Land Rover has given its Defender lineup a makeover and boosted its power with new engines.
The three-row version now offers even more comfort with captain chairs replacing the middle bench. The new engines, including a diesel and a plug-in hybrid, promise enhanced performance and efficiency.
The refresh arrives four years after the introduction of the L663-generation Defender. Although not a complete facelift, this update brings significant mechanical and cosmetic enhancements, along with a reorganization of trim levels.
The D300 diesel engine has been replaced by the more powerful D350 from the Range Rover, ramping up power and torque by 50 bhp and 50 Nm to 350 bhp and 700 Nm. Though specific performance figures for the new engine haven’t been disclosed, it’s expected to improve upon the D300’s 7.0-second 0-100kph time.
Similarly, the P400 Ingenium straight-six petrol engine has been substituted with a 425hp version of JLR’s supercharged 5.0-litre V8. Additionally, the plug-in hybrid Defender now adopts the P300e setup used in the Evoque and Discovery Sport PHEVs, featuring a 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine combined with electric motors to deliver a total output of 310hp.
These changes aim to ensure the Defender complies with Euro 6e emissions standards, suggesting that the straight-six petrol engine may also phase out from other JLR models like the Discovery, Range Rover, and Range Rover Sport in international markets.
One of the key cabin updates is the introduction of a new Captain Chairs pack for the three-row Defender 130. This replaces the middle bench with two individual armchairs, offering front-row comfort to passengers in the second row. The captain chairs come with heating, ventilation, and convenient access to cupholders.
They’re available on Defender X and V8 models and can also be added to the Defender X-Dynamic HSE as part of a new Signature Interior pack, which includes premium features like 14-way electrically adjustable front seats, heated third-row seats, Windsor leather, Kvadrat upholstery, and bespoke interior trim colors.
Additionally, there’s a new ‘Sedona’ edition of the 110 model, featuring unique red paintwork, a black trim pack, and an optional bonnet decal depicting the rocky terrain of Sedona, Arizona.
According to Autocar, in global markets, the Defender now comes in a streamlined range of trims: S, X-Dynamic SE, X-Dynamic HSE, X, and V8 variants, available in 90, 110, and 130 bodystyles.
As for India, it’s yet to be confirmed whether these updates will reach the Defender lineup. Currently, Land Rover offers the Defender in India in 90, 110, and 130 bodystyles, with prices starting from Rs 98.5 lakh, Rs 97 lakh, and Rs 1.39 crore, respectively (all prices, ex-showroom). The Indian lineup includes five powertrain options: 2.0-litre and 3.0-litre turbo-petrols, a 3.0-litre diesel, a 5.0-litre V8 petrol, and a 2.0-litre petrol-plug-in hybrid.
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