Review: Land Rover Defender 110 - 75th Edition
Few vehicles boast a legacy as rich and rugged as the Land Rover Defender. It’s the four-wheeled equivalent of a Swiss Army knife—capable, reliable, and steeped in history. Now, with the Defender 110 75th Edition, Land Rover celebrates 75 years of iconic off-roading prowess. But how does this special edition fare in the modern world of refined SUVs, where luxury and off-road capability must coexist? Let’s dig into the details and find out.
Heritage and Relevance to the Brand
The original Land Rover Series I, launched in 1948, was a no-frills, utilitarian workhorse designed for farmers, explorers, and adventurers. Over the decades, it evolved into the Defender, gaining a loyal fanbase and a reputation as one of the most capable off-roaders ever built. The 75th Edition is a nod to that heritage, combining retro styling cues with cutting-edge technology.
This special edition is available exclusively in "Grasmere Green," a colour reminiscent of the early Series models, and it’s loaded with features designed to appeal to both enthusiasts and newcomers. The iconic silhouette remains, but the Defender is far more polished than its predecessors. It’s a luxury SUV in rugged clothing, appealing to those who want the best of both worlds - off-road capability and on-road comfort. And while the Defender has certainly moved upmarket, this 75th Edition ensures that it hasn't forgotten its roots.
On-Road
Refined and Composed. One of the biggest transformations in the new Defender is its on-road behaviour. Older models were often criticised for their agricultural ride quality, more suited to bumpy tracks than tarmac. The new Defender is an entirely different beast. Equipped with independent suspension and a range of driving aids, it’s far more refined on the road than you’d expect for a vehicle that can still tackle the roughest terrains.
Under the bonnet, the 75th Edition comes with a choice of powertrains, including a turbocharged inline-six with mild hybrid technology. The result is a smooth, responsive drive that’s well-suited to both city streets and motorway cruising. Acceleration is brisk for such a hefty vehicle, and the eight-speed automatic gearbox shifts seamlessly. You’ll never feel out of breath, even when overtaking on dual carriageways.
The ride itself is remarkably composed. Thanks to the adaptive air suspension, the Defender glides over imperfections in the road without sacrificing control. You won’t be bobbing about in your seat like you would in older models. It’s a bit of a revelation, really, Land Rover has managed to retain the Defender’s rugged persona while making it genuinely pleasant to drive on the road.
That said, it’s still a large, tall vehicle, and the laws of physics apply. You’ll notice some body roll if you push it hard into corners, but it’s never unsettling. Steering is precise enough for a vehicle of this size, and while it doesn’t have the nimble feel of a smaller SUV, it’s far more agile than you’d expect. The Defender is no longer just a tool for off-roading—it’s a proper all-rounder. It’s one of those vehicles that you never seem to tire from, I can drive it all day long and still feel as fresh as a daisy.
Before I forget, fuel wise, after nearly 350 miles during our week together it guzzled / sipped fuel (you decide which one), at a rate of 27.4mpg. That was a total mixed-bag of driving, with a driving score of 98% - don’t you just love it when a vehicle tells you how well you drive?
Off-Road
Of course, the Defender’s reputation was built on its off-road prowess, and the 75th Edition doesn’t disappoint. In fact, it may be one of the most capable off-roaders you can buy today. Whether you’re tackling muddy trails, rocky inclines, or wading through water, this thing feels unstoppable.
Land Rover’s Terrain Response system allows the driver to tailor the Defender’s settings to suit the conditions. Mud, ruts, sand, and snow are all accounted for, and the car’s myriad sensors and cameras help you navigate even the trickiest obstacles. There’s also the option to lock the centre and rear differentials, ensuring maximum traction when the going gets tough.
With 291mm of ground clearance (thanks to the air suspension) and a wading depth of 900mm, the 75th Edition can handle terrain that would leave most other SUVs quivering in their wheel arches. The approach and departure angles are equally impressive, meaning you can take on steep climbs and descents without worrying about scraping the bumpers.
Even with all this capability, the Defender makes green-laning easy. The tech does a lot of the hard work for you, allowing even novice drivers to tackle challenging lanes with confidence. It’s a far cry from the manual gearbox and bare-bones simplicity of the original Series I, but it’s undeniably effective. That said, I do miss the aforementioned simplicity, it puts the onus on the skills of the driver, something that I feel we’re losing as a society, but that’s a rant for another day!
Interior
I’ve said it before, I think the Defender has one of, if not the, best interiors of any modern vehicle on the market today, especially when it comes to practicality.
Step inside the Defender 110 75th Edition, and you’ll find a cabin that expertly blends utilitarian design with modern luxury. The Grasmere Green theme continues inside with unique stitching and trim details that pay homage to the Defender’s heritage. It’s a tasteful nod to the past without feeling kitschy.
The seating is upholstered in a combination of leather and textile, offering a rugged yet premium feel. The seats themselves are highly adjustable and comfortable, even on long journeys. Heated and ventilated options are available, ensuring you’re cosy no matter the weather.
Land Rover has packed this edition with the latest tech, including a 10” Pivi Pro infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The interface is intuitive and responsive, and the navigation system is particularly helpful when you’re off the beaten path. There’s also a digital driver’s display that gives you all the critical information at a glance.
Despite its boxy exterior, the Defender offers plenty of space inside. The 110 model can seat five adults comfortably, with ample headroom and legroom in both the front and rear. There’s also the option for a third row, although it’s best suited for children or shorter journeys.
Storage is plentiful, with clever compartments scattered throughout the cabin. The rear boot space is impressive, offering up to 2,380 litres of capacity with the seats folded flat down. Whether you’re hauling gear for a weekend camping trip or simply doing the school run, the Defender has you covered.
Comfort
One of the most striking aspects of the Defender is just how comfortable it is. Thanks to the air suspension and a well-insulated cabin, road noise is kept to a minimum, even at motorway speeds. The seats are supportive and offer a commanding view of the road, while the cabin feels airy and light, thanks to the large windows and optional panoramic sunroof.
Ride quality is impressive, it soaks up bumps and potholes with ease, ensuring that even rough roads don’t translate into a rough ride for passengers. Whether you’re commuting or embarking on an overland adventure, you’ll find the Defender to be a surprisingly serene place to spend time.
Safety
The Defender is not just tough, it’s also incredibly safe. JLR has equipped it with an extensive suite of driver assistance features, ensuring that you and your passengers are well-protected.
Adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and autonomous emergency braking are all part of the package. The Defender’s high driving position gives you a great view of the road ahead, and the 3D surround camera system makes parking and manoeuvring in tight spaces a breeze.
There’s also a full complement of airbags, including curtain airbags for all three rows (if you opt for the seven-seater). The Defender feels like a fortress on wheels, giving you peace of mind whether you’re tackling city traffic or navigating a remote mountain pass.
Conclusion
The Land Rover Defender 110 75th Edition is more than just a celebration of the brand’s heritage, it’s a statement of how far the Defender has come. It blends old-school ruggedness with modern-day luxury, making it just as comfortable on the school run as it is on a muddy lanes.
While purists may miss the simplicity of the original models, there’s no denying that this new Defender is a more rounded, capable vehicle. It’s a fitting tribute to 75 years of Land Rover excellence and a testament to the brand’s ability to evolve while staying true to its roots.
Whether you’re a green-laning enthusiast or simply want a unique, stylish SUV with serious pedigree, the Defender 110 75th Edition is a compelling option. It’s not just a nod to the past, it’s a glimpse into the future of adventure-ready SUVs.
By the way, a shout out goes to my friend and photographer Roy Duffy who took the majority of the photos in this article. For more details of his exceptional work, visit; duffy-photography.co.uk
