The original Defender never officially came to India, but the new one has made quite a bit of progress since it was launched. It has become one of the most successful Land Rover models on sale at present, proving initial inhibitions completely wrong. As something that looks butch, drives well both on and off the road, and offers decent comfort to its occupants, the Land Rover Defender looks like a complete package. That’s in theory; we take the SUV for an outing to find out how well the combination fares as a product.
The first thing you notice about the Defender is its ability to feel rugged and polished at the same time. This also explains its vast clientele: people who want an out-and-out rugged SUV to those who want a luxurious off-roader. On the outside, it looks like a modern iteration of the Defender without copying the original. It’s a great mix of classic design elements and contemporary styling. The new Defender, available in three body lengths, looks like a completely different car amidst other similarly priced SUVs but if you park it next to the original Defender, you’ll notice how it too has become an icon in itself. On the road, surrounded by modern cars, the Defender holds its own, with a stance that’s imposing and a presence that’s second to none.
Off-road character
Through the interior, too, Land Rover has integrated some off-road character into the luxurious but unique cabin. Individual elements are rugged and feel built to last, the presence of physical buttons is also a distinct positive and the 11.4-inch touchscreen isn’t devoid of features. Apart from the standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, the system also features some off-road-focussed features like a 360-degree view, which is crucial when you don’t have an off-road spotter. There’s also a crisp Meridian sound system for the music nerds out there — including myself. The cabin has excellent space and feels airy — a trait furthered by a panoramic sunroof and the rear portal windows at the top. Seats are comfortable, and the driving position is commanding, which adds a sense of control without blocking the view. The passengers at the back also get a climate control zone, giving you another reason why the Defender is popular as a chauffeur-driven car. Having said that, it doesn’t let luxury come in the way of practicality, so when you want to carry larger items, the rear seat can be folded down to open up to 786 litres of loading area.
In the interior, Land Rover has integrated some off-road character into the luxurious but unique cabin
Lots of power
Lugging all that (including the Defender’s weight of 2,268 kilos) means it requires a lot of power. The engine range also includes V8 models, the range-topping OCTA, and a diesel, but our test car, powered by a 2-litre four-cylinder petrol engine which made 296 bhp and 40.78 kg-m, wasn’t a slouch. Claimed to hit 100 km/h in 7.4 seconds (from a standstill), the Defender 2.0 Petrol has a linear power delivery, and you can feel the push once the turbo spools up. The power is set to all four wheels, and an 8-speed automatic transmission is standard. For everyday use, an average fuel consumption of anywhere around the 10 km/l mark should be possible.
Underpinned by Land Rover’s mono platform, the Defender is ready to take anything you throw at it. Land Rover’s Terrain Response System allows the driver to select a specific terrain and the SUV’s settings (including power delivery, throttle response, etc.) are automatically adjusted to ensure no matter how difficult the conditions, the Defender doesn’t falter. In addition, the new Defender also comes with new-age tech like a water-wading radar, which can help the driver gauge the depth of water bodies to cross. The Defender’s on-road handling isn’t poor by any means, either. Its ride quality is excellent, the NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) levels are low, and the steering, which is light at slow speeds, weighs up nicely to aid confidence.
Through the new Defender, Land Rover brought back an iconic nameplate, and it’s remarkable how well-executed this job is. With prices starting from ₹1.04 crore for the updated 2025 model, the Defender is clearly more characterful and versatile than other choices on the market. No wonder it has become such a hit
