THE Land Rover Defender 110 plug-in hybrid really is a majestic machine. Not only does it have superb capabilities off the beaten track, it is also supremely comfortable on the road, too.
I’ve recently been testing the iconic British marque’s big, rugged SUV in X-Dynamic S spec with the P400e petrol/electric powertrain.
And I was amazed by how quick, smooth and refined the performance was – whether on country roads, around town or on the motorway.
Some typical Scottish spring weather – snow, sleet and hail – along with potholes caused by such conditions failed to ruffle the Defender’s feathers.
I’ve also had experience of driving the Defender over challenging, varied, off-road terrain in Perthshire and can vouch for its superb strength.
Centre console controls allow you to simply flick between various modes – and there’s even an Eco selection as well as a wade-sensing feature.
Propelling the P400e is a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a 105kW electric motor with a 19.2kWh battery pack.
These are teamed up with a truly seamless eight-speed automatic gearbox – which includes a more dynamic sport setting – and permanent four-wheel drive.
The results are impressive. Put your foot down and you’ll hit 60mph in just 5.4 seconds, while the top speed is 119mph thanks to the combined 404hp on tap.
Officially, the average fuel economy of the test vehicle is rated at 72.4 to 85.6mpg, with CO2 levels of 74 to 88g/km, while there is a pure electric range of 27 miles.
Fully charging the lithium-ion unit will take two and a half hours using a 7kW wallbox, while a 50kW rapid charger will get you from nothing to 80 per cent in 30 minutes.
Using a standard domestic three-pin plug socket to fully rejuice the Defender will take about seven hours.
The driving experience is thoroughly enjoyable – starting with the commanding view of the world around you thanks to the vehicle’s high stance.
And despite a kerb weight of more than 2.5 tonnes, the P400e is agile and responsive across all aspects of steering, acceleration and braking.
Hybrid power is the default mode while a button on the centre console allows you to easily switch to EV or Save power selections.
The cabin is both spacious and relaxing, with little noise intrusion from either the powerplant, wind or road.
Many vehicles claim to be five-seaters but the Defender 110 really is up to the job – as is the loadspace of 853 litres at the rear. Land Rover’s modern take on its famous go-anywhere, do-anything machine is far from utilitarian, though.
The XS-Dynamic S has the company’s sophisticated Pivi Pro infotainment and connectivity system with an 11.4in touchscreen, which really will cater for all your needs, as well as two-zone climate control.
Other features include a timed charging function, keyless entry and start, auto lights and wipers, cruise control, traffic sign recognition and adaptive speed limiter, 3D surround camera and parking aid, as well as lane keep assist.
The sturdy build and use of quality, tactile materials is also evident throughout the interior – grab handles, bulky beams and a stripped-back look with rivets on show contrast superbly with softer touch finishes.
Meanwhile there are practical features such as durable rubber flooring, good storage options and plenty of interior lighting. Roof-side mounted retro “Alpine” windows also add a sense of airiness in the rear.
And the exterior design also exudes that past-meets-present feeling. Strong vertical and horizontal lines, short overhangs, high sills and an externally mounted spare wheel bow to the Defender’s heritage.
However, the light clusters front and rear are bang up to date, while the use of satin silver and black detailing around the car – including tyre-tread-like finishing on the bonnet – add to its upmarket appeal.
The Defender I was testing is priced from £67,795 on the road, although a number of options pushed the cost north of that.
But I think you might want to consider the £1650 sliding panoramic roof and £1020 electronic active differential with torque vectoring by braking. Put simply, the former enhances the ambience in the cabin, while the latter improves the handling.
No one could dispute that this latest iteration of the Defender is very different from its workhorse forebears.
Nonetheless, it is still a vehicle of which Land Rover can be justifiably proud – and it genuinely should continue to win over an army of fans.
