The Land Rover Defender is an icon in the world of SUVs. The new-generation Defender keeps the legendary rugged spirit alive but adds modern comfort and advanced technology. Available in three body styles – Defender 90, Defender 110, and Defender 130 – this SUV caters to different lifestyles. Buyers can choose between petrol, diesel, and a powerful V8 engine depending on the trim. In India, prices start around the one-crore mark and go much higher for premium variants. It is expensive, but it feels like a special machine built for those who value adventure and luxury together.
What’s New in the Land Rover Defender 2025
The 2025 Defender range has been updated with subtle styling tweaks and new performance-focused editions. The Defender OCTA, a high-performance variant, comes with a tuned V8 engine, stronger suspension, and special off-road driving modes. While this model is priced at the top end, it showcases the full potential of the Defender platform. Overall, the Defender continues to combine iconic design with modern features, making it one of the most desirable luxury off-road SUVs in India.
Quick Specs: Land Rover Defender India 2025
| Feature | Land Rover Defender (India) |
|---|---|
| Body Styles | Defender 90 (3-door), Defender 110 (5-door), Defender 130 (3 rows) |
| Engines | 2.0L Petrol, 3.0L Diesel Mild-Hybrid, 4.4L V8 Petrol |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic, AWD with low-range transfer case |
| Ground Clearance | Up to ~290 mm (with air suspension) |
| Wading Depth | Up to 900 mm |
| Seating Capacity | 5 seats (90/110) or 7–8 seats (110/130) |
| Off-road Tech | Terrain Response 2, Wade mode, locking diffs |
| Safety | 5-star Euro NCAP, ADAS features |
| Price Range (Ex-showroom) | ₹1.05 – 2.8 crore (variant dependent) |
Bold Design and Road Presence
The Defender’s design is bold and unmistakable. Short overhangs, upright windows, and the boxy silhouette give it a traditional 4×4 stance. The Defender 90 looks compact and stylish, while the Defender 110 balances practicality with presence. The Defender 130 offers a long body to accommodate three rows of seating along with extra luggage space.
Buyers can customize the SUV with options like contrasting roof colors, black packs, and alloy wheel choices. Air suspension provides adjustable ground clearance, and the approach and departure angles make it clear that this design is not just cosmetic but functional. The Defender looks ready for real-world challenges while turning heads in city traffic.
Cabin and Comfort
Inside, the Defender blends ruggedness with luxury. The cabin has exposed screws, rubberized flooring, and robust grab handles that reflect its tough character. At the same time, you get leather upholstery, a large touchscreen, and a fully digital instrument cluster.
The Defender 130 brings three rows of seating. The first and second rows are extremely comfortable for long drives, while the third row is best suited for children or short trips for adults. Boot space is massive when the seats are folded, and the air suspension can be lowered for easier loading of luggage.
Visibility is excellent thanks to the tall windows, which make Indian city driving and highway cruising easier. The seating is well-cushioned and supportive, making long journeys far more comfortable.
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Engine Options and Performance in India
The Indian market gets multiple powertrains:
- 2.0-litre turbo-petrol for select 110 variants.
- 3.0-litre six-cylinder diesel with mild-hybrid technology in many 110 and 130 trims.
- 4.4-litre V8 petrol in select 90, 110, and the new OCTA performance model.
All variants come with an 8-speed automatic gearbox and permanent all-wheel drive.
The diesel engine is the most practical choice for long-distance touring in India. It offers strong torque, quiet cruising, and better fuel economy compared to the petrols. The 2.0-litre petrol is smooth and suitable for city use, while the V8 delivers thrilling performance and sound but at the cost of efficiency.
Ride, Handling, and Refinement
On Indian roads, the Defender feels confident. The air suspension absorbs potholes and broken tarmac with ease. Despite being a tall SUV, body roll is well controlled. The steering is light in the city and stable at highway speeds, making the large SUV surprisingly easy to handle.
Noise insulation is impressive, even with all-terrain tyres. On highways, the Defender feels planted, stable, and very refined. The Defender 90 is the most agile, while the Defender 110 strikes the best balance for Indian buyers. The Defender 130, being larger, requires extra care in narrow lanes but remains easy enough to maneuver thanks to its cameras and sensors.
Off-Road Ability
The Defender is among the most capable off-road SUVs in the world. It comes with Terrain Response 2, which adjusts settings for mud, sand, snow, or rocks. Wade mode prepares the SUV for water crossings, and the claimed wading depth is 900 mm.
With air suspension raised, ground clearance reaches about 290 mm. The approach and departure angles are excellent, giving it real confidence in challenging terrain. Features like locking differentials, low-range gearing, and underbody protection ensure the Defender can take on mountains, rivers, and trails across India.
For adventure seekers planning trips to Ladakh, Spiti Valley, or the North East, the Defender is one of the best vehicles you can buy.
Technology and Features
The Defender gets the latest Pivi Pro infotainment system with a large touchscreen, a digital driver display, and wireless smartphone integration. Key features include:
- 360-degree cameras for city and off-road driving.
- ClearSight rear-view mirror that uses a camera feed.
- Head-up display in higher trims.
- Heated and ventilated seats with premium leather.
- Panoramic sunroof and premium sound system.
- Multiple USB-C ports across all rows.
- Over-the-air (OTA) updates for software.
In the Defender 130, all rows get air vents and charging points, making long trips more convenient for families.
Safety and ADAS
Safety is another strong point. The Defender platform has scored 5 stars in Euro NCAP tests. It comes with multiple airbags, electronic stability control, hill descent control, and advanced driver-assistance features (ADAS) like:
- Adaptive cruise control.
- Lane-keep assist.
- Blind-spot monitoring.
- Rear cross-traffic alert.
These features are very useful on Indian highways but should be treated as aids, not substitutes for attentive driving.
Running Costs and Ownership
The Defender is a luxury SUV, so maintenance is costly. Diesel variants offer better mileage, while petrol engines, especially the V8, are fuel-hungry. Insurance, tyres, and service charges are high compared to regular SUVs.
However, Land Rover has improved its dealer and service network in India. Extended warranty and service packages are available and highly recommended for peace of mind.
Price and Variants in India
In 2025, the Land Rover Defender price in India ranges from around ₹1.05 crore for base 110 petrol trims to ₹2.8 crore for the top-end V8 and OCTA editions.
- Defender 90 – Compact, stylish, available with petrol and V8.
- Defender 110 – Most balanced choice with multiple engine options.
- Defender 130 – Focused on family use with three rows and luxury features.
Always check the latest on-road prices in your city, as taxes and insurance vary.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- World-class off-road ability.
- Luxurious and practical interior.
- Wide choice of engines and body styles.
- Comfortable ride with air suspension.
- Strong safety rating and ADAS.
Cons:
- Very expensive to buy and run.
- Large size is not easy in tight city lanes.
- V8 models have poor fuel efficiency.
- Service and spare parts cost is high.
Buying Advice for Indian Customers
For most Indian buyers, the Defender 110 diesel is the smartest choice. It has the right balance of power, economy, and space. Families who travel often should look at the Defender 130. Enthusiasts who want thrill and exclusivity will love the V8 models. The compact Defender 90 is perfect for buyers who want something unique but don’t need three rows.
Whichever model you pick, adding extended warranty and service plans is highly recommended for lower ownership worries.
FAQs
1) What is the price of the Land Rover Defender in India?
The Defender starts at about ₹1.05 crore and goes up to ₹2.8 crore depending on the variant and engine.
2) Which Defender is best for Indian families?
The Defender 110 diesel is ideal for most families, while the Defender 130 suits bigger families needing three rows.
3) Is the Defender fuel efficient?
The diesel variants are more efficient, suitable for long trips. Petrol and V8 engines consume much more fuel.
4) Can the Defender handle Ladakh and Himalayan roads?
Yes, with its Terrain Response, high ground clearance, and strong wading ability, the Defender is among the best SUVs for Himalayan and off-road trips.
5) How safe is the Land Rover Defender?
It has a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating, multiple airbags, stability control, and ADAS features for better driver assistance.
Conclusion
The Land Rover Defender 2025 is one of the toughest yet most luxurious SUVs you can buy in India. It is expensive, but it blends old-school off-road strength with modern comfort and technology. For buyers who want a vehicle that can cross deserts, mountains, rivers, and still cruise in luxury on highways, the Defender is unmatched.
It is not for everyone. Running costs are high, and its large size may feel overwhelming in city traffic. But for those who want adventure with style, the Defender is one of the best luxury off-road SUVs in India today.
Author- Ayush
