Lad Rover Defender 110 X Dynamic HSE D300 4WD 2023 Review

Defender X Dynamic HSE D300  – 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.

This is a Motoring Minute

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.

Some more Defender articles  

• Defender 110 X-Dynamic HSE D300 2022 Review
• 2022 Land Rover Defender D300 SE vs LandCruiser 300 GR Sport 2022 Review
• Land Rover Defender model range enhanced with the 130 model
• 2022 Land Rover Defender 90 Series 2022 Review
• Land Rover Defender 130 Details
• Land Rover Defender D300 SE 2022 Review
• 2022 Land Rover Defender 90 4WD 2022 review
• Land Rover Defender 110 X P400 2021 Review
• 2021 Land Rover Defender 110 D250 4WD 2021 Review
• Land Rover Defender crowned Supreme Winner Women’s World Car of the Year 2021  
• 2021 Land Rover Defender 110 P400 S 2021 Radio Review
• 2020 Land Rover Defender Video Review
• Land Rover Defender 110 4WD is launched
• 2020 Land Rover 2020 Defender Launch Review
• We drive the all new 2020 Land Rover Defender
• Land Rover Defender 2020 Launch
• All new Land Rover Defender Brief Introduction
• OzRoamer 2022 4WD over $80,000 COTY Award
• 2022 OzRoamer 2022 COTY Award Winners Motoring Minute
• OzRoamer’s Car of the Year Award winners Announced
• Land Rover Defender has moved a step closer to production

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.

*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)

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

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