For many decades, the Land Rover Defender was all about pure off-roading capability and rugged looks.
The Defender was first introduced in the 80s and was based on the original Land Rover from 1948. It didn’t come with the luxuries one would expect from a British marque, and there was not much to talk about in terms of technology either.
So for years, the Defender represented a robust, stripped-down Land Rover model that was the most down-to-earth and affordable, compared to the flagship Range Rover, Discovery or even Freelander models. Well, that was the case until the all-new Defender came out.
The new Defender caused a sensation at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2019 as it took on a totally different form. Gone are the rugged and boxy design that the world was used to seeing, replaced by futuristic styling that is worthy of any sci-fi movie. Based in the DC100 concept, the new Defender is modern and complies with global automobile regulations, whether in terms of safety or environment.
The Defender comes in 90 and 110 (that’s the wheelbase length in inches) versions and is fitted with 2.0-litre or 3.0-litre mild-hybrid diesel engines. They are priced heavily though, ranging from 7.599 million baht to 8.699 million baht (compared to 6.5 million baht for the Discovery 3.0 SE).
Then earlier this month, Land Rover Thailand introduced the latest addition to the Defender line-up — the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) Defender 110 P400e, priced from 6.999 million baht. We’re the first media in Thailand to get to drive the Defender PHEV, and here’s how it rolls.
Design
Die-hard fans of the original Defender are likely to be horrified to see the design of the new model. But perhaps not for the new generation of luxury SUV buyers in the United States and China, who are expected to willingly accept the modern version of this old-time 4×4 classic.
Yes, it does still feature a squarish body design posed by the original Defender, but the new model looks so Star Wars that without the badging, one wouldn’t be able to guess which Land Rover model it actually is.
Among the technical improvements are the monocoque architecture that replaces the body-on-frame construction as well as independent coil suspension replacing the live rigid axle found in the old model.
The exterior styling is complicated with a large amount of detailing all around, and at the same time it oozes with luxury. Our test vehicle also came with a special accessories package that includes add-ons such as snorkel, roof rack, roof ladder, side steps, spare wheel cover and side-mounted gear carrier. According to Land Rover, the roof is able to support over 100kg of cargo on the move (300kg while stationary).
Step inside and there are more Star Wars elements starting from the steering wheel, front console to the dashboard and door panels that come with tough-looking bolthead decoration.
The 10-inch centre touchscreen features Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, along with a 360-degree all-around view as well as ground view, allowing the driver to “see through” the bonnet when driving over dodgy tracks.
There’s a joystick type gearshift lever placed next to a control panel for various systems ranging from climate control to off-road modes.
Seats are comfortable both front and rear with plenty of space for all occupants, and although there’s no sunroof, there are two narrow glass apertures at the rear of the roof that help brighten up the interior to an extent.
Open the door-type tailgate and you’ll find a highly functional luggage area with power sockets, securing hooks and rubber lining.
There is no seven-seat option for the Defender PHEV, as the battery takes up some of the space at the luggage area. I wouldn’t mind — having seven people in one car can be quite chaotic!
Performance
The Defender PHEV gets a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine capable of pumping out roughly 300hp and a 105kW permanent magnet electric motor with 19.2kWh battery that raises maximum combined output to 404hp and 640Nm of torque.
Despite weighing in at a hefty 2.6 tonnes, the Defender PHEV does get around quickly, with 0-100kph acceleration taking 5.6secs as the engine and electric motor team up. The top speed is claimed at 191kph, which is reasonably quick for a full-sized off-roader that doesn’t appear too aerodynamic. Land Rover says that with optional 22-inch wheels, the top speed is raised to 209kph.
Fully charging the battery takes approximately seven hours via a home wallbox, while quick charging (50kW) up to 80% takes 30 minutes.
The lithium-ion battery has enough grunt to get the Defender PHEV to a top speed of 140kph in EV mode. Meanwhile, the EV range is claimed at 40-43km (WLTP) and that helps to lower average fuel consumption to roughly 25kpl for the first 100km after full charging. But let’s face it — the Defender is a full-size 4×4 and fuel economy will never be its strongest point.
Nevertheless, the hybrid system is quite functional, allowing the driver to preserve battery power for later use, or engage hybrid mode and let the system decide when to run in EV. For those who like to take along stuff on their trips, the Defender PHEV’s 3,000kg towing capacity will be helpful.
I didn’t spend much time with the Defender PHEV, being offered just a short pre-launch drive in Ratchaburi province where Land Rover has a glamping facility designed for customers. But there were both on-road and off-road sections that truly displayed the strengths of the Defender PHEV.
I’ve driven the old Defender Td5 before (wow that was a long time ago) and loved it for what it is, which included poor ride quality. It’s one of the best true off-roaders in my opinion, and that Defender deserved to be kept in the jungle away from the civilised world.
But with the new Defender PHEV, it’s a different story. Electronic air suspension comes as standard, allowing you to lower the ride height by 40mm and increase it up by 75mm for off-roading (and for extreme off-roading it goes up another 70mm). Ride quality from the now independent suspension has been improved dramatically, and it was actually highly comfortable to be in the Defender PHEV, both on and off the road. The Defender also handles better than I expected on Ratchaburi country roads, gliding through corners with decent body control like it was a small crossover.
The Defender PHEV is the first Land Rover model with regenerative brakes. Stopping power comes from discs all-round with six-piston calipers up front.
While most German luxury SUVs (as well as Swedish) seem to suit on-road driving more than off-road, Land Rover has made sure the Defender is way up there when the going gets tough. It’s a serious 4×4, not just an SUV.
For off-road driving, the Terrain Response 2 system features a large selection of modes (and configurations) ranging from gravel, mud and ruts to sand, rock and wade (it has a wading depth of as much as 900mm).
With the suspension raised, the approach, breakover and departure angles are increased to 37.5, 31 and 40 degrees respectively, ensuring high off-road capability.
Driving the Defender off-road not only shows its full 4×4 potential, but also shows how comfortable it can be while overcoming various obstacles along the route.
Conclusion
If I wanted to go off-roading and had to pick one model from a group of luxury SUVs consisting of the Audi Q7, BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz GLE, Volvo XC90 and the Land Rover Defender, my finger will be pointing at the Defender before you can say “which one?”.
But on the other hand, I might hesitate if had to pay for it. While it’s great to drive and has the best off-roading performance, at a 7 million baht entry point the Defender PHEV is also the most expensive one out of the bunch, and that’s its weakest point.
Pros: High off-road capability, surprisingly good handling Cons: Expensive, looks too futuristic for some
Land Rover Defender 110 PHEV (P400e)
Engine: 4-cylinder turbo
Displacement: 1,997cc
Max power: 404hp/5,500rpm (with electric motor)
Max torque: 640Nm/1,500-4,400rpm (with electric motor)
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
0-100kph: 5.6secs
Top speed: 191kph (209kph with optional 22-inch wheel)
ELECTRIC MOTOR
Max speed: 140kph
EV Range (WLTP): 40-43km
DIMENSIONS
Length: 5,018mm
Width: 2,008mm
Weight: 2,600kg
Max trailer: 3,000kg
OFF ROAD
Approach angle: 37.5 degrees
Ramp angle: 31 degrees
Departure angle: 40 degrees
Wading depth: 900mm
Price: 6,990,000 baht
Keyword: Simply the best The Land Rover Defender is all power and prestige. Only issue is finding the frontier roads that can do it justice