2023 Land Rover Defender 110 SE X-Dynamic P400

With over 400 very happy new owners already enjoying their Land Rover Defenders in the country, it is no surprise that Land Rover Philippines is rightfully capitalizing on the huge success with more model variants to serve the growing market. Though the P400e plug-in model is more efficient and more dynamic building on a potent 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, there is still much to covet in the silkier and more charismatic new 3.0-liter inline-6 engine that does have mild hybrid assistance. The recently domestically released 130 with the ability to carry up to 8 passengers onboard handles the top-end of the spectrum. This time around we test the 2023 Land Rover Defender 110 SE X-Dynamic P400 model in primary Carpathian Grey and secondary Narvik Black exterior with textured perforated two-tone light tan and charcoal grey interior.

The Defender 110 was priced aggressively when it was launched and packaged well as a S D240 variant which earned it a couple of C! awards for best in class for offering so much greatness at a more forgiving price of P6,090,000.00 without the optional packs and accessories, so I do have sticker shock with the new larger gasoline fueled 3.0-liter P400 powerplant that comes in at P11,490,000.00 without the optional equipment. Sure, you get blue-painted brake calipers that are much larger than before that also match the blue tow hooks, and a more potent electrified engine that from rest to 100 km/h is 3-whole seconds quicker, but a difference of P5.4M between them even with inflation and the increased standard equipment is quite a staggering amount to swallow in what is already an outstanding and purposeful premium mid-size SUV. The Defender 110 S D240 was thoroughly configured and optimized for our market at the best price possible.

Building on the same aluminum unibody (monocoque) on the scalable D7x Premium Lightweight Architecture (PLA) aluminum platform used in the D240, the 110SE X-Dynamic P400 is a Mild Hybrid (MHEV) with slightly more aggressive design and packaging nuances. Compared to the D240, the elastic SE P400 drives with more immediacy and rides just as well with the larger 20-inch alloys compared to the 19-inch rolling stock in the D240. In fact, the Good Year tire models and footprint are the same. The 3.0-liter inline-six hangs a 48-volt motor-generator off the front, and under acceleration, an electrically driven supercharger force-feeds the engine until the turbo spools to also reduce turbo lag. Oddly though on idle, the engine has more of a diesel thrum than a slick gasoline note. The engine produces so much effortless power that the optional 516 bhp V8 engine would be redundant under Philippine exploration conditions. The sweetest spot in the range is the P400e.

I’m glad that our test unit did not come with the optional Expedition Roof Rack, Deployable Roof Ladder, and snorkel, so there is significantly less drag and air turbulence, but it does have the optional saddle bag which does look cool and is actually useful. Much of the desirable elements of the D240 are carried over but with a better infotainment system that now includes a wireless smartphone charger. The 10-inch Pivi Pro touchscreen infotainment system has been upgraded from the previous 180-watt amp powering only six speakers, to a Meridian™ 11-speaker system powered by a 400-watt amp. The ClearSight rear-view mirror for when your Defender is loaded to the hilt and the 3D 360-degree surround camera system w/ ClearSight Ground for parking and trailing together with CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity are also carried over. The panoramic moonroof combined with the unique rear trunk glass, 10-color ambient lighting, combination analog with central driver information display instruments, puddle lights, 3-zone climate control, cruise control, onboard navigation, all LED-lighting, and window switchgear lighting all contribute to driver and passenger wellness.

The Land Rover Defender 110 SE X-Dynamic P400 is a very handsome and extremely desirable SUV. The agility and precision of how it carries itself backed up by a great sounding lustful inline-6 with a very compliant ride and good body control without compromising its ability to go anywhere comfortably will convince you that there is no better vehicle in its class. I just wish it was more attainable.

Specification – 2023 Land Rover Defender 110 SE X-Dynamic P400

Engine: Inline-6

Location: Front, Longitudinal

Displacement: 2996 cc

Cylinder block: Cast Aluminum

Cylinder head: Cast Aluminum, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder

Fuel Injection: Direct Injection, Intercooled Turbo and Electric Supercharger with 48-volt Integrated Starter Generator and Lithium-Ion Traction Battery 0.23 kWh Capacity Mild Hybrid system.

Max power: 395 bhp @ 5500-6500 rpm

Max torque: 406 lb-ft @ 2000-5000 rpm

Transmission: ZF 8-speed automatic coupled with a 2-speed transfer case.

Front suspension: Independent SLA suspension with twin tower links, adaptive electric air shock absorbers.

Rear suspension: Independent multi-link adaptive electric air shock absorbers.

Fuel Capacity: 90 liters (23.8 gallons)

Load Capacity: 1,875 liters (behind 1st row) / 786 liters (behind 2nd row)

Ground Clearance: 218 mm Normal / 291 mm Off-Road

Wading Depth: 900 mm

Approach Angle: 37.5 degrees

Departure Angle: 40 degrees

Ramp-over angle: 31 degrees

L x W x H: 5018 mm x 2105 mm x 1967 mm

Wheelbase: 3022 mm

Brakes: Front 14.3-inch (363 mm) ventilated discs with 4-piston calipers / Rear 13.8-inch (350 mm) vented discs with single piston calipers Integrated Electric Parking Brake, ABS, DSC, ETC, RSC, CBC, HLA, LKA, HDC, Blind Spot Assist, RTM, RCM, Wade sensing & Electronic Brake Force Distribution.

Wheels: 20”x 8.5J Five-spoke Style 5098, Satin Dark Grey Aluminum Alloys.

Tires: P255/60R20 113H XL Good Year Wrangler All-Terrain Adventure

Weight: (kerb) 2323 kg. (5110 lbs.)

0-100 km/h (0-62 mph): 6 seconds

Top Speed (mph): 192 km/h (120 mph) Governed

Fuel Mileage: 18 mpg City / 23 mpg Highway

Price as tested: PhP 11,874,000.00 (Includes Optional Dynamic Custom Accessory Pack and A-frame Protection Bar)

Dynamic Custom Accessory Pack – PhP 300,000.00