2024 Defender 110 P400e X-Dynamic SE assessment

Land Rover should be rubbing its palms collectively over the variety of Defender fashions it has offered in Australia.

Since its launch and till the mid-point of 2024, there have been 9184 examples of the new-generation Defender offered right here, and the bulk aren’t base fashions.

That quantity, in fact, is unfold throughout the 90 three-door, the 110 five-door, and the latest arrival, the prolonged Defender 130

Throughout all grades the powertrain providing has modified over the few years since its introduction, with changes to the combustion mannequin strains a relentless consideration for customers.

However there’s now electrification as a part of the combination too. The Defender 110 examined on this assessment is the newly added P400e plug-in hybrid, which is on the market in a few trim ranges.

It pairs up a four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine an electrical motor and a battery pack. There’s all-electric all-wheel drive out there, however there are additionally a couple of caveats – learn on to seek out out.

How does the Land Rover Defender examine?

View an in depth breakdown of the Land Rover Defender in opposition to equally sized autos.

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Defender

How a lot does the Defender 110 value?

There are a few variations of the P400e plug-in hybrid within the Defender 110 lineup. It’s not provided within the Defender 90 short-wheelbase three-door, nor the longer Defender 130.

On take a look at here’s a mannequin yr 2024 (MY24) Defender 110 P400e X-Dynamic SE with a variety of optionally available extras, although Land Rover sellers are taking orders of MY25 examples which have tweaked specs.

2024 Defender 110 P400e pricing:

2025 Defender 110 P400e pricing:

To see how the Defender strains up in opposition to the competitors, take a look at our comparability device.

What’s the Defender 110 like on the within?

I’ve at all times thought the cabin of the Defender is delightfully utilitarian. This isn’t a luxurious SUV, although the inside is a considerate, intelligent, nicely designed, and really usable house.

I like the dashboard shelf in entrance of the passenger space. There are storage sections in entrance of the motive force, in addition to large door pockets. Sadly nevertheless there are not any moulded bottle holders, so issues can rattle a bit.

There’s an enormous centre console space with tiered bin storage choices for bigger gadgets, a cupholder part above that with a wi-fi telephone charger, and a sealed centre console bin beneath the centre armrest.

The controls are all exceptionally straightforward to familiarize yourself with, actually and figuratively. There are twin rotary dials for air-con and fan management, in addition to quite a lot of totally different buttons out there for different controls within the automotive. The large touchscreen media system additionally has quite a lot of totally different menu choices on it.

Additional, there’s an EV mode button nestled in an present button zone which lets you select between EV, Hybrid, and Save modes.

The media controls are largely straightforward to come back to phrases with. The touchscreen is crisp and really quick to react to the touch inputs.

I actually respect the quantity of data out there to the motive force – together with issues like whether or not the centre or rear differential is locked, how a lot load is on every airbag shock absorber, and different stuff like car dimensions.

The standard stuff like wi-fi smartphone mirroring know-how (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto) labored fairly nicely throughout my time with the automotive. The ten-speaker Meridian stereo is great, too.

There’s an array of charging factors by each rows of seats, and even a household-style powerpoint within the boot space.

Area within the second row for somebody my measurement (182cm / 6’0”) seated within the arrears of my very own driving place is ok, and likewise headroom and shoulder house is nice. Three adults throughout is a doable factor on this rig.

In case your passengers are of the smaller and youthful selection, there are three top-tethers and two ISOFIX factors for little one seats. Youngsters love the view from the again row, and the additional gentle from the overhead glass panels provides some wow issue.

Second-row facilities embody good sized air-vents, mesh pockets on the backs of the seats, storage bins within the doorways, and a pair of cupholders in a flip-down armrest.

My household consists of three and two canines, and we may simply slot in right here for a visit away – however I’ve to say, the 110 PHEV is just not the best selection for individuals who prioritise boot house, as a result of it has a smaller cargo space than different petrol and diesel 110 Defenders.

That is as a result of PHEV’s battery pack being packaged beneath the boot ground. They tried to suit it beneath the boot ground, but it surely didn’t match, so there’s an enormous bulge within the boot that makes it a bit annoying to take care of. 

The claimed quantity is 853 litres to the headlining, however that’s significantly lower than the 916L of the petrol and diesel fashions.

You would possibly need to add a mat to the boot space as a result of it has edges that fall away, so free gadgets will transfer round. Additionally, the PHEV mannequin has cable luggage that must go someplace, and fortunately they’ve clips on them, however they nonetheless make a racket while you’re driving round corners.

There’s a detachable cargo cowl which may be very versatile – it’s not like different cargo covers which have a tough shell that the duvet retracts into. It’s extra like a curtain that plugs into place over the stuff within the again. Additionally, if you happen to’re loading in cumbersome gadgets, you possibly can decrease or elevate the air suspension to make it simpler.

One factor that everybody contemplating a Defender ought to be aware of is the side-swinging tailgate, which is heavy to function. It could possibly swing again in direction of you in case you are parked on an incline.

You additionally have to be aware while you’re reversing right into a parking house, as a result of it opens up a good method, and may make for a irritating expertise.

What’s beneath the bonnet?

This P400e model of the Defender runs a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine (producing 221kW/400Nm), paired to an eight-speed automated transmission with drive despatched by a four-wheel drive system with a low-range switch case for off-roading.

The 105kW electrical motor is built-in into the transmission, and meaning you possibly can really feel gearshifts when driving in EV mode. It’s quirky. The motor is fed by a 19.2kWh lithium-ion battery pack housed within the boot space.

Complete system outputs are 297kW of energy and 640Nm of torque, which is sufficient to propel this sizeable machine from 0-100km/h in simply 5.6 seconds, in accordance with Land Rover. That’s no imply feat contemplating the PHEV mannequin suggestions the scales at 2613kg.

Recharging choices for the battery pack embody AC at a price of 7kW, and DC fast-charging can be out there at charges as much as 50kW. Land Rover claims a cost time of about 2.0 hours on AC from a 7.4kW wallbox (0-80 per cent), whereas DC fast-charging the battery from 0-80 per cent is alleged to be achievable in 30 minutes.

As for EV driving vary Land Rover claims 52km in accordance with the extra lenient claimed NEDC testing cycle, or 43km on the extra reasonable WLTP take a look at protocol. Each occasions I had the automotive absolutely charged, the sprint show confirmed 43km to empty.

Towing capability is 750kg for an unbraked trailer and 3000kg for a braked trailer – 500kg lower than equal petrol and diesel examples of the Defender 110. The gross car mass (GVM) is 3300kg for this mannequin, whereas the gross mixed mass (GCM) is 6300kg.

Official claimed mixed cycle gas use determine is 3.6 litres per 100km, however like all plug-in hybrids, that’s actually solely consultant of what you would possibly obtain for the primary 100km (if you happen to’re fortunate).

It’s because as soon as the battery is depleted, the automotive can’t presumably be as environment friendly.

Within the identify of science, I absolutely charged the battery and took off for a 100km drive throughout a mixture of disciplines, together with city, stop-start, arterial roads and freeways. Just like the WLTP declare suggests, I acquired 43km of EV driving from the battery earlier than the automotive switched to Hybrid mode, the place I then noticed an indicated 5.5 litres after 100km.

After this I did the identical loop with the battery depleted to see what you would possibly anticipate in a worst-case state of affairs of simply driving by your self – no load, no off-road – and the show learn 9.7 litres per 100km.

Which may appear excessive – 63 per cent larger than the claimed quantity – however that’s a penalty that should be paid for having hardcore off-road underpinnings and functionality, to not point out bluff angles which are hardly aero-friendly.

How does the Defender 110 drive?

The brand new powertrain is the large change to the drive expertise right here, as a result of it stays the composed and compelling SUV to drive in lots of different methods.

As talked about above, I recharged the battery in a single day and left residence with a full battery, driving in EV mode till the powertrain determined the battery was depleted after 43km.

I used to be driving in a mixture of city, stop-start, freeway and arterial roads, and it was by no means in need of energy, nor tough or unrefined. Once you plant your foot in EV mode it hustles.

When the battery cost is depleted, the petrol engine kicks to life, and you’ll hear it in distinction to the relative silence of EV motion – in truth, there’s a little bit of a raspy notice to this Ingenium four-cylinder turbo petrol, which I like.

Thereafter, the powertrain nonetheless jumped between EV and Hybrid modes, relying on the scenario. Once you ask for all the pieces in Hybrid mode, this 2.6-tonne rig actually rockets. It’s significantly method sooner than you would possibly anticipate a fuel-efficiency-focused providing to be.

There’s nonetheless a degree of refinement nevertheless between the driving modes which makes it an urban-friendly choice, and that’s probably the place it can have most of its enchantment.

There was no off-road testing element of this assessment. It was used like most homeowners will probably use it, with a full battery leaving residence, which can or could run out throughout a day’s value of driving.

However like I stated within the powertrain part, I ran it for 100km to see the gas use, after which one other 100km with out a absolutely charged battery, and it’s clear this isn’t as environment friendly because it might be when pushed purely as a hybrid.

Even so, I believe the choice petrol choices within the lineup probably will use extra juice, and personally, if I wasn’t spending as much as the V8 powered mannequin, I’d be selecting a diesel Defender.

Our tester’s experience is one factor that stands out as a spotlight, with a gentle and cozy setup due to the air suspension, which incorporates adaptive know-how to regulate to the floor.

In fact, you possibly can elevate and decrease it relying on the terrain, and if you happen to’re in Eco mode it can decrease the car to chop by the air a bit extra cleanly.

Whatever the mode consolation is great. Positive, you possibly can really feel the street under, and even sure lumps and bumps, however the automotive is rarely uncomfortable. I say this having lately spent a while within the Toyota LandCruiser 300 on the identical roads, and this was like a magic carpet by comparability.

What’s extra of a consideration is the load. This can be a heavy automotive, and you’ll really feel that mass within the bends and beneath braking. Fortunately the steering is nicely sorted and predictable, so shifting this machine by the bends is simple sufficient, however you should be aware that it’s a giant, lumbering factor.

The brake pedal really feel may do with some wonderful tuning, nevertheless. It has a bitey and unpredictable really feel to it at occasions, and I struggled to guage how a lot strain to use at occasions.

Visibility from the motive force’s seat is drastically aided by the optionally available digital digicam mirror fitted to this take a look at car, as a result of with out it you get a rearview mirror stuffed with headrests and spare wheel.

Nonetheless, it does have an odd perspective given it’s mounted on the roof, which may make you are feeling the automotive behind you is nearer than they really are.

What do you get?

On take a look at right here is the extra reasonably priced plug-in hybrid Defender, the X-Dynamic SE.

Defender 110 P400e X-Dynamic SE highlights:

• 20-inch wheels
• Full measurement spare wheel
• LED headlights 
• LED daytime working lights
• LED back lights inc. fog gentle
• Configurable cabin lighting
• Leather-based-free ‘Resist’ seat trim
• Electrical seat adjustment
• 10.0-inch touchscreen media show
• Wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring
• On-line pack with related companies
• DAB digital radio
• 12.3-inch driver data show
• Twin-zone local weather management
• 10-speaker Meridian sound system with subwoofer
• ‘3D’ encompass view digicam system 
• 360-degree parking help (parking sensors)
• Adaptive cruise management
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror
• Keyless entry
• Push-button begin
• Wi-fi telephone charger
• Alarm system
• Tyre strain monitoring

This explicit tester nevertheless was fitted with quite a lot of optionally available extras and equipment fitted, bringing the as-tested value to $151,798.

Right here’s a rundown of all of the choices as examined: 

• Satin Protecting Movie: $7040
• Sliding Panoramic roof: $4490
• Prolonged Black Exterior Pack: $1710
• ClearSight inside rear-view mirror: $1450
• Tow Hitch receiver: $1430
• Off-road Pack: $1020  
  • Digital Lively Differential with Torque vectoring by braking
  • Home plug socket
  • All-Terrain Tyres
• 12-way heated, electrical reminiscence entrance seats with two-way guide headrests: $810
• Physique-coloured spare wheel cowl: $760
• Tough-cut Walnut veneer: $600
• Leather-based steering wheel: $490
• Black distinction Signature Graphic (with inside storage): $340
• Locking wheel nuts: $80
• Expedition roof rack: $2827
• A-Body safety bar: $1600
• Entrance undershield: $1506
• Deployable roof ladder: $1497
• Rubber Mat set – inside and loadspace: $700

Is the Defender 110 protected?

The Defender 110 scored a five-star ANCAP security score primarily based on testing in 2020 by Euro NCAP, and that score does embody PHEV fashions like this one.

Normal security tools contains:

• Autonomous emergency braking
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Lane-keep help
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Adaptive cruise management
• Driver consideration monitoring
• Encompass-view digicam system
• Entrance, rear parking sensors
• Protected exit alert
• Site visitors signal recognition

There’s a useful system to reduce the sensitivity of the security options rapidly and simply – simply push a button on the steering wheel and you’ll set the security programs to have average or minimal intervention. 

Twin frontal, entrance facet, and facet curtain airbags for all three rows are normal too.

How a lot does the Defender 110 value to run?

There’s a five-year/unlimited-kilometre guarantee, which you would possibly discover to be an essential consideration for the Defender because the reliability report for this car has been sketchy, to say the least, because it launched.

There’s additionally 5 years of roadside help as a part of that guarantee cowl, which once more may put your thoughts relaxed.

The model additionally has a five-year/102,000km servicing plan for the Defender PHEV fashions, priced at $2100, which is cheaper than a number of the ICE alternate options within the lineup.

CarExpert’s Tackle the Defender 110

The Defender 110 is an outstanding household SUV for individuals who need a robust and rugged, but refined and cozy SUV.

Whereas the PHEV powertrain on take a look at would possibly solely enchantment to a really small subset of consumers, there is no such thing as a doubt that for individuals who solely do a 15km drive to work and again every day, it might be excellent selection.

Whether or not or not you will get previous the reliability query marks is one other story totally, however I can completely see the enchantment.

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