LAND ROVER DEFENDER 110 P400e
On the outside at least, the Defender P400e looks almost identical to its combustion-engined siblings. The only giveaway to its electrified nature is the newly sprouted charging flap on the left rear flank. Yep, it’s a full plug-in hybrid.
A 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder petrol engine produces 296bhp under its own steam, but it’s paired with a 105kW electric motor and when both work together there’s a maximum of 398bhp and 472lb ft of torque. Very healthy. In fact, in a 0–62mph sprint it’ll only be two tenths off the 110 V8.
The Defender’s standard eight-speed auto is present again, and the P400e is permanently in four-wheel-drive mode whether you’re running on electric power alone, a bit of both or petrol power. It’s also unique in that all-electric drive can be combined with the low-range ratios, so the car’s off-road abilities are never compromised.
The battery is a 19kWh lithium-ion unit that can provide up to 27 miles of EV range, and 50kW rapid charging means 80 per cent from flat in just 30 minutes. It’ll do 85mph in EV mode too, but at that point aero – or lack of it – really is the arch-enemy of range.
It is a big old bus, the 110 with added batteries. It weighs 2,525kg, but does manage an impressive 3,000kg of towing capacity.
Obviously, Land Rover’s official efficiency figures have to be taken with a pinch of plug-in salt – we managed 36.8mpg, but you’ll do much better if most of your journeys are local. The Defender only gave us a driving score of 56 per cent and suggested we take a look at its eco tips. Must try harder.
Things always start off in Hybrid mode, but a new button on the centre console allows you to switch to either EV or Save. Both of them are self-explanatory. With the two power sources working together it gets up and goes, although the four-cylinder is a little less refined than its larger capacity siblings when asked to work hard. The switch between electric and petrol drive is fairly seamless, though, and there’s a decent feel to the brake pedal despite its regenerative properties. The extra weight doesn’t seem to have harmed the Defender’s progressive steering and general on-road manners either.
If PHEVs suit your day-to-day lifestyle, this is the Defender to buy. Just be aware that with batteries under the boot floor, you can only have it in 110 form and you can’t spec the seven-seat option. Still, just tick the box for the front row jump seat if you need extra kid-carrying space – they’ll love it.