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 rugged capability. This variant, positioned as a mid-range offering within the new Defender 110 lineup, combines a 3.0-liter inline-six diesel engine with mild-hybrid technology and an eight-speed automatic transmission, coupled with a permanent all-wheel-drive system. It aimed to balance performance, fuel efficiency, and on-road refinement with the Defender’s renowned off-road prowess. The L663 generation marked the first complete redesign of the Defender in over seven decades, moving away from the traditional body-on-frame construction to a more modern monocoque chassis.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Land Rover |
| Model | Defender |
| Generation | Defender 110 (L663) |
| Type (Engine) | 3.0 D250 (249 Hp) Mild Hybrid AWD Automatic |
| Start of production | September, 2020 |
| Powertrain Architecture | MHEV (Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle) |
| Body type | Off-road vehicle |
| Seats | 5 |
| 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) | 230-248 g/km |
| Fuel consumption (NEDC) | 7.6 l/100 km (30.9 US mpg, 37.2 UK mpg, 13.2 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions (NEDC) | 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 | 9.4 kg/Hp, 106.4 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.1 kg/Nm, 243.6 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 | 2340 kg (5158.82 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 | 20.7 l (5.47 US gal | 4.55 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 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 | 13.1 m (42.98 ft.) |
| Approach angle | 30.1-37.5° |
| Departure angle | 37.7-40.0° |
| Ramp-over 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 | 8 |
| Gearbox type | Automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
| Front brakes | Disc, 349-380 mm |
| Rear brakes | Disc, 325-365 mm |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric |
| 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 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the D250 is Land Rover’s Ingenium engine family, specifically the DT306, a 3.0-liter inline-six diesel. This engine utilizes a sophisticated turbocharging system and a diesel commonrail fuel injection system to deliver a balance of power and efficiency. The mild-hybrid system, incorporating a 48-volt electrical architecture, adds a belt-integrated starter generator (BiSG) that assists the engine during acceleration and enables smoother start-stop operation. The BiSG also allows for energy recuperation during deceleration, contributing to improved fuel economy. The engine produces 249 horsepower at 4000 rpm and a substantial 570 Nm (420 lb-ft) of torque between 1250 and 2250 rpm. This torque band provides strong pulling power, particularly useful for off-road driving and towing. The engine features a high compression ratio of 15.5:1 and four valves per cylinder. The eight-speed automatic transmission, sourced from ZF, is known for its smooth shifting and wide gear ratios, optimizing both on-road cruising and off-road crawling.
Driving Characteristics
The D250 Automatic offers a composed and refined driving experience. While not as overtly powerful as the higher-output variants like the D300, the 249 hp engine provides ample performance for everyday driving and even more demanding situations. The eight-speed transmission is well-tuned, providing quick and seamless gear changes. The mild-hybrid system contributes to a responsive feel, particularly during initial acceleration. Compared to a manual transmission, the automatic prioritizes ease of use and comfort over outright driver engagement. The all-wheel-drive system provides excellent traction in various conditions, and the Defender’s Terrain Response system allows drivers to tailor the vehicle’s settings to suit the terrain. The D250’s weight (2340 kg) is noticeable, but the engine’s torque helps to mitigate this, providing strong acceleration from low speeds.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The D250 trim typically includes a generous level of standard equipment. Interior features generally include leather upholstery, heated front seats, a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a suite of driver-assistance systems such as emergency braking and lane-keeping assist. Optional extras could include a panoramic sunroof, premium audio system, adaptive cruise control, and various off-road enhancements like an electronic active differential. The interior design is modern and functional, with a focus on durability and practicality. The Defender 110 offers a spacious cabin with ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers.
Chassis & Braking
The L663 Defender utilizes a monocoque chassis constructed from lightweight aluminum, providing a significant improvement in rigidity compared to the previous generation’s body-on-frame design. The suspension system consists of a double-wishbone front suspension and an independent multi-link rear suspension, offering a comfortable ride both on and off-road. The D250 variant typically features disc brakes on all four wheels, with front discs ranging from 349-380mm and rear discs from 325-365mm. The braking system is assisted by ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and electronic brake-force distribution. The steering is electric power-assisted, providing a precise and responsive feel.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Defender 110 D250 was generally well-received by automotive critics. It was praised for its blend of refinement, capability, and technology. The fuel economy, ranging from 8.8 to 9.5 l/100 km, was considered reasonable for a vehicle of its size and weight. Compared to the higher-output D300 variant, the D250 offered a more affordable entry point into the new Defender lineup, appealing to buyers who prioritized fuel efficiency and everyday usability over outright performance. The D250 also offered a more relaxed driving experience compared to the more powerful engines. Compared to the petrol variants, the D250 provided superior fuel economy and torque, making it a popular choice for those who frequently tow or drive long distances.
Legacy
The Ingenium diesel engine, particularly the 3.0-liter variant, has proven to be a reliable and durable powertrain. While early iterations of the Ingenium engine experienced some minor issues, these were largely addressed through software updates and design revisions. The D250 variant, with its mild-hybrid system, offers improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions compared to earlier diesel Defenders. In the used car market, the Defender 110 D250 holds its value well, reflecting its popularity and reputation for reliability. The combination of a capable engine, comfortable interior, and iconic design makes it a desirable vehicle for both on-road and off-road enthusiasts.
