The Land Rover Defender has been revitalised for the modern era. Jonathan Crouch drives it.

Ten Second Review

The new-era Land Rover Defender brings the design of this legendary Solihull model bang up to date. Despite the modern tech, it remains as solid and uncompromising as it's always been, with off road ability to worry a Challenger tank. Approach it as an alternative to modern luxury SUVs and you've missed the point. Buy a Discovery for that. Here instead, is the hardest wearing, most capable and most cost effective proper off-roader that sensible money can buy.

Background

You may have forgotten what a real Land Rover is - and what it looks like. These days, we associate the Solihull maker with lifestyle SUVs and Range Rover products. Rather than the kind of farm working 4x4 that Maurice Wilks developed for agricultural use back in the Forties. There are still some people who feel that this is exactly what a true off-roader should be. It shouldn't feel like a car on stilts. It needs to be rugged, practical and offer a number of field-serviceable parts. Is that what we have here? Everything has been changed to differentiate this modern era Defender from the Land Rover original - but ultimately, nothing is really very different. Thank goodness for that.

Driving Experience

Engine-wise, the range is fundamentally built around straight six 3.0-litre MHEV mild hybrid engineering. For diesels, this is offered in two forms - the D250 (with 250PS and 570Nm of torque) and the D300 (with 300PS and 650Nm of torque). Even the D250 powers to 62mph in 7.9s on the way to 117mph. If you want efficiency but don't want to fuel from the black pump, there's also a P400e Plug-in Hybrid option with the 110 body style. This PHEV variant uses a 2.0-litre four cylinder petrol engine mated to a 105kW electric motor powered by a 19.2kWh battery, this combination producing a combined 404PS output and offering an EAER-rated all-electric driving range of up to 31 miles. There are also two conventional petrol options, the 300PS P300 and the 400PS P400 variant. Eight-speed auto transmission is mandatory across the range. Land Rover insists that this new-era Defender is even more capable than its predecessor, despite the fact that, unlike that previous model, there's no hard core separate chassis or rigid axles. Instead, the architecture is fundamentally the same as that which features on the current Discovery, Range Rover Sport and range Rover modes. But it rides on reinforced suspension with greater travel and there's more ground clearance too. Both coil springs and air suspension are available. As you'd expect, there's permanent 4WD, along with a Terrain Response system allowing you to set the car up for various driving conditions (or you can simply select an automatic setting and let the Defender handle everything for you). All three body shapes have impressive mud plugging stats; in a 90 or 110 model, you can expect an approach angle of 38-degrees and a departure angle of 40-degrees. It can climb a 45-degree slope and descent a 47-degree one. And it'll wade through water up to 900mm deep. Try doing that in your lifestyle SUV.

Design and Build

You'd recognise this as a Defender - there are lots of design cues ensuring that, including squared-off wheelarches, super-short front and rear overhangs and so-called 'Alpine light' narrow windows set into the roof. Like the old Defender, it's possible to buy both three and five-door body shapes. The three-door is the Defender 90, while the standard five-door is the Defender 110. You can also choose a lengthened version with up to eight seats, the Defender 130. Whatever body style you choose, modern touches include full-LED headlights and a square body-coloured panel in the rear side glass (which is optional on the 90 and standard on the 110 and 130 models). Inside, the exposed metal on the doors and the minimalist dashboard give an appropriately Defender-style feel but this time round, the cabin's wider, so you won't be bashing your wrists on the doors every time you twirl the wheel round. The mandatory auto gearbox leaves room at the front for an optional centre seat that would allow even the smallest 90 model to seat up to 6 people, even though its roadway footprint is no bigger than something like an Audi A3 family hatch. The five-door 110 version can be had in five, six or seven-seat configurations. The five-door 130 is usually offered in eight-seat form, with three seats in the third row, three in the second and two at the front; but you can delete that variant's third row seating if you want a really large boot. Unlike more lifestyle-orientated SUVs, this Defender in all its guises has its spare wheel mounted on the tailgate, which means that must be side-opening; that'll be a problem if you're in a tight parking bay.

Market and Model

There are three distinct sizes of Defender. The three-door 90 is priced from around £61,000; the five-door medium length 110 is priced from around £64,000; and the super-sized 130 version is priced from around £74,000. There are four core trim levels; 'SE', 'HSE', 'X-Dynamic' and 'X'. With the 90 version, a 'Commercial' van version is also offered. Across the passenger model range, customers get to choose from four optional design packs. There's 'Country', which you'll want if you'd like to replicate the classic Defender look. If you want something a little more modern, there's 'Urban', which adds a bit of bling with 22-inch wheels. 'Adventure' gives you underbody protection and side-mounted storage boxes. And 'Explorer' includes a roof rack, a roof ladder and an anti-glare bonnet. Plus of course, you'll be able to personalise your Defender to your heart's content with everything from an electric winch to a roof-top tent. There's even a removable body wrap package that protects the metallic paint when you're off roading. This model also employs Land Rover's 'ClearSight Ground View' technology which shows you the area ahead of the front wheels on a fascia-mounted screen. The Defender P400e Plug-in petrol variant comes with the 110 body style and is available with the option of five or six seats, standard three-zone climate control, Privacy Glass and Solar Attenuating Glass. Specific to the PHEV variant is regenerative braking, a key technological component in achieving impressive fuel economy, recuperating energy lost under deceleration and braking and sending it back into the battery pack.

Cost of Ownership

The whole reason the old original Defender had to be discontinued was that there was no way to make it comply with current stringent emissions regulation. This modern-era model has no such issues. Thanks to MHEV mild hybrid tech, the Defender 110 D250 diesel variant that most customers choose returns 32.1mpg on the combined cycle and CO2 emissions of 231g/km. The MHEV technology contributes to enhanced fuel economy through an efficient Stop/Start system which cuts the engine at a standstill, as well as recuperating energy normally lost under braking or decelerating. This energy is then sent back into the battery pack and can be redeployed later. A key benefit of MHEV is that this energy is used when accelerating, delivering faster responses for greater performance. If you want to do better, you'll need a Plug-in Hybrid petrol version. The Defender 110 P400e petrol PHEV produces up to 59g/km of CO2 and is capable of up to 109.5mpg and can go for up to 31 miles on all-electric power (EAER-rated). All PHEV variants come with a Mode 3 charging cable as standard, while an optional Mode 2 cable is also available. The Mode 3 charging cable enables charging to 80 per cent in two hours, while charging via a Mode 2 cable will take around seven hours to charge to 80 per cent - perfect for home charging overnight. Using a 50kW rapid charger, the P400e charges to 80 per cent capacity in 30 minutes. Like all Defenders before it, this one will enjoy healthy residual values, buoyed by a strong rural market, easy parts availability and a vibrant owners' community. Insurance is reasonable although VED tax will sting a little. That only leaves the warranty, an unremarkable three year unlimited mileage deal. Also included is European cover and a promise to get you on your way as soon as possible in your own car or in a loan vehicle if the required repair will take longer than four hours.

Summary

Land Rover has re-invented the Defender for a new era without allowing this model to lose its iconic feel and legendary off road ability. The amount of time this car spent in development suggests how difficult it must have been to achieve this but we think many will very much like the end result. Like its predecessor, this Defender effectively operates in a virtual class of one, being a vehicle that's exempt from the usual rules of assessment. The style is unique, it'll embarrass just about any other SUV off road and it'll probably out-last you. For most people, most of the time though, a Land Rover Discovery will still be an infinitely more suitable choice. But there remains a section of the population for whom nothing other than a Defender will be quite right and these people have waited a long time for this car. If you want the real deal, there really is no substitute.

Body Glass

Rain sensing windscreen wipers

Heated windscreen

Electric windows with one touch open/close and anti-trap

Heated rear window with timer

Rear wiper

Privacy glass

Brakes

Emergency braking

Electronic Stability Programme + traction control

Emergency brake assist

Cornering brake control (CBC)

DSC - Dynamic Stability Control

Brake hold function

HDC - Hill descent control

Electric parking brake (EPB)

EBD - Electronic brakeforce distribution

Low traction launch

Hill launch assist

Anti-lock brake system

Communication

1 x USB-C (power only) & 1 x USB-C (power & data) in Row 1, 2 x USB-C in Row 2

Apple CarPlay

Bluetooth system

Android Auto

Wireless device charging

Driver Aids

Traffic sign recognition with adaptive speed limiter

Adaptive cruise control

Electric power assisted steering (EPAS)

Lane keep assist

3D Surround Camera with 360 View, 180 Rear View, Front Traffic Detection, Forward Vehicle Guidance, Tow Hitch Assist and clear sight Ground View

360 degree parking aid

Driver Convenience

Push button start

Driver Information

Connected navigation pro

11.4" touchscreen

Clear exit monitor

Driver condition monitor

Trip computer

Brake pad wear indicator

Interactive driver display

Driving Mirrors

Electric heated/power fold door mirrors with approach lights and auto dimming driver side

Entertainment

Meridian 400w sound audio system with 11 speakers and subwoofer

Pivi pro connected

DAB Radio (Digital Audio Broadcasting)

Exterior Body Features

Rear side wing doors

Body coloured bonnet

Standard tail door

Side hinged tailgate

Exterior Lights

Follow me home lighting

Centre high mounted stop light

Premium LED headlights with signature DRL

Auto high beam assist

Puddle lights

Rear fog lights

Automatic headlights

LED tail lights

Automatic headlight levelling

Interior Features

Twin front cupholders

Loadspace Hook

Standard interior

Overhead stowage for sunglasses

Storage glovebox

Loadspace cover

12V power socket in loadspace

No flat load floor storage

Multifunction steering wheel

Resist gearshift

Durable rubber cabin flooring

Durable rubber loadspace flooring

Premium non-leather steering wheel

Interior Lights

Rear reading lights

Footwell lights

Alpine lights

Packs

Non-smoker package

Online pack with data plan - Defender

Safety

Cross car beam in light cloud powder coat brushed finish

Remote for (e-Call,Optimised assistance call,InControl app,Climate,beep and flash and door)

Driver and passenger airbags

Seat belt reminder

Front airbags with passenger seat occupant detector

5 x 3 point seatbelts

RSC - Roll stability control

TPMS (Tyre pressure monitoring system)

Power operated child locks

Customer configurable autolock

Seats

Rear headrests

Front head restraints

Standard seat configuration

Rear ISOFIX

12 way heated semi powered front seats

3 seat bench in 2nd row

Single front passenger seat

Security

Intrusion sensor

Secure tracker pro

Keyless entry

Locking wheel nuts

Immobiliser

Alarm

Towing

Trailer stability assist

Transmission

All wheel drive system

8 speed automatic transmission

Twin speed transfer box

Vanity Mirrors

Sunvisors with illuminated vanity mirrors

Emissions - ICE

HC: N

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 224

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 240

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 224

Engine and Drive Train

Engine Layout: NORTH SOUTH

Gears: 8 SPEED

Transmission: AUTO

Compression Ratio: 15.5:1

Cylinders: 6

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Number of Valves: 24

Camshaft: DOHC

Fuel Delivery: COMMON RAIL

Catalytic Convertor: No

CC: 2997

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 92.3

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 83

Fuel Consumption - ICE

WLTP - MPG - Comb: 33.1

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEL: 33.1

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEH: 30.8

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb: 8.5

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 8.5

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 9.2

General

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: 85

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: No

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 41E

Service Interval Mileage: 21000

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 24

Timing Belt Interval Mileage: N

Timing Belt Interval Frequency - Months: N

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: 85

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: 0

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 71

NCAP Safety Assist %: 79

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 5

Badge Power: 350

Badge Engine CC: 3.0

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

AdBlue: No

Generation Mark: 2

Coin Series: S 110

Coin Description: D350

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 6

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 999999

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Performance

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 516

Top Speed: 119

0 to 62 mph (secs): 6.4

Engine Power - KW: 257

Engine Power - RPM: 4000

Engine Torque - NM: 700

Engine Torque - MKG: 71.4

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - PS: No

Engine Power - BHP: 350

Engine Torque - RPM: 1500

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Tyre Size Spare: FULL SIZE

Tyre Size Front: 255/65 R19

Space Saver?: 0

Alloys?: No

Wheel Type: 19" ALLOY

Wheel Style: 6 SPOKE STYLE 6010

Tyre Size Rear: 255/65 R19

Vehicle Dimensions

Width (including mirrors): 2105

Height: 1967

Height (including roof rails): N

Width: 2008

Wheelbase: 3022

Length: 5018

Weight and Capacities

Gross Vehicle Weight: 3200

Minimum Kerbweight: 2361

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 89

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 3500

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750

Max. Loading Weight: 839

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 786

No. of Seats: 5

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 12.8

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1875

Max. Roof Load: 100

Body Glass

Solar attenuating windscreen

Carpets/Rugs

Lunar carpet mats

Communication

Wi-Fi Enabled with data plan

Driver Convenience

Garage door opener (Homelink)

Driver Information

Head up Display

Driving Mirrors

ClearSight interior rear view mirror

Embellishment Trims

Robustec veneer

Exterior Body Features

Folding fabric roof

Sliding panoramic roof

White contrast roof

Black exposed rear recovery eyes

Matte protective film

Less roof rack or roof rails

Black contrast roof

Black contrast Signature Graphic (with interior storage)

Premium metallic paint

Illuminated metal treadplates with County graphic

Metallic paint

Tasman Blue contrast roof

Exterior Lights

Front fog lights

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Cabin pre-conditioning with remote fob

Cabin Air Purification plus

Air quality sensor

Three zone climate control

Three-zone Climate Control with Rear Cooling Assist

Interior Features

Soft close tail door

Resist upholstery seats

Cabin walk-through

Front centre console refrigerator compartment

Domestic plug socket

Loadspace partition net

Electrically adjustable steering column

Ebony morzine headlining

Packs

Black exterior pack - Defender

Off Road Pack - Defender S/SE/HSE/Dynamic S

Bright exterior pack - Defender

Comfort and convenience Package - Defender S

Towing Pack - Defender

Air suspension pack - Defender SE/HSE/X-Dynamic SE/X-Dynamic HSE

Cold climate Pack - Defender

Advanced Off road capability pack - Defender/S/SE/HSE 110

County Exterior Pack - Defender

Driver assist pack - Defender S

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Tasman blue

Metallic - Santorini black

Metallic - Gondwana stone

Metallic - Pangea green

Paint - Solid

Solid - Fuji white

Paint - Special

Premium metallic - Carpathian grey

Premium metallic - Silicon silver

Seats

40:20:40 folding, heated rear seats with centre armrest

Towing

Electrically deployable towbar

Detachable towbar

Transmission

Electronic active differential with brake torque vectoring

Trim - Leather

Resist seats - Khaki, Khaki/Ebony colourway, Light cloud morzine headlining

Resist seats and Resolve - Ebony, Ebony/Ebony colourway, Light cloud morzine headlining

Resist seats - Ebony, Ebony/Ebony colourway, Ebony morzine headlining

Resist seats - Ebony, Ebony/Ebony colourway, Light cloud morzine headlining

Resist seats - Khaki, Khaki/Ebony colourway, Ebony morzine headlining

Resist seats - Light cloud, Light cloud/Lunar colourway, Light cloud morzine headlining

Wheels

All terrain tyres

Wheels - Alloy

20" 5 spoke alloy wheels with Polished silver - Style 5098

20" 5 spoke alloy wheels with Gloss White finish - style 9013

20" 5 spoke alloy wheels with Satin dark grey finish - Style 5094

20" 5 split spoke alloy wheels with Gloss Dark grey with contrast diamond turned finish - Style 5095

20" 6 spoke alloy wheels with Gloss Black finish - Style 6011

20" 5 spoke alloy wheels with Satin dark grey finish - Style 5098

20" 5 spoke alloy wheels with Gloss sparkle silver finish - Style 5098

20" 5 spoke alloy wheels with Gloss sparkle silver finish - Style 5094

19" 6 spoke alloy wheels with Gloss Black finish - Style 6010

Wheels - Spare

Body coloured spare wheel cover

20" full size alloy spare wheel