Land Rover Defender 110 X-Dynamic SE P425 review: Supercharged V8 power

It’s hard to believe the modern Land Rover Defender (L663) has been with us for seven years already.

In that time, there have been minor tweaks and specification changes, while powertrains have come and gone and the Defender range sold in Australia has grown to 18 variants across the 90, 110 and 130 body sizes. You won’t get into a new Defender for less than $100,000 these days, while at the top of the range sits the Defender OCTA Black at an eye-watering $314,300.

The most recent mechanical change to the Defender range saw the petrol-powered Ingenium inline-six replaced by a V8. The diesel option remains the sublime Ingenium six, and there’s a petrol-electric hybrid available as well.

I haven’t met a vehicle yet that hasn’t benefited from a V8 transplant, particularly when it’s a supercharged V8, so I thought it was time to get back into a Defender. The vehicle we have on test here is the entry-level X-Dynamic SE P425, which is priced at $132,400 plus on-road costs.

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As with most modern Land Rover vehicles, accessory packs are a big part of the selection process. This particular Defender benefits from the Off-Road Pack, which adds an electronic active differential with torque vectoring, 20-inch all-terrain tyres, a domestic 230V power socket in the cargo area, black roof rails and Wade Sensing for an additional $1239.

Then there’s the Advanced Off-Road Pack, which adds Terrain Response 2, Configurable Terrain Response and All Terrain Progress Control (ATPC). The Premium Upgrade Interior Pack adds extended leather trim, a leather steering wheel and gear shifter, an electrically adjustable steering column and 14-way heated and cooled front seats with driver’s memory for $3691.

Light Cloud perforated Windsor leather seats with a matching Light Cloud interior add another $2048. There’s also a matte protective vinyl wrap, dark alloy wheels, privacy glass, a blacked-out roof and several other extras, bringing the price as tested to $154,031 plus on-road costs.

That might sound like a lot of money, but when you compare the Defender with a similarly equipped and specified LandCruiser 300 Series, it actually has a lower purchase price.

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Supercharged V8 

The 5.0-litre V8 might be relatively new to the current Defender, but it’s not new to Land Rover and Jaguar, having been used in various models since the British brands were owned by Ford.

It shouldn’t be confused with the turbocharged V8 found in the Defender OCTA and some Range Rover models. That engine comes from BMW, while the OCTA is another story altogether. The supercharged V8 pumps out 313kW and 550Nm through an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel-drive system.

That’s more than enough to make the Defender step up and boogie on the open road, while the fully independent air suspension does a brilliant job of controlling the big, tall wagon through the twisties. There’s a hint of supercharger whine when you put your foot down, but it is soon drowned out by the bellowing V8 as the revs and speed rise. The same air suspension gets the job done on gravel roads, where it feels firm but doesn’t transmit small, high-frequency bumps and corrugations through to the cabin as some stiffly sprung vehicles do.

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With the roads wet, and travelling alone on modest all-terrain tyres, we didn’t venture onto any serious off-road tracks. However, the extra ground clearance provided by the height-adjustable suspension came in handy when getting over mounds and logs lying across the track. Only the centre and rear differentials are auto-locking in the Defender, although we didn’t need the extra traction they provide on this drive.

The inclusion of All Terrain Progress Control – similar to crawl control and other such systems – is a worthwhile addition that makes driving across rough and technical terrain easier, especially for novice drivers. Wade Sensing is also clever, showing the driver the water depth during a crossing, while the camera provides a clear view of any obstacles that might be hidden mid-stream.

It was interesting to drive this Defender in the week after we tested the new LandCruiser Performance Hybrid 300 Series, and to consider how buyers wanting more than a diesel engine in a large 4×4 are now spoilt for choice.

Inside the Defender 

The interior of the L663 Defender has evolved since the model’s launch, with more premium materials and soft-touch surfaces throughout the cabin than in the more basic models offered at the start of this generation.

This is especially evident when it is equipped with premium option packs, as this example is. We’re not sure many owners will select the Light Cloud leather seats if they plan to use their Defender off-road, but they look good while they’re new and the heating function was appreciated during our midwinter travels.

The cabin has a premium feel, with distinctive design and clever storage options. It’s a refreshing change from the generic cabins found in so many vehicles from Asian manufacturers, and it’s great to see design and style playing a part without sacrificing usability.

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Most of the controls are easy enough to navigate, although it took some searching through the menus to find the FM radio. The controls for the Terrain Response drive modes are also now hidden within the touchscreen and are not as easy to use without taking your eyes off the road as the rotary dial fitted to previous versions. It’s just as well Terrain Response now has an Auto mode that adjusts the vehicle’s settings to suit the driving conditions.

The recent update brought a larger 13.1-inch multimedia screen, while the Meridian sound system delivers suitably premium audio. The Defender’s tall cabin provides plenty of headroom for passengers in both rows, while the cargo area is large and has a hard-wearing floor. The second-row seats fold flat to create a longer load space that is big enough for most people to sleep in if needed.

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Verdict

Whether powered by a supercharged petrol V8, turbo-diesel six or petrol-electric hybrid, the Defender remains a capable off-road wagon across any terrain, yet adds elements of style and luxury that give it a truly unique presence.

The supercharged V8 gives the Defender stronger on-road performance and just a touch of V8 mongrel without compromising its off-road capability, while enhancing its all-roads driveability. This drive reminded us that the Defender remains a serious alternative to popular large 4×4 wagons such as the LandCruiser 300 Series and Nissan Patrol, with the quality, capability and heritage that emerging luxury brands can only dream of.

Like all models in the Land Rover line-up, the Defender is covered by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty and five years of roadside assistance. A five-year/130,000km service plan is available for $3900, whichever comes first.

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Specs