Defender moves the goalposts

Land Rover has added a new plug-in hybrid setup to the Defender, but has it helped the overall package along? Jack Evans finds out.

ELECTRIFICATION is at the forefront of the motoring industry’s concerns, and nowhere is that more evident than at Jaguar Land Rover.

It has begun to introduce more electrified powertrains, with hybrid set-ups applied to all manner of the firm’s cars.

Now, it’s the turn of the go-anywhere Defender, which brings a whole new set of requirements.

That plug-in powertrain needs to work alongside the off-road tech, delivering plenty of performance and grunt, as well as those important efficiency benefits.

So, how does it get on…?

What’s new?

The Defender PHEV looks much the same as a ‘regular’ version.

It’s only available in 110 layout (the batteries would’ve proved too much to pack into the smaller 90), so there’s still plenty of space for all occasions.

Boot space, however, has taken a bit of a dive, down to 853-litres with the second row of seats in place and 2,127 with second row put flat from 1,057 and 2,300-litres respectively.

Inside, you’ve got the same combination of high-quality materials, while the PHEV also benefits from additional readouts detailing the remaining charge in the batteries, as well as how that electricity is being deployed in combination with the electric motor

How does it look?

The P400e looks – as you’d probably expect – just like a regular Defender.

Land Rover has resisted the urge to add loads of hybrid-only design touches, with just the rear badging and charging port showcasing this as anything but a ‘regular’ Defender.

In 110 layout it has a real presence, while our solid white test car had a particularly utilitarian feel to it.

The Defender’s styling has, in our eyes, been a success.

It brings enough of the original’s styling touches so as to not dismiss the past, but is up to date enough to be aware of the future.

What’s it like inside?

The Defender’s cabin feels robust and well made.

There are loads of big, chunky switches and dials which not only look good, but will no doubt prove easy to use when wearing gloves during colder months.

There’s plenty of space too, with all manner of cubbies and storage areas.

There’s the option of either five or six-seater layouts too, giving families a more flexible seating option should they need it.

You’ve also got loads of charging ports dotted throughout the cabin.

What’s it like to drive?

The added quiet and refinement that the hybrid powertrain brings really plays to the Defender’s strengths.

It’s a comfortable car regardless, but the way the P400e quietly wafts along on its air suspension means that it’s a genuinely relaxing car to drive.

The switch between electric and petrol power is hard to notice too, while thanks to its ability to travel at speeds of up to 81mph on electric power alone, you can also use that zero-emissions capability on the motorway.

That said, if the majority of your miles are conducted on the highway, you may still want to consider the diesel – once the battery power has been depleted, the P400e will struggle to match the oil burner for efficiency.

However, if you’re doing shorter journeys with longer ones peppered between, you’ll really notice the added efficiency that this set-up brings.

Defender P400e models come with a comprehensive list of standard equipment, which, considering prices start from just over £65,000, is no bad thing.

All models boast 20-inch alloy wheels, air suspension and three-zone climate control.

Land Rover’s excellent Pro Pilot infotainment system is included too, transforming the way you interact with all of the car’s major functions.

It’s clear, simple and easy to use, while the integration of Apple CarPlay is one of the most successful we’ve seen – it fills the screen, rather than settling for a small portion of it as we’ve seen on other models.

The verdict

Given the performance it brings, and the added efficiency brought on through its hybrid set-up, the P400e could be the most compelling version of the Defender on sale.

Though high-mileage drivers will no doubt lean towards the diesel versions, for everyone else this plug-in hybrid version could be a good fit.

It’s not often that a car allows you to have your cake and eat it, but the Defender P400e appears to be a rare example of this in action.