Land Rover Defender 3.0 D300 X-Dynamic SE 130 5dr Auto Review
Category: Large SUV
Section: Version review
The model
Read full reviewThe Land Rover Defender is a rugged SUV that fuses fantastic off-road ability (especially if you add the optional locking rear differential) with decent on-road manners. If that's the blend of abilities you're after, it's effectively in a class of one, but the Jeep Wrangler is even better in the rough stuff, while premium SUVs, including the Audi Q5 and Q7, are more comfortable. With its bigger boot, the Defender 110 will make the most sense for many, but the 90 is usefully more compact and better off road.
The trim
See full equipmentX-Dynamic SE trim comes very well equipped, getting luxuries that include 20in alloy wheels, privacy glass, 12-way electronically adjustable seats with memory function, heating and cooling, cruise control, a heated steering wheel, air-conditioning, an 11.4in touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, DAB radio and Bluetooth, blind-spot monitoring, trailer stability assist and an assisted tailgate.
The engine
See full engine specsWith the D250 currently unavailable to order, the D300 is our pick of the range. This straight-six diesel has 296bhp and more than enough low-down pull for effortless in-gear acceleration (on or off-road). It'll do 0-62mph in as little as 6.7sec, depending on whether you go for the 90 or the 110. It's also pretty smooth and quiet, and comes with an excellent eight-speed automatic gearbox. The downsides are 25-30mpg in the real world and the top-rate company car tax band.
