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 a 48-volt mild hybrid system and an eight-speed automatic transmission, offering a blend of performance, efficiency, and practicality. 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 and improved on-road refinement. The “110” designation refers to the vehicle’s wheelbase length, and the D250 specifically denotes the engine’s power output in metric horsepower. This model is notable for its optional five-plus-two seating configuration, providing accommodation for up to seven passengers.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Land Rover |
| Model | Defender |
| Generation | Defender 110 (L663) |
| Type | 3.0 D250 (249 Hp) Mild Hybrid AWD Automatic 5+2 Seating |
| Start of production | September, 2020 |
| Powertrain Architecture | MHEV (Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle) |
| Body type | Off-road vehicle |
| Seats | 7 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Combined fuel consumption (WLTP) | 8.9-9.5 l/100 km (26.4 – 24.8 US mpg) |
| CO2 emissions (WLTP) | 232-249 g/km |
| Fuel consumption (NEDC) | 7.6 l/100 km (30.9 US mpg) |
| CO2 emissions (NEDC) | 200 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 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 | 9.6 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.2 kg/Nm |
| Power | 249 Hp @ 4000 rpm |
| Torque | 570 Nm @ 1250-2250 rpm (420.41 lb.-ft.) |
| 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 capacity | 11.6 l (12.26 US qt | 10.21 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 2396 kg (5282.28 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 231 l (8.16 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 2233 l (78.86 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 89 l (23.51 US gal | 19.58 UK gal) |
| AdBlue tank capacity | 21 l (5.55 US gal | 4.62 UK gal) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes | 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 | All wheel drive (4×4). MHEV. ICE and electric motor drive all wheels. |
| Number of gears | 8 |
| Gearbox type | Automatic transmission |
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 diesel commonrail fuel injection system and a single turbocharger with an intercooler to deliver a balance of power and efficiency. The mild hybrid system, a 48-volt electrical architecture, incorporates a Belt-integrated Starter Generator (BiSG) that assists the engine during acceleration and enables smoother start-stop functionality. This system doesn’t provide electric-only driving but contributes to reduced emissions and 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. The eight-speed automatic transmission, sourced from ZF, is a crucial component, offering smooth and relatively quick shifts. It’s calibrated to prioritize usability and off-road capability over outright performance.
Driving Characteristics
The D250 Automatic offers a comfortable and capable driving experience. While not as overtly sporty as some of its competitors, the engine provides ample torque for everyday driving and confident overtaking. The automatic transmission is well-matched to the engine’s characteristics, providing smooth gear changes and a responsive feel. Compared to the higher-output D300 variant, the D250 feels slightly less urgent in acceleration, but the difference is not dramatic. The mild hybrid system helps to mitigate turbo lag, providing a more immediate response from the engine. Off-road, the D250’s torque and the intelligent all-wheel-drive system make it a highly capable vehicle, easily tackling challenging terrain. The gear ratios are optimized for both on-road cruising and low-speed off-road crawling.
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 lane departure warning and emergency braking. Optional extras could include a panoramic sunroof, premium audio system, adaptive cruise control, and various off-road packages. The five-plus-two seating configuration, a notable option, adds a third row of seats suitable for children or occasional passengers, reducing cargo space when deployed. Dashboard configuration is modern and minimalist, emphasizing functionality and ease of use.
Chassis & Braking
The Defender 110 utilizes a robust aluminum-intensive monocoque chassis, providing a strong and lightweight foundation. The suspension system consists of a double-wishbone front suspension and an independent multi-link rear suspension, offering a good balance of ride comfort and off-road articulation. Braking duties are handled by disc brakes on all four wheels, with front discs ranging from 349-380mm and rear discs from 325-365mm. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is standard, along with other electronic stability control systems. The D250 variant typically features stabilizer bars to reduce body roll during cornering.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Defender 110 D250 was generally well-received by automotive critics, praised for its blend of capability, comfort, and technology. However, some reviewers noted that the price point was relatively high compared to competitors. Compared to the D200 variant, the D250 offered a noticeable performance upgrade, justifying the price difference for those seeking more power. Against the D300, the D250 represented a more economical option, sacrificing some performance for improved fuel economy. Fuel economy figures of 8.9-9.5 l/100 km (26.4-24.8 US mpg) are respectable for a vehicle of this size and capability, but not class-leading.
Legacy
The Land Rover Defender 110 D250 represents a pivotal moment in the Defender’s history, bridging the gap between its utilitarian past and a more modern future. The Ingenium engine and mild hybrid technology demonstrate Land Rover’s commitment to improving efficiency and reducing emissions. While long-term reliability data is still emerging, the Ingenium engine family has generally proven to be robust. On the used car market, the D250 variant is likely to hold its value well, appealing to buyers seeking a capable and well-equipped SUV with a prestigious brand image. The combination of seven-seat practicality and off-road prowess makes it a versatile choice for families and adventurers alike.
