Land Rover Defender

The 2025 Land Rover Defender offers a comprehensive range of powerful and efficient engine options, catering to diverse performance needs, all paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and advanced all-wheel-drive systems.

The petrol engine lineup includes a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing around 296 bhp and 400 Nm of torque, and a 3.0-litre inline-six petrol engine with mild-hybrid technology. For those seeking more power, a 5.0-litre supercharged V8 engine is available, delivering approximately 419 bhp and 550 Nm of peak torque. This V8 allows the Defender to achieve 0-100 kmph in about 5.2 to 5.6 seconds, depending on the body style. A significant addition for 2025 is the Defender Octa, which features a new 4.4-litre twin-turbo mild-hybrid V8 engine, producing a formidable 626 bhp and 750 Nm of torque, enabling a 0-100 kmph sprint in just 4 seconds and a top speed of 240 kmph.

The diesel engine options include a 3.0-litre inline-six diesel with mild-hybrid technology, offering power outputs ranging from 296 bhp to 345 bhp and substantial torque figures up to 650 Nm. This diesel engine provides a strong balance of power and fuel efficiency. All Defender variants come standard with Land Rover's sophisticated Terrain Response system and electronic air suspension, ensuring exceptional off-road capability and a comfortable ride on various surfaces. Claimed ARAI mileage figures range from approximately 6.8 kmpl for the V8 petrol to 14.01 kmpl for the diesel variants.

Ride and Handling

The 2025 Land Rover Defender offers a remarkably refined and versatile ride and handling experience, distinguishing it from traditional rugged off-roaders. Its independent coil spring suspension is standard, but most variants come with or can be optioned with electronic air suspension, which allows for adjustable ride height and improved comfort.

On-road, the Defender delivers a surprisingly comfortable and composed ride, absorbing bumps and undulations with ease. The steering is precise and well-weighted, providing confidence at higher speeds. Body roll is well-controlled for an SUV of its size and capability. Off-road, the Defender truly shines. The electronic air suspension can raise the vehicle's ground clearance significantly, and the advanced Terrain Response system (or Terrain Response 2) automatically optimizes various vehicle settings (engine, transmission, differentials, suspension) for different surfaces like mud, sand, rocks, and snow. Features like Configurable Terrain Response allow drivers to fine-tune settings for specific conditions. The robust all-wheel-drive system, coupled with locking differentials (electronic rear differential lock available), ensures maximum traction and capability in the most challenging terrains. The Defender's impressive approach, departure, and ramp angles, along with a high wading depth (up to 900 mm), make it an unparalleled off-road performer while maintaining excellent on-road manners.

The interior of the 2025 Land Rover Defender is a harmonious blend of rugged durability, modern luxury, and practical functionality. It's designed to be both comfortable for long journeys and resilient enough for demanding off-road adventures. The cabin offers versatile seating configurations, including 5, 6, 7, and even 8-seater layouts in the Defender 130, with options for middle-row captain chairs and ventilation.

Materials used are a mix of premium leather, durable fabrics, and exposed structural elements, creating a unique aesthetic. The dashboard features a clean, horizontal layout dominated by an 11.4-inch Pivi Pro touchscreen infotainment system and a 12.3-inch digital driver's display. Comfort features include 14-way powered, heated, and cooled front seats with memory function, multi-zone automatic climate control, and configurable ambient lighting. Storage solutions are abundant and thoughtfully integrated, including a front center console refrigerator compartment and various cubbies. The boot space is generous, ranging from 107 litres (behind the third row in 7/8-seater configurations) up to 2516 litres with all rear seats folded down, making it highly practical for cargo.

Infotainment

The infotainment system in the 2025 Land Rover Defender is centered around the advanced Pivi Pro platform, accessed via a large and responsive 11.4-inch touchscreen display. This system is designed for intuitive operation and seamless connectivity, providing a modern and user-friendly experience.

Key features include integrated navigation with 3D map view, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for smartphone integration, and Bluetooth connectivity for audio streaming and phone calls. The 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster is highly customizable, capable of displaying full-screen navigation, driving data, and media information. Voice command functionality allows for hands-free control of various features. Audio options include a standard six-speaker system, with upgrades available to a premium Meridian Sound System with 10 speakers or a Meridian Surround Sound System with 14 speakers, delivering exceptional sound quality. Additional tech includes a 360-degree camera system for enhanced maneuverability, especially in tight off-road situations or parking.

The exterior design of the 2025 Land Rover Defender is instantly recognizable, blending its utilitarian heritage with modern, sophisticated aesthetics. It maintains a robust and purposeful stance, characterized by its upright silhouette, short overhangs, and prominent squared-off wheel arches. The design incorporates signature elements like alpine lights and solid shoulders, giving it an undeniable road presence.

The front fascia features a unique and prominent sculpted grille, flanked by round LED headlamps and distinctive daytime running lights, evoking its classic predecessors while looking distinctly contemporary. The side profile varies across the 90, 110, and 130 body styles, but all share a strong horizontal emphasis and clean lines. The side-opening tailgate with an externally mounted full-size spare wheel is a classic Defender touch. Depending on the variant, wheel sizes typically range from 20-inch to 22-inch alloy wheels (e.g., 275/60 R20 tyres). The Defender Octa variant adds more aggressive design tweaks and unique badging. Overall dimensions vary by body style; for instance, the 110 measures approximately 5018 mm in length, 2105 mm in width (including mirrors), and 1967 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3022 mm. Its impressive ground clearance (up to 291 mm with air suspension) and approach/departure angles are key to its off-road capability.

Safety in the 2025 Land Rover Defender is a top priority, with the vehicle achieving a 5-star Euro NCAP crash test rating, underscoring its robust protective capabilities. It is built on a strong D7x aluminum monocoque architecture, which provides exceptional rigidity and crash protection.

Standard safety equipment is extensive and includes six airbags (driver, passenger, side, and curtain airbags), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and Traction Control System (TCS). The Defender also comes with Hill Hold Assist, Hill Descent Control, Roll Stability Control, and Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) are available, including Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Assist, Rear Pre-Collision Monitor, Driver Condition Monitor, and a 360-degree camera system with 3D Surround Camera for enhanced situational awareness. Features like Wade Sensing further enhance safety during off-road water crossings.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender operates in a unique segment, blending luxury with extreme off-road capability, and thus faces competition from a diverse range of premium SUVs. Its primary rivals in India include the Toyota Land Cruiser, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, and the Jeep Wrangler.

The Toyota Land Cruiser is a legendary off-roader known for its bulletproof reliability and strong resale value, offering robust capability but with a more traditional luxury approach. The Mercedes-Benz G-Class (G-Wagen) is another iconic and highly capable off-roader that combines military-grade toughness with opulent luxury and a powerful engine, though it often comes at a higher price point. The Jeep Wrangler, while more affordable, is a direct competitor in terms of pure off-road capability, offering a removable roof and doors for an immersive open-air experience, but it generally lacks the Defender's level of luxury and on-road refinement. Other luxury SUVs like the Range Rover Sport, Mercedes-Benz GLS, Audi Q7, and BMW X7 might compete on price or luxury features, but they typically do not match the Defender's extreme off-road prowess. The Defender differentiates itself by offering a unique blend of authentic ruggedness, modern technology, and premium comfort across its versatile body styles, making it a distinct choice in the luxury SUV landscape.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender remains a highly compelling and versatile luxury SUV in the Indian market. It successfully bridges the gap between a hardcore off-roader and a comfortable, technologically advanced daily driver. Its iconic design, robust construction, and wide array of powerful engine options – including the potent V8 and the new mild-hybrid V8 in the Octa variant – ensure it can tackle virtually any terrain while providing a refined driving experience.

For Indian buyers who demand a vehicle that excels in both extreme off-road adventures and luxurious urban commuting, the 2025 Land Rover Defender is an exceptional choice. Its customizable body styles and seating configurations further enhance its appeal, making it adaptable to various lifestyles. The Land Rover Defender Octa stands out as the ultimate expression of performance and capability within the lineup for 2025, offering unmatched power and off-road prowess. For those seeking a balance of luxury and capability, the Defender 110 with its various engine options remains a highly recommended and practical choice.