The Land Rover Defender 90 (L663) 2.0 P300 AWD Automatic represents a significant departure from the traditional Defender lineage, marking the model’s transition into a modern, technologically advanced SUV. Introduced in February 2020 and produced through October 2021, this variant occupied a key position in the revived Defender lineup, offering a balance between performance, efficiency, and accessibility. Built on the D7x aluminum-intensive monocoque platform (part of the larger JLR Premium Lightweight Architecture – PLA), the L663 Defender 90 aimed to deliver iconic off-road capability with contemporary comfort and refinement. The “90” designation refers to the short wheelbase, three-door body style, distinguishing it from the longer 110 and 130 models.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Land Rover |
| Model | Defender |
| Generation | Defender 90 (L663) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.0 P300 (300 Hp) AWD Automatic |
| Start of production | February, 2020 |
| End of production | October, 2021 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Off-road vehicle |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 3 |
| Fuel consumption at Low speed (WLTP) | 14-14.9 l/100 km (16.8 – 15.8 US mpg, 20.2 – 19 UK mpg, 7.1 – 6.7 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption at Medium speed (WLTP) | 10.7-11.6 l/100 km (22 – 20.3 US mpg, 26.4 – 24.4 UK mpg, 9.3 – 8.6 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption at high speed (WLTP) | 9.7-10.6 l/100 km (24.2 – 22.2 US mpg, 29.1 – 26.6 UK mpg, 10.3 – 9.4 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption at very high speed (WLTP) | 11.8-12.9 l/100 km (19.9 – 18.2 US mpg, 23.9 – 21.9 UK mpg, 8.5 – 7.8 km/l) |
| Combined fuel consumption (WLTP) | 11.2-12.2 l/100 km (21 – 19.3 US mpg, 25.2 – 23.2 UK mpg, 8.9 – 8.2 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions (WLTP) | 255-277 g/km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban (NEDC, WLTP equivalent) | 11.3-11.6 l/100 km (20.8 – 20.3 US mpg, 25 – 24.4 UK mpg, 8.8 – 8.6 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban (NEDC, WLTP equivalent) | 8.9-9.1 l/100 km (26.4 – 25.8 US mpg, 31.7 – 31 UK mpg, 11.2 – 11 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined (NEDC, WLTP equivalent) | 9.8-10 l/100 km (24 – 23.5 US mpg, 28.8 – 28.2 UK mpg, 10.2 – 10 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions (NEDC, WLTP equivalent) | 224-230 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 7.6 sec |
| Maximum speed | 191 km/h (118.68 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6d-TEMP-EVAP-ISC |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 6.9 kg/Hp, 145.3 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.2 kg/Nm, 193.7 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 300 Hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Power per litre | 150.2 Hp/l |
| Torque | 400 Nm @ 1500-4000 rpm (295.02 lb.-ft. @ 1500-4000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | Ingenium / PT204 |
| Engine displacement | 1997 cm3 (121.86 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 83 mm (3.27 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 92.29 mm (3.63 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 7 l (7.4 US qt | 6.16 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 11.3 l (11.94 US qt | 9.94 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 2065 kg (4552.55 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2910 kg (6415.45 lbs.) |
| Max load | 845 kg (1862.91 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 397 l (14.02 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1563 l (55.2 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 88.5 l (23.38 US gal | 19.47 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 80 kg (176.37 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) | 0.38 |
| 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 | Disc, 349 mm |
| Rear brakes | Disc, 325 mm |
| 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 |
INTRODUCTION
The Land Rover Defender 90 (L663) 2.0 P300 AWD Automatic, launched in 2020, represented a pivotal moment for the iconic Defender brand. This variant, powered by the Ingenium engine family, aimed to broaden the Defender’s appeal by offering a more accessible entry point into the lineup. Positioned as a mid-range offering, it slotted below the higher-powered P400 and P500 models, and above potential future base models. The L663 Defender 90, built on the new D7x platform, moved away from the traditional body-on-frame construction of its predecessor, embracing a more modern and refined unibody design. This shift allowed for improved on-road dynamics, increased interior space, and the integration of advanced technologies.
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
At the heart of the Defender 90 P300 lies the Ingenium 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine, specifically the PT204 code. This engine utilizes direct fuel injection and a single twin-scroll turbocharger to produce 300 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque between 1500 and 4000 rpm. The engine features a relatively high compression ratio of 9.5:1, contributing to its efficiency. The powertrain is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission (ZF 8HP45), known for its smooth shifting and responsiveness. This transmission is a staple in many Land Rover and Jaguar models. The automatic transmission is programmed with off-road specific logic, allowing for controlled descents and optimized gear selection in challenging terrain. The engine also incorporates Start & Stop technology to further enhance fuel economy.
Driving Characteristics
The Defender 90 P300 Automatic delivers a respectable driving experience, though it doesn’t possess the outright acceleration of its more powerful siblings. The 0-60 mph sprint takes approximately 7.6 seconds, and the top speed is limited to 118.68 mph. The eight-speed automatic transmission provides smooth and generally prompt gear changes, but can occasionally feel hesitant during quick overtaking maneuvers. The gear ratios are tuned to prioritize both on-road comfort and off-road capability, offering a balance between fuel efficiency and low-speed torque. Compared to the P400 or P500 models, the P300 feels less urgent in its acceleration, but remains capable enough for everyday driving and moderate off-road excursions. The shorter wheelbase of the 90 contributes to a more agile feel than the longer 110, making it more maneuverable in tight spaces.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Defender 90 P300 Automatic typically came equipped with a generous array of standard features. These included LED headlights, a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, automatic climate control, and a suite of driver-assistance systems such as emergency braking and lane-keeping assist. Interior upholstery was typically cloth or leatherette, with options for full leather upgrades. Optional extras included a panoramic sunroof, heated seats, a premium audio system, and various off-road packages that added features like electronic active differential and all-terrain tires. Trim levels varied by market, but generally offered increasing levels of luxury and technology as you moved up the range.
Chassis & Braking
The L663 Defender 90 utilizes an independent suspension system all around, with double wishbones at the front and an independent multi-link setup at the rear. This configuration provides a comfortable ride quality both on and off-road. The braking system consists of disc brakes on all four wheels, with 349mm rotors at the front and 325mm rotors at the rear. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is standard, along with Electronic Stability Control (ESC). The Defender 90 P300’s suspension is tuned to handle the vehicle’s weight and provide a stable platform for both on-road driving and off-road adventures. Stabilizer bars are fitted front and rear to reduce body roll during cornering.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Defender 90 P300 Automatic received generally positive reviews from automotive critics. It was praised for its blend of off-road capability, modern technology, and relatively accessible price point. However, some reviewers noted that the 2.0-liter engine could feel underpowered when fully loaded or tackling steep inclines. Compared to the P400, the P300 offered a more affordable entry into the Defender lineup, but at the expense of performance. Fuel economy was considered reasonable for a vehicle of its size and capability, but not exceptional. The P300’s reliability has been generally good, although some owners have reported minor issues with the infotainment system.
Legacy
The Land Rover Defender 90 P300 Automatic represents a significant step in the evolution of the Defender brand. While the older models were known for their rugged simplicity, the L663 brought a new level of refinement and technology to the iconic nameplate. The Ingenium engine, while not the most powerful option, proved to be a reliable and efficient powerplant. On the used car market, the P300 variants generally command a slightly lower price than the higher-powered models, making them an attractive option for buyers seeking a capable and well-equipped SUV without breaking the bank. The L663 Defender 90 P300 has established itself as a desirable and versatile vehicle, capable of handling both daily commutes and challenging off-road adventures.
