The Land Rover Defender 90 (L663) 3.0 D250 represents a significant evolution in the iconic Defender lineage, launched in September 2020. This variant, positioned as a mid-range offering within the new Defender 90 (three-door) lineup, blends respectable performance with enhanced fuel efficiency thanks to its mild-hybrid diesel powertrain. It marked a departure from the traditional body-on-frame construction of its predecessors, adopting a modern monocoque chassis and a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system. The D250 specifically caters to buyers seeking a capable and comfortable off-road vehicle with a balance between power and economy, appealing to both on-road and off-road enthusiasts.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Land Rover |
| Model | Defender |
| Generation | Defender 90 (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 | 3 |
| Combined fuel consumption (WLTP) | 8.6-9.3 l/100 km (27.4 – 25.3 US mpg, 32.8 – 30.4 UK mpg, 11.6 – 10.8 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions (WLTP) | 226-244 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) | 199 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 8.0 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 8.0 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 7.6 sec |
| Maximum speed | 188 km/h (116.82 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6d-F |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 8.9 kg/Hp, 111.8 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 3.9 kg/Nm, 255.8 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 | 2228 kg (4911.9 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 397 l (14.02 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1563 l (55.2 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 | 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 | 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) | 216-291 mm (8.5 – 11.46 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.41 |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 12 m (39.37 ft.) |
| Approach angle | 30.1-37.5° |
| Departure angle | 35.5-40° |
| Ramp-over (brakeover) angle | 24.2-31° |
| 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 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; 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 3.0-liter inline-six diesel engine, designated DT306. This engine benefits from a mild-hybrid system, incorporating a 48V electric motor and a small battery pack. The mild-hybrid setup assists the engine during acceleration, improving responsiveness and fuel economy. The engine utilizes a sophisticated diesel commonrail fuel injection system and a single turbocharger with an intercooler. The Ingenium engine family is known for its modular design and all-aluminum construction, contributing to weight savings. The D250’s 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 is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, providing smooth and efficient gear changes.
Driving Characteristics
The D250 offers a refined driving experience, balancing off-road capability with on-road comfort. The 8-speed automatic transmission is well-tuned, providing seamless shifts and contributing to relaxed cruising. While not as overtly sporty as some of its competitors, the D250 delivers ample power for everyday driving and overtaking maneuvers. The mild-hybrid system provides a noticeable boost in responsiveness, particularly from a standstill. Compared to the higher-output D300 variant, the D250 feels slightly less urgent in its acceleration, but the difference is not dramatic. The automatic transmission’s gear ratios are optimized for both fuel efficiency and off-road performance, providing a good balance between these two aspects.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Defender 90 D250 typically comes well-equipped as standard. Features include LED headlights, a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and a suite of driver-assistance systems such as emergency braking and lane-keeping assist. Interior upholstery is typically cloth or leatherette, with options for full leather upgrades. Trim levels beyond the base D250 often add features like a panoramic sunroof, premium audio systems, and advanced off-road packages with features like electronic active differential and Terrain Response 2. Optional extras included heated seats, a refrigerated center console, and various exterior styling enhancements.
Chassis & Braking
The Defender 90 utilizes a robust monocoque chassis, providing a significant improvement in stiffness and refinement compared to the previous generation’s body-on-frame construction. The suspension consists of a double-wishbone setup at the front and an independent multi-link suspension at the rear. Braking is handled by disc brakes on all four wheels, with larger front discs (349mm) than the rear (325mm). The D250 benefits from Land Rover’s Terrain Response system, allowing the driver to select different driving modes optimized for various surfaces, such as grass, gravel, snow, mud, and sand.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Defender 90 D250 was generally well-received by automotive critics, who praised its blend of capability, comfort, and technology. The mild-hybrid diesel powertrain was noted for its efficiency and refinement. Compared to the more powerful D300 variant, the D250 offered a more affordable entry point into the Defender 90 range, while still providing ample performance for most drivers. Fuel economy figures of 8.6-9.3 l/100 km (27.4-25.3 US mpg) were competitive for a vehicle of its size and capability. Reliability reports have been generally positive, although some owners have reported minor software glitches.
Legacy
The Land Rover Defender 90 D250 represents a pivotal moment in the Defender’s history, marking its transition to a modern, technologically advanced vehicle. The Ingenium engine and mild-hybrid system demonstrate Land Rover’s commitment to improving fuel efficiency and reducing emissions. On the used car market, the D250 variant holds its value well, thanks to its desirable combination of performance, economy, and practicality. The robust powertrain and well-engineered chassis suggest good long-term reliability, making it a popular choice for buyers seeking a capable and dependable off-road vehicle.
