The second-generation Land Rover Defender (L663) marks a radical departure from its rustic predecessor. Based on the D7x aluminum unibody platform, it abandons the ladder frame to offer road handling worthy of a luxury SUV while retaining exceptional off-road capabilities. Available in three wheelbases (90, 110, and 130), it positions itself as an ultra-technological premium off-roader. While the mechanical design is robust, overall reliability remains marred by recurring electronic and software issues, typical of Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) productions. Data from the TÜV Report (22% defect rate at 3 years) and What Car? (2.5/5) confirm below-average reliability, requiring particular vigilance on early model years (2020-2021).
The Land Rover Defender L663 is a brilliantly engineered vehicle, offering a spectrum of capabilities (on-road/off-road) that is almost unique on the market. However, purchasing one must be done with full awareness: electronic and software reliability is capricious, as evidenced by statistics from ADAC (4.5 breakdowns/1000), the TÜV Report (22% defect rate at 3 years), and the long list of official recalls. Buying advice: Absolutely avoid the 2020 and early 2021 model years, which suffered the teething problems of the new software platform. Favor a 2022 or later model, exclusively with a manufacturer's warranty or a solid extended warranty. In petrol, the 6-cylinder P400 is the best compromise. The P300 is a bit underpowered given the weight, and the PHEV P400e adds a layer of complexity to an already sensitive vehicle. Scrupulously verify that all recalls (especially the oil filter housing and PCM updates) have been performed.