no balloon/residual, and a 12% interest rate.
| Car | Purchase Price | Monthly Instalment |
| Land Rover Defender 110 Octa Edition One | from R3 749 100 | from R65 575 |
| Mercedes-AMG G63 | from R4 673 415 | from R82 230 |
The Defender is cheaper by nearly a million Rand.
Offroad Related Specs
| Land Rover Defender 110 Octa Edition One | Mercedes-AMG G63 | |
| Ground Clearance | 323mm | 244mm |
| Approach Angle | 40.2 | 26.7 |
| Break-Over Angle | 29.0 | 24.5 |
| Departure Angle | 42.8 | 29.2 |
Overall, the Defender trounces the Merc in terms of offroad capability. Still, it's worth noting that the Merc is set up more for urban usage and soft offroad obstacles, whereas the Defender is a no-nonsense offroad machine.
Performance Figures
| Car | Land Rover Defender 110 Octa Edition One | Mercedes-AMG G63 |
| Engine | 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged hybrid V8 petrol | 4.0-litre Biturbo Hybrid V8 petrol |
| Total Power Figures | 467kW /750Nm | 445kW /850Nm |
| 0-100 km/h | 4.0 sec with Dynamic Launch | 4.4 sec |
Though the Merc has more torque than the Defender, it is quicker to 100 km/h and has more kilowatts to boot. For outright performance, the Defender wins here.
Who wins?
In this instance, looking at the figures, we can say the Defender Octa wins over the Merc G63, though we'd argue the Benz would be better suited for urban settings. You can search AutoTrader for the latest used and new Defender and G63 offerings and sell your car, too.
