defender d300 review Page 14

The Defender D300 is what happens when a luxury lounge meets a mud bath and both refuse to compromise. Its 3.0‑litre mild‑hybrid diesel dishes out 221 kW and 650 Nm, shrugging off hills and trailers while the 8‑speed auto does the heavy lifting like a very polite bouncer. On road it’s calmer than a big brick has any right to be, and off road it’s a mountain goat in designer boots—air suspension and clever diffs doing the wizardry.

Cabin quality is handsome and hardwearing, though options can balloon the price faster than you can say “adventure pack,” and long-term reliability niggles are worth researching with eyes open. Towing is a stout 3500 kg, economy lives in the high‑7s to mid‑8s L/100 km if you’re gentle, and the purchase price in Australia sits firmly in premium territory. It’s a remarkably capable all‑rounder—just budget for accessories, fuel, and the occasional bout of British character.