By Ashish Masih
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India's best selling luxury SUV test driven. Is it worth the price?
Introduction: Reimagining a Legend
Few SUVs in the world carry the kind of legacy the Land Rover Defender does. It’s not just a vehicle — it’s an institution. From African safaris to the British countryside, the Defender has been the face of unstoppable exploration for over seven decades.
But when Land Rover decided to modernize it, purists feared it would lose its raw charm. The new Defender 110 — the base version included — proves those fears unfounded. This SUV doesn’t just blend luxury and ruggedness; it redefines what adventure feels like in 2025.
We drove the Defender 110 across city streets, expressways, and an off-road trail to see if the base version still carries the soul of the original — or if it’s just a fancy pretender wearing the right badge.
At first sight, the Defender 110 commands respect. It’s boxy yet modern, muscular yet elegant. Even in its base trim, it looks nothing short of iconic.
The squared-off stance, short overhangs, and high ground clearance scream purpose. The circular LED headlamps and exposed bolts on the body panels pay homage to its utilitarian roots, while the flush surfaces and clean detailing bring it firmly into the modern luxury arena.
What’s remarkable is that nothing feels excessive — it’s rugged design done with restraint. The Defender doesn’t try to look aggressive; it looks capable, and that’s far more powerful.
Step inside, and you’ll find one of the most balanced interiors in the SUV world — a space that feels both industrial and premium.
The exposed magnesium cross beam on the dashboard reminds you this is a machine built for purpose, while the soft-touch materials, neat stitching, and digital instrument cluster remind you it’s a Land Rover.
The base 110 variant doesn’t get all the bells and whistles of the higher trims, but you still get essentials:
Dual-zone climate control
10-inch Pivi Pro touchscreen with Android Auto & Apple CarPlay
Durable fabric upholstery that’s built to take abuse
A configurable digital driver display
And that commanding, high-set driving position every Defender owner loves.
It’s practical, too — the doors open wide, visibility is excellent, and the flat floor and large windows make the cabin feel airy. This isn’t luxury in the leather-and-chrome sense — it’s luxury in durability and confidence.
Under the hood, the Defender 110 base variant is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine from Land Rover’s Ingenium family. It makes around 296 bhp and 400 Nm of torque — figures that translate to effortless motion despite its near 2.3-tonne weight.
The 8-speed automatic gearbox shifts smoothly and intuitively, and the all-wheel-drive system works quietly in the background, ensuring you’re never caught off guard.
On the highway, the Defender cruises like a luxury SUV — calm, stable, and remarkably quiet. But take it off-road, and the transformation is almost magical. The Terrain Response system adjusts the drivetrain, traction, and throttle sensitivity to handle rocks, mud, or sand with the kind of finesse few SUVs can match.
Even the “base” Defender feels unstoppable — it’s as if the car encourages you to find challenges just so it can conquer them.
The Defender’s suspension setup is a masterclass in balance. The independent air suspension absorbs potholes and ruts without losing composure, while offering surprising agility for something this tall and heavy.
The steering is precise, body control is excellent, and the braking inspires full confidence — whether you’re crawling down a rocky descent or cornering on a wet tarmac road.
Unlike older Defenders, this one feels composed at high speeds. You can genuinely enjoy long highway drives without feeling fatigued — something unthinkable in the previous generation.
The biggest compliment you can pay the Defender 110 base version is that it doesn’t need an excuse to be used every day. Despite its sheer size, it’s easy to drive thanks to the visibility, parking sensors, and tight turning circle.
The cabin feels comfortable for daily commutes, and the ride quality — especially with the air suspension — is plush enough to rival urban crossovers.
Whether you’re driving to the office, a weekend farm stay, or a Himalayan pass, the Defender makes each journey feel special — not because it’s flashy, but because it’s authentic.
The Land Rover Defender 110 base version is proof that capability doesn’t need to shout. It’s not overloaded with luxury gadgets, but it gives you everything that truly matters — power, poise, comfort, and character.
You don’t buy a Defender because you want a typical luxury SUV. You buy it because you want to feel something every time you drive — a sense of adventure, confidence, and heritage that no rival can quite match.
Yes, it’s expensive, and yes, it’s not the most efficient SUV around. But if you value personality over polish, and substance over show, the Defender 110 remains one of the most satisfying all-rounders in the premium SUV world.
Rating: 9.2 / 10
What We Liked: Timeless design, peerless off-road ability, excellent comfort and refinement
What Could Be Better: Pricey for the base trim, limited features compared to top variants, average fuel economy
The Final Word:
The Defender 110 is not just a car — it’s a companion that makes every road feel like the start of an adventure. Even in its simplest form, it’s the best blend of old-school toughness and modern sophistication you’ll find anywhere.