The Land Rover Defender is an icon, a vehicle that commands presence and respect on any road. Its robust design and legendary off-road capabilities inspire a sense of adventure and invincibility. Climbing into the driver’s seat, even with the air suspension lowering for easier access, you immediately feel a sense of authority, reminiscent of the feeling one gets in a Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen. You expect a powerful engine to match its imposing stature, ready to conquer any terrain. This particular Defender, however, houses a 2.0L turbocharged petrol engine, producing 296 BHP and 400 Nm of torque. While seemingly adequate on paper, the question arises: is it truly enough to power this beast, and does it live up to the Defender legacy?
City Driving Dynamics: Refined but Relaxed
Firing up the 2.0L turbo petrol engine, the first impression is one of surprising refinement. The engine is remarkably quiet at idle, with minimal vibration filtering into the cabin. In city driving scenarios, the Defender performs adequately, moving smoothly and silently through traffic. The excellent sound insulation further enhances the serene cabin environment, making it a comfortable space to navigate urban landscapes. Visibility is commendable, and despite its perceived bulk, the Defender proves surprisingly maneuverable in congested areas.
However, the 2.0L engine reveals its limitations when quick acceleration is needed. When attempting to seize a gap in traffic or accelerate briskly, the powertrain feels somewhat underwhelming. There’s a noticeable delay as the 8-speed automatic gearbox hesitates before downshifting, and the engine takes time to reach its mid-range power band. This can lead to moments of frustration, especially for drivers accustomed to more responsive powertrains. The gearbox behavior, described as somewhat “confused,” mirrors experiences in other Jaguar Land Rover vehicles like the XE, although the Defender’s weight exacerbates this characteristic.
Highway Performance and Long-Distance Cruising
On the open highway, the Land Rover Defender 2.0L Petrol finds its stride as a comfortable and capable cruiser. It effortlessly covers miles, making long journeys feel less taxing. The compliant air suspension, combined with excellent sound insulation and comfortable seating, contributes to a fatigue-free driving experience even over extended periods. The author notes personal experience of reduced body pain on long drives in the Defender compared to other vehicles, highlighting its superior comfort.
Maintaining motorway speeds is not a problem for the 2.0L engine, provided a relaxed driving style is adopted. However, overtaking maneuvers and regaining speed after slowing down for traffic require more deliberate throttle input. The engine needs to be worked harder to bring the Defender back up to cruising speed, a task that would be significantly easier with a larger displacement engine. While the engine produces a pleasant sound when pushed, the actual rate of acceleration might not always match the auditory feedback. For drivers prioritizing relaxed cruising over outright speed, the 2.0L petrol is sufficient, but those seeking more spirited performance will need to be assertive with the accelerator pedal. Braking performance is strong and reassuring, with good pedal feel and no noticeable fade even after demanding driving, suggesting the braking system is designed for more powerful Defender variants.
Ride Comfort and Off-Road Prowess
Land Rover’s decision to equip the Defender with air suspension, initially questioned for its off-road durability, proves to be a masterstroke in ride comfort. The suspension excels at absorbing road imperfections, from minor urban bumps to larger undulations. Smaller road irregularities are virtually imperceptible within the cabin, while larger bumps are handled with composed body control, primarily a gentle side-to-side roll. This level of comfort is remarkable, especially considering the test vehicle was fitted with 20-inch wheels. The air suspension is a key contributor to the Defender’s effortless mile-munching ability and overall feeling of robustness.
High-speed stability is surprisingly impressive for a tall SUV, and the Defender maintains composure even through corners, as long as excessive speeds are avoided. The adjustable air suspension offers versatility, with settings ranging from a lowered access height to an increased off-road height providing a substantial 291mm of ground clearance and favorable approach and departure angles. The author expresses surprise and satisfaction with the Defender’s off-road performance on trails, emphasizing the comfortable and composed experience within the cabin, further validating the effectiveness of the air suspension in challenging terrains.
Conclusion: A Capable All-Rounder with a Caveat
The Land Rover Defender 2.0L Petrol Automatic emerges as a highly versatile vehicle, well-suited for daily driving, comfortable highway cruising, and surprisingly capable off-road excursions. Its commanding road presence and strong brand appeal are undeniable. However, the 2.0L petrol engine, while adequate for most everyday driving scenarios and non-enthusiast drivers, represents a compromise in outright performance. For those seeking the quintessential Defender experience with effortless power and responsiveness, opting for a six-cylinder engine or larger is strongly recommended. While the 2.0L petrol gets the job done, unlocking the Defender’s full potential likely requires a more potent powertrain.
