Land Rover Defender 2025 Review: Twin Turbo V8, AWD Performance, Luxury SUV India

The Land Rover Defender is a dualist thanks to its 4.4-liter V8 engine, which is supplied by BMW. Comfort mode makes it quiet, but when you switch to dynamic, the beast comes alive and can reach 100 kmph in under 4 seconds. The excitement doesn’t end there, though, as this famous SUV effortlessly navigates any terrain while maintaining comfortable luxury for its passengers.

Top Things to Know About Defender

Land Rover Defender Engine and Performance

Positives:

• The Defender gets a 296bhp 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol P300 engine, it has all-wheel drive with an eight-speed torque converter transmission, and claims to do 0-100kmph in 7.4 seconds.
• The 2.0-litre engine is capable of offering robust performance in spite of the vehicle’s weight.
• This engine is very smooth, being quiet at low RPMs and offering an engaging engine noise when accelerating hard.
• There is effortless progress at everyday speeds, whether cruising city streets or quick sprints between traffic lights.
• The eight-speed automatic gearbox is smooth in its operation, enhancing driving ease.
• It has Terrain Response 2 and an air suspension, which allow for seamless adjustment to various terrains, adding versatility.

Negatives:

• The eight-speed automatic gearbox, though smooth, could be quicker in reacting to aggressive throttle inputs.

Land Rover Defender Key Specifications:

Land Rover Defender Convenience and Technology

Positives:

• The massive glass area, including a panoramic sunroof and unique safari windows, provides a bright cabin environment and exceptional visibility.

• The Pivi Pro infotainment system with a large touchscreen is responsive, offering wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and seamless connectivity.

• There is configurable cabin lighting, multiple USB ports, and wireless charging, ensuring a premium touch to the interior ambience and convenience for all passengers.

• Is available in five-, six-, seven-, and eight-seat configurations, and has a surprising amount of room in the second row along with plenty of head and legroom.

• The ClearSight rearview mirror transforms into a screen, providing an unobstructed rear view despite the presence of the spare wheel.

• The wading depth of about 900mm, combined with wade sensing, ensures preparedness for water crossings.

Negatives:

• Users of the high-tech features and controls in the Defender will need to get used to the functions for smoother operation.

Land Rover Defender Safety

Positives:

• The Defender has scored a five-star safety rating in the crash tests conducted by the Euro NCAP.
• It has six airbags, emergency brake assist, and a comprehensive suite of ADAS functions, including adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist.
• The 360-degree camera with Ground View, hill descent control, and All-Terrain Progress Control make off-road driving and manoeuvrability in tight spaces safer and less stressful.
• The electronic stability control and roll stability control enhance stability on uneven terrains and the sturdy aluminium monocoque construction ensures rigidity.

Negatives:

• We noticed that the advanced safety features (ADAS) can feel intrusive during spirited driving on normal Indian roads.

Land Rover Defender Interior and Exterior Styling

Positives:

• It has a rugged yet modern design that pays homage to the classic Defender.

• The unique two-door layout enhances its distinctive character, while the robust build emphasises its off-road focus.
• The cabin design blends utilitarian elements like rubberised materials with premium features like soft-touch plastics and digital displays.

• The second-row seats offer surprising headroom and legroom, with the safari windows adding charm and practicality.

• The high stance, boxy profile, and short overhangs allow it to have a commanding road presence.

Negatives:

• In the two-door version, rear-seat ingress and egress can be cumbersome for the occupants.
• The fixed rear windows (two-door configuration) and limited bootspace detract slightly from practicality.

Land Rover Defender features