Experienced by Kimatni Rawlins
Land Rovers, including the trio of Defenders (90, 110, and 130), stand out as the most captivating SUVs on the road. Their design concepts are not just visually appealing but also evoke a unique emotional response. When you take the wheel, you’re instantly aware of the special status this vehicle bestows, drawing all eyes to you. And with its legendary off-road capabilities, the Land Rover Defender 110 S is not just a utility vehicle; it’s a statement.
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During my week of testing a Santorini Black 2024 Defender 110 S, I experienced its versatility first-hand. From mountain biking to yard supply pickups to my 20th wedding anniversary celebration, this British SUV was up for any challenge. Its aggressive physical capabilities are perfectly balanced with its symmetrically exquisite aesthetics. The black roof rails, wheels, mirror caps, and side vents seamlessly blend with the dark two-tone theme, adding to its allure.
When Land Rover decided to reinvent the competent and functional off-roader, excitement stemmed from every spectrum of automotive fandom. It’s tough as nails with a stalwart suspension for grinding off-road or defending against the elements when traversing inner cities. The Defender 110 was perfect in performance, agility, and size for parking since I had to transport my sports daughter back and forth through downtown D.C. for her volleyball tournaments. However, our family would undoubtedly opt for a longer wheelbase 130 to suit our transportation and lifestyle requirements. However, the heavy swinging tailgate with an optional full-size covered spare impedes rearview vision and requires additional spacing. Land Rover’s antidote is to employ the 3D Surround Camera and 360° Parking Aid and to switch on the $570 ClearSight Interior Rear View Mirror which uses video imaging.
Power stems from the commendable MHEV 3-liter 6-cylinder that puts out 395-horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. It pairs with an 8-speed automatic transmission, AWD, and Terrain Response with selectable driving and off-road modes. An upgradable $1,600 Electric Air Suspension and Adaptive Dynamics help the Defender 110 accomplish various driving tasks effectively such as cornering and maneuvering. My loaner was also outfitted with the $750 Advanced Off-Road Capability Pack that incorporates Terrain Response 2 and All Terrain Progress Control to manipulate rock crawling and efficiently handle gravel and sand driving. Moreover, the $1,550 Off-Road Pack advances the 110 with an Electronic Active Differential and Goodyear Wrangler 255/65-19 all-terrain tires.
Hop inside the Defender 110 for typical Land Rover craftsmanship that inspires guests with an Ebony x Ebony x Ebony grained leather, wood, and durable rubber cabin, an opening panoramic sunroof, robotic dash layout, premium cabin lighting, a center cooler for hot summer days, and a 10” Pivi Pro Infotainment system. An 11.4″ screen is also available. The screen floats on the center stack and has storage space behind the panel for various items. The family took turns DJing their favorite genres of Reggae and Afrobeats as the Meridian sound system had everyone jamming like Bob Marley. You will find a multitude of controls located on the power-adjustable heated leather steering wheel, such as voice controls and Adaptive Cruise Control w/ Stop & Go. A few more Defender essentials for enjoyable road trip experiences include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, two-zone climate control, cabin lighting, 40:20:40 split folding rear seats that also move forward and back, and rear privacy glass.
Protective and convenience systems incorporate Collision Notification, Stolen Vehicle Locator, Remote Start, Rear ISOFIX System for child seats, Electronic Traction Control, Dynamic Stability Control, Roll Stability Control, Emergency Braking, Emergency Brake Assist, Blind Spot Assist, Rear Traffic Monitor, a Driver Condition Monitor, and Traffic Sign Recognition & Adaptive Speed Limiter. Not only does the Defender look good, but it is also intuitive and provides the advanced safety mechanisms needed for secure and sound driving. My only gripe is that quality and reliability have not been the brand’s strong suit.
Expect an MSRP of $67,900 and 18 combined mpg for the go-anywhere, attention-grabbing Land Rover Defender 110 S. My vehicle totaled $82,053 (including the $1,475 destination and delivery fee) due to several upgrade packages and about 14 stand-alone features, which Land Rover should essentially bundle into packages. Opt for the 2-door Defender 90 if you want a smaller, but techy heavy Land Rover.
