The Land Rover Defender 110 (L663) 3.0 D250, introduced in September 2020, represents a significant departure from its iconic predecessor while attempting to retain the spirit of off-road capability that defined the Defender name. This variant, positioned as a mid-range offering within the 110 lineup, combines a 3.0-liter inline-six diesel engine with mild-hybrid technology and an eight-speed automatic transmission, offering a balance of performance, efficiency, and refinement. The L663 generation marked the Defender’s transition from a utilitarian, body-on-frame vehicle to a more modern, unibody construction, aiming for broader appeal in the premium SUV segment. The D250 trim, seating six, became a popular choice for families and those requiring a versatile vehicle capable of both on-road comfort and challenging off-road excursions.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Land Rover |
| Model | Defender |
| Generation | Defender 110 (L663) |
| Type | 3.0 D250 (249 Hp) Mild Hybrid AWD Automatic 6 Seat |
| Start of production | September, 2020 |
| Powertrain Architecture | MHEV (Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle) |
| Body type | Off-road vehicle |
| Seats | 6 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Combined fuel consumption (WLTP) | 8.8-9.5 l/100 km (26.7 – 24.8 US mpg, 32.1 – 29.7 UK mpg, 11.4 – 10.5 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions (WLTP) | 231-248 g/km |
| Fuel consumption (NEDC, WLTP equivalent) | 7.6 l/100 km (30.9 US mpg, 37.2 UK mpg, 13.2 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions (NEDC, WLTP equivalent) | 200 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 8.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 8.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 7.9 sec |
| Maximum speed | 188 km/h (116.82 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6d-F |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 9.5 kg/Hp, 105.4 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.1 kg/Nm, 241.3 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 249 Hp @ 4000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 83.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 570 Nm @ 1250-2250 rpm (420.41 lb.-ft. @ 1250-2250 rpm) |
| Engine Model/Code | Ingenium / DT306 |
| Engine displacement | 2996 cm3 (182.83 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 83.01 mm (3.27 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 92.3 mm (3.63 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 15.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 8.8 l (9.3 US qt | 7.74 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 11.6 l (12.26 US qt | 10.21 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 2362 kg (5207.32 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 972 l (34.33 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 2277 l (80.41 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 89 l (23.51 US gal | 19.58 UK gal) |
| AdBlue tank | 21 l (5.55 US gal | 4.62 UK gal) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 3500 kg (7716.18 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 750 kg (1653.47 lbs.) |
| Length | 5018 mm (197.56 in.) |
| Width | 1996 mm (78.58 in.) |
| Width with mirrors folded | 2008 mm (79.06 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2105 mm (82.87 in.) |
| Height | 1967-1972 mm (77.44 – 77.64 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 3022 mm (118.98 in.) |
| Front track | 1701-1706 mm (66.97 – 67.17 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1697-1702 mm (66.81 – 67.01 in.) |
| Front overhang | 845 mm (33.27 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 1151 mm (45.31 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 218-291 mm (8.58 – 11.46 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.41 |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 13.1 m (42.98 ft.) |
| Approach angle | 30.1-37.5° |
| Departure angle | 37.7-40.0° |
| Ramp-over (brakeover) angle | 22-28° |
| Climb angle | 45° |
| Wading depth | 850-900 mm (33.46 – 35.43 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | ICE and electric motor permanently drive all four wheels. |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 8 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
| Front brakes | Disc, 349-380 mm |
| Rear brakes | Disc, 325-365 mm |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 255/70 R18; 255/65 R19; 255/60 R20; 275/45 R22 |
| Wheel rims size | 8.0J x 18; 8.0J x 19; 8.5J x 20; 9.0J x 22 |
INTRODUCTION
The Land Rover Defender 110 (L663) 3.0 D250, launched in 2020, marked a pivotal moment for the iconic Defender brand. This model, built on the Premium Lightweight Architecture (PLA) platform, represented a move away from the traditional body-on-frame construction to a more sophisticated unibody design. The D250 variant, powered by the Ingenium 3.0-liter diesel engine and paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, was positioned as a versatile option within the 110 range, offering a balance between performance, fuel economy, and practicality. Its six-seat configuration catered to families and those needing passenger capacity, while the advanced technology and refined interior aimed to attract a broader customer base than previous Defender generations. The D250 aimed to deliver the legendary Defender off-road capability with a level of on-road comfort and sophistication previously unseen in the model line.
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
At the heart of the D250 lies the Ingenium engine family’s 3.0-liter inline-six diesel (DT306). This engine utilizes a sophisticated common-rail direct injection system, delivering fuel at extremely high pressures for optimized combustion. A single variable geometry turbocharger (VGT) with intercooling provides enhanced power and torque across a wide rev range. The D250 incorporates mild-hybrid technology, featuring a 48V electrical system and a Belt-integrated Starter Generator (BiSG). This system assists the engine during acceleration, enabling smoother starts and improved fuel efficiency. The eight-speed automatic transmission, sourced from ZF, is known for its smooth shifting and wide gear ratios. It’s programmed to provide a balance between fuel economy and responsiveness, with adaptive shift patterns that adjust to driving conditions. The transmission also features a manual shift mode for greater driver control.
Driving Characteristics
The D250 offers a composed and refined driving experience, particularly on paved roads. The 249 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque provide ample power for everyday driving and highway cruising. While not as overtly sporty as some competitors, the D250 delivers strong acceleration, reaching 60 mph in around 7.9 seconds. The eight-speed automatic transmission contributes to relaxed cruising, with well-spaced gear ratios. Off-road, the D250 truly shines. The permanent all-wheel-drive system, combined with the Terrain Response 2 system, allows drivers to tailor the vehicle’s settings to various surfaces, including grass, gravel, snow, mud, sand, and rock crawl. The electronic air suspension, standard on many D250 models, provides adjustable ride height and enhances off-road articulation. Compared to higher-output Defender variants, the D250 offers a more fuel-efficient and accessible entry point into the new Defender lineup, though it lacks the outright performance of the P400 or P500 models.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The D250 typically came well-equipped, featuring standard amenities such as leather upholstery, heated front seats, a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) including emergency braking and lane-keeping assist. Optional extras included a panoramic sunroof, premium audio systems, configurable interior lighting, and various off-road enhancements like an electronic active differential. Interior trim levels varied, with options for different wood or metal finishes. The six-seat configuration featured a 3-3 layout, providing individual seats for all passengers. The D250 sat in the middle of the Defender 110 range, offering a step up in refinement and features compared to the base models, but without the premium price tag of the top-spec trims.
Chassis & Braking
The L663 Defender 110 utilizes a monocoque construction, providing a significant increase in stiffness compared to the previous generation’s body-on-frame design. The front suspension employs a double-wishbone setup, while the rear features an independent multi-link suspension. This configuration delivers a comfortable ride and excellent handling characteristics. Braking duties are handled by disc brakes on all four wheels, with larger rotors available on higher trim levels. The D250’s braking system is augmented by ABS, electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), and emergency brake assist. Stabilizer bars are fitted front and rear to reduce body roll during cornering. The suspension tuning is optimized for both on-road comfort and off-road capability, providing a good balance between the two.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Land Rover Defender 110 D250 received generally positive reviews from automotive critics. It was praised for its blend of off-road capability, on-road comfort, and refined interior. The 3.0-liter diesel engine was noted for its smooth power delivery and reasonable fuel economy, achieving between 24.8 and 26.7 US mpg in combined WLTP testing. Compared to the petrol-powered Defender variants, the D250 offered superior fuel efficiency and torque, making it a more practical choice for long-distance driving and towing. However, some critics noted that the diesel engine lacked the responsiveness and character of the petrol engines. Against competitors like the Jeep Grand Cherokee and BMW X5, the Defender 110 D250 stood out for its unique styling and exceptional off-road prowess.
Legacy
The Land Rover Defender 110 D250 represents a significant evolution of the Defender lineage. While the transition to a unibody construction and modern technology was met with some initial skepticism from traditionalists, the L663 generation has proven to be a successful and popular model. The Ingenium diesel engine, while subject to ongoing emissions scrutiny, has generally proven to be reliable. On the used car market, the D250 commands a reasonable price, reflecting its versatility and capability. Its blend of practicality, comfort, and off-road performance ensures its continued appeal to a wide range of buyers seeking a premium SUV with a distinctive character.
