Land Rover Defender 110 X-Dynamic HSE D300 4WD 2023 Review |

Defender D300 X Dynamic HSE – Regular listeners will know how much I enjoy driving the new Defender. Its one of my favourite cars.

A few weeks ago I had the X Dynamic HSE D300 model. Top spec with my favourite engine. I wasn’t disappointed.

The model I drove was priced from around $120,000 plus options to take it up to around $134,609 plus the usual costs. Now this isn’t something I ever though I would be saying, but against what else you can get as a large 4WD wagon, that’s excellent value.

The Defender drives on road like a premium SUV, almost like a Range Rover Sport. Off road it will match it with the mighty the best 4WDs around.

Inside the levels of comfort and luxury are more like a premium SUV, not a robust 4WD.

The HSE model we drove had the towing pack, Family pack and air suspension options as well as the off road pack and some really cool 20 inch dark alloys.

The Defender also fits me like no other 4WD or car. Its like it was made specifically for me with my driver position possibly the best I have ever sat in.

The in line six cylinder diesel turbo engine has 221kW of power and a hefty 650Nm of torque from as low as 1500rpm. This makes for relaxed cruising as well as excellent control off road and effortless towing.

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I’m Rob Fraser

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Land Rover Defender X-Dynamic HSE D300 Video

More Land Rover Defender X Dynamic HSE D300 thoughts

There isn’t a lot I can say that hasn’t already been said. But—
It looks dam good.
And smaller than it actually is.
Inside is just comfortable
Driver visibility is exceptional
There are storage trays and USB ports everywhere
The central screen has excellent clarity and houses an abundance of information
Even the rear outer seats are heated and ventilated
They are also comfortable with more than enough room for my bear like frame
Boot space is adequate, but restricted somewhat by the narrow rear door.
The third row seats are almost useless and access is for the acrobatically inclined
It works much better as a five seat 4WD than a seven seat SUV.
The D300 diesel engine is smooth, powerful and economical and feels indestructible
Some more good things
- wireless smart phone connectivity and charging is excellent
- Headlights are brilliant (pun intended)
- rubber floor mats are so practical
- The way the controls on the central stack work is clever
- I don’t use sound systems often but the Defender’s is pretty good
Some little niggles are
- The transmission lever sometimes is a pain. I always prefer a direct slot style
- The wipers have the water coming out from the wiper blades, that never gives a good coverage
- The seat platform for the front seats prevents you tucking your left leg in sometimes
- The steering wheel controls have delayed response
- 20 inch alloys makes off road tyres harder to source

Defender HSE D300 final thoughts

As I have mentioned on many occasions the Defender is my favourite 4WD. It just pips the LandCruiser 300 series. That’s saying something as I’ve owned Cruisers in the past.

The D300 is my pick of the engine choices. It has more than enough power and torque for every situation. Its smooth and economical as well

The Defender rides and handles on road like a Range Rover Sport. Off road its matches it with the best and makes 4WD work ridiculously easy. Sand driving is effortless, forest trails are like a smooth dirt road and the rough stuff is covered without fuss.

The Defender is currently the best value 4WD on the market.

What is good?

Ride and handling
4WD and towing ability
Interior comfort

What is not so good?

The windscreen washers dribble water out of the wipers
Steering wheel controls have slow reaction time
Prefer a straight transmission lever than the push/pull style

Some more Defender articles

Also look at:

Large 4WD Wagons have reduced in numbers over the years.

Buyers could look at Toyota LandCruiser GR Sport, Lexus LX 500D, Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, INEOS Grenadier, Nissan Patrol TI-L or Land Rover Discovery.

Land Rover Defender
Model	110 X Dynamic HSE D300
Model Price	$120,310 MLP*
Engine	3.0L inline 6 Cyl Turbo Diesel Euro 6
Drivetrain	8 Sp Sports AT Dual range 4WD
Power	220kW @ 4,000rpm
Torque	650Nm @ 1,500-2,500rpm
Safety	Five star ANCAP (tested Aug 2020)
0-100kmh / Top Speed	7.0 secs / 191 kmh
CO2 Emissions	207 g/km
Economy ADR	7.9L/100km / 89L capacity
Economy on test	9.2L/100k
Max Range	1309km
Servicing	TBA
Warranty	5yr/ Unlimited km
Road side Assist	5Yr. conditional roadside assist

*MLP Includes GST and LCT but excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and dealer delivery. See your dealer for RDAP. Does not include price of options. Some features mentioned in the article are options. RDAP means Recommended Drive Away Price (without options but including all other charges).

Overall Rating	92/100
Behind the Wheel	9
Comfort	9
Equipment	9
Performance	9
Ride and Handling	9
Practicality	9
Fit for Purpose	10
AWD/Towing Capability*	10 (4WD 5/5 Towing 5/5 )
Technology/connectivity	9
Value for Money	9

*Towing and AWD capability is measured against similar vehicles in the same class.

Dimensions	X Dynamic HSE D300
Overall Length	5018mm
Wheelbase	3022mm
Width	2008mm
Height	1967mm
Wheels	20×8.5 Alloy
Tyres	255/60 R20
Max ground clearance	Up to 228mm ( standard suspension)
Wading Depth	850mm
Approach	31.2 degrees
Rampover	22.6 degrees
Departure angle	37.8 degrees
Turning Circle KTK	12.84m
Boot cargo min	1075L
Boot cargo Max	2380L
Boot width between arches	1160mm
Kerb Weight	2405kg
Payload (kg)	794kg
GVM (kg)	3200kg
GCM	5850kg
Towing Capacity	3500kg
Tow Ball rating	350kg

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Land Rover Defender 110 X-Dynamic HSE D300 4WD 2023 Review

We drive the Defender on a road test review

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Land Rover Defender X-Dynamic HSE D300 Video