You know that moment when something catches your eye and suddenly nothing else matters?
Like when you’re scrolling through your phone and BAM
– there’s that one thing that makes you completely forget what you were doing. T
hat’s exactly what’s happening to Fortuner owners across India when they spot a Land Rover Defender on the road.
It’s basically the automotive version of the distracted boyfriend meme, and honestly? We totally get it.
From Zero to Hero: The Defender’s Journey in India
Let’s rewind to 2019. The Defender made its debut, and… crickets. Nobody really cared. The older Defenders never really took off here, and Jaguar Land Rover was still trying to find its footing in the Indian market.
But then something magical happened. As the world started moving again post-COVID, people began to really see this car. And once they did, there was no going back.
It’s All About That Presence
When the Defender first hit Indian roads, it started at around ₹74 lakh, with the bigger 5-door version at ₹80 lakh. Right from day one, it was clear what made people fall in love: this thing just looks incredible.
Here’s the thing about Indian car buyers – we don’t just want expensive, we want something that screams expensive from a mile away. And the Defender? It doesn’t just scream, it roars.
Picture this: you’re cruising down the highway in this massive, muscular machine. Other cars literally look like they’re driving on a lower floor. We’ve seen tough guys who drive Thars and Scorpios just stop and stare. That’s the kind of respect this beast commands without even trying.
Built Like a Tank, Designed for Real Life
Now, when you’re dropping over a crore (yes, it now costs ₹1.1 crore – we’ll get to that price jump later), you want to know you’re getting your money’s worth.
The base model gives you solid 4×4 capability, multiple screens, decent sound, a sunroof, and great windows. Spend a bit more, and you unlock the really cool stuff: advanced 4×4 systems, premium audio, and some pretty neat party tricks like camera-based mirrors and even a fridge.
But here’s where the Defender gets really smart. Walk into most luxury cars, and you’ll find delicate materials that look gorgeous but make you nervous about actually using them. The Defender says “forget that.” Everything you touch is rubber, quality faux leather, or real leather – stuff that’s built to handle whatever life throws at it.
Got muddy boots? No problem. Spilled coffee? Wipe it down. Kids with sticky fingers? The Defender can handle it. This thing is designed to look good even after you’ve put it through hell. Even the door sills are tough enough that you won’t worry about scuff marks every time you get in.
And storage? There are pockets and compartments everywhere. It’s like they actually thought about how real people use their cars.
Power When You Need It (And Then Some)
The base 2-liter petrol engine is perfectly fine. It’ll overtake on highways, handle city traffic, and get you where you need to go with passengers in tow. But if you want to feel the real magic, the Defender offers some serious options.
You can get a 3-liter petrol, a 3-liter diesel, a 5-liter V8 that sounds like thunder, or even a 4.4-liter BMW engine that can embarrass supercars in a drag race. Honestly, the Defender doesn’t need that much power, but it’s nice to know it’s there.
The 5-liter V8 and 3-liter diesel are the sweet spots – perfect for a car this size. Unfortunately, most people in India go with the 2-liter because of the price difference.
All this success has turned Jaguar Land Rover into one of the top 3 luxury car brands in India by sales – something they never managed before.
But Let’s Be Real About the Problems
Even the most perfect car has flaws, and the Defender definitely has a few things that’ll make you scratch your head.
The Service Nightmare
Let’s address the elephant in the room: JLR’s reputation for reliability is… not great. Like, really not great. There are entire meme pages dedicated to it. While newer cars like the Defender are better, owners still deal with delayed parts, frustrating service experiences, and maintenance bills that’ll make your eyes water.
It’s Thirsty (Really Thirsty)
This thing drinks fuel like it’s going out of style. Even the base 2-liter engine has a serious thirst, and don’t get us started on the V8. Many people wish the 2-liter diesel was more widely available here, but it’s pretty rare.
The “Third Row” That Isn’t
Here’s something that shocks people: the 5-door Defender 110 doesn’t actually come with a third row as standard. You can pay extra for two more seats, but they’re so cramped they’re basically useless. For a car that costs ₹1.5 crore, that’s pretty embarrassing – especially when a Fortuner gives you way more usable space back there.
There’s a bigger Defender 130 that solves this problem, but it costs even more money.
That Price Tag Though
This is the big one. The Defender started at ₹80-90 lakh and now begins at ₹1.1 crore. People are still buying them (even the ₹3 crore Octa version!), but it’s getting harder to justify the cost.
Whether you blame Indian taxes or JLR’s decision to import these from Slovakia instead of building them here, the truth is simple: this car costs way more than it probably should.
What’s Next?
Despite all these issues, the Defender is genuinely a fantastic car, and its success makes total sense. It comes in three sizes (90, 110, and 130), so there’s something for everyone. There are even rumors that local assembly might start soon, which could bring prices down.
JLR is getting confident enough to enter the Dakar Rally next year with the Defender, which shows they’re serious about proving this thing’s capabilities.