The Land Rover Defender 90 (L663) 2.0 D240, produced from February to September 2020, represents a significant departure from its iconic predecessor while attempting to retain the spirit of off-road capability. This variant, powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged diesel engine producing 240 horsepower, occupied a middle ground in the initial L663 Defender 90 lineup, offering a balance between performance, fuel efficiency, and price. It was positioned below the higher-output petrol options and above the entry-level diesel, targeting buyers seeking a capable and relatively economical all-terrain vehicle with seating for up to six passengers. The L663 generation marked the Defender’s transition from a body-on-frame construction to a modern monocoque chassis, fundamentally altering its driving characteristics and broadening its appeal.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Land Rover |
| Model | Defender |
| Generation | Defender 90 (L663) |
| Type | 2.0 D240 (240 Hp) AWD Automatic 6 Seat |
| Start of production | February, 2020 |
| End of production | September, 2020 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Off-road vehicle |
| Seats | 6 |
| Doors | 3 |
| Fuel consumption at Low speed (WLTP) | 10.8-11.2 l/100 km (21.8 – 21 US mpg, 26.2 – 25.2 UK mpg, 9.3 – 8.9 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption at Medium speed (WLTP) | 8.3-9 l/100 km (28.3 – 26.1 US mpg, 34 – 31.4 UK mpg, 12 – 11.1 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption at high speed (WLTP) | 7.7-8.3 l/100 km (30.5 – 28.3 US mpg, 36.7 – 34 UK mpg, 13 – 12 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption at very high speed (WLTP) | 9.3-10.1 l/100 km (25.3 – 23.3 US mpg, 30.4 – 28 UK mpg, 10.8 – 9.9 km/l) |
| 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 (economy) – urban (NEDC, WLTP equivalent) | 8.3-8.7 l/100 km (28.3 – 27 US mpg, 34 – 32.5 UK mpg, 12 – 11.5 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban (NEDC, WLTP equivalent) | 7.1-7.2 l/100 km (33.1 – 32.7 US mpg, 39.8 – 39.2 UK mpg, 14.1 – 13.9 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined (NEDC, WLTP equivalent) | 7.5-7.7 l/100 km (31.4 – 30.5 US mpg, 37.7 – 36.7 UK mpg, 13.3 – 13 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions (NEDC, WLTP equivalent) | 199-203 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 8.6 sec |
| Maximum speed | 188 km/h (116.82 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6d-TEMP-EVAP-ISC |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 9 kg/Hp, 111.3 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5 kg/Nm, 199.4 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 240 Hp @ 4000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 120.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 430 Nm @ 1400 rpm (317.15 lb.-ft. @ 1400 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | Ingenium / 204DT |
| Engine displacement | 1999 cm3 (121.99 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 83 mm (3.27 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 92.4 mm (3.64 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 15.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 7 l (7.4 US qt | 6.16 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 11.6 l (12.26 US qt | 10.21 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 2156 kg (4753.17 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2970 kg (6547.73 lbs.) |
| Max load | 814 kg (1794.56 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 397 l (14.02 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1563 l (55.2 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 83.5 l (22.06 US gal | 18.37 UK gal) |
| AdBlue tank | 20.7 l (5.47 US gal | 4.55 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 100-118 kg (220.46 – 260.15 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 3500 kg (7716.18 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 750 kg (1653.47 lbs.) |
| Permitted towbar download | 150 kg (330.69 lbs.) |
| Length | 4583 mm (180.43 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 | 1969-1974 mm (77.52 – 77.72 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2587 mm (101.85 in.) |
| Front track | 1704-1706 mm (67.09 – 67.17 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1702 mm (67.01 in.) |
| Front overhang | 845 mm (33.27 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 1151 mm (45.31 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 216-291 mm (8.5 – 11.46 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.4 |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 12.0 m (39.37 ft.) |
| Approach angle | 30.1-38.0° |
| Departure angle | 37.6-40.0° |
| Ramp-over (brakeover) angle | 24.2-31.0° |
| Climb angle | 45° |
| Wading depth | 850-900 mm (33.46 – 35.43 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives permanently the four wheels of the vehicle. |
| 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 | Ventilated discs, 349 mm |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs, 325 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 |
| Wheel rims size | 8J x 18; 8J x 19; 8.5J x 20 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The 2.0 D240 utilizes Land Rover’s Ingenium engine family, specifically the 204DT code. This engine is a four-cylinder, inline diesel featuring a turbocharger and intercooler. It employs a sophisticated diesel commonrail fuel injection system, delivering fuel at extremely high pressures for optimized combustion. The engine boasts a relatively high compression ratio of 15.5:1, contributing to its efficiency. The dual overhead camshafts (DOHC) control four valves per cylinder, enhancing breathing and power delivery. The eight-speed automatic transmission, sourced from ZF, is a key component of this powertrain. It provides smooth and relatively quick shifts, and its wide gear ratio spread contributes to both on-road refinement and off-road crawling ability. The transmission is programmed with off-road specific modes to optimize torque delivery and gear selection for challenging terrain.
Driving Characteristics
The 2.0 D240 Automatic offers a comfortable and capable driving experience, though it doesn’t possess the outright acceleration of the higher-powered petrol variants. With 240 horsepower and 430 Nm (317 lb-ft) of torque, it provides adequate power for everyday driving and even for tackling moderate off-road obstacles. The automatic transmission contributes to ease of use, particularly in urban environments. However, the eight-speed gearbox can sometimes feel hesitant to downshift quickly when more urgent acceleration is required. Compared to the six-speed manual transmission available on some Defender 90 models, the automatic prioritizes smoothness over driver engagement. The gear ratios are tuned for a balance of fuel economy and tractability, making it a suitable choice for long-distance journeys.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 2.0 D240 typically came equipped with a respectable level of standard features. These included LED headlights, a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, climate control, and a suite of driver-assistance systems such as lane departure warning and emergency braking. Interior upholstery was generally cloth or a combination of cloth and leatherette, depending on optional packages. Optional extras included a panoramic sunroof, premium leather upholstery, heated seats, a more advanced audio system, and various off-road enhancements like an electronic active differential.
Chassis & Braking
The L663 Defender 90 features a robust monocoque chassis constructed from aluminum, providing a significant weight reduction compared to the previous generation. The suspension consists of a double wishbone setup at the front and an independent multi-link arrangement at the rear. Braking duties are handled by ventilated discs on all four wheels, with the front discs measuring 349mm and the rear discs at 325mm. The braking system is assisted by ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and other electronic stability control features. Stabilizer bars are fitted front and rear to reduce body roll during cornering.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Defender 90 2.0 D240 received generally positive reviews, with critics praising its off-road capability, comfortable ride, and relatively fuel-efficient engine. However, some reviewers noted that the 2.0-liter diesel engine felt somewhat underpowered for a vehicle of its size and weight, especially when fully loaded. Compared to the higher-output petrol engines, the D240 offered better fuel economy but lacked the same level of performance. Against the 1.5L petrol variant, the D240 offered more torque, making it better suited for towing and off-road driving. Reliability reports have been generally positive, although, as with any new model, some early production issues were reported.
Legacy
The Land Rover Defender 90 2.0 D240 represents a transitional point in the Defender lineage. While it moved away from the traditional body-on-frame construction, it retained the core values of off-road capability and durability. On the used car market, these models are becoming increasingly sought after, particularly by those looking for a versatile and capable all-terrain vehicle. The Ingenium engine has proven to be relatively reliable, although regular maintenance is crucial. The combination of a capable engine, comfortable interior, and modern technology makes the 2.0 D240 a compelling option for buyers seeking a premium off-road vehicle.
