Land Rover Defender County Edition Has a Setback For City-People

The Land Rover Defender County Edition has a problem that makes it less practical for people living in cities. And here we will discuss Defender County Edition’s features and why is it so.

When we buy an off-road vehicle, like the Land Rover Defender County Edition, unless we live in the jungles, the most common use of the car would be on well-paved roads and surfaces. Of course, here and there we can encounter some undulation and bumps in the terrain. So the main use of an off-roader is most decidedly not an off-road. With the Defender County Edition, the design somewhat neglects common day-to-day driving experience in favor of actual rough-terrain driving experience.

Of course, this is not to say that the Defender County Edition absolutely cannot be driven in towns and cities; on the contrary, it is almost like driving a vehicle meant for an urban setting. But that nudge of a difference that converts the good to great is missing in some areas.

Let’s have a look at all that Land Rover Defender County Edition has to offer to its buyers including the design, interiors, engine, features, price, and more.

Land Rover Defender County Edition Design and Interiors

The Land Rover Defender’s design is very much a trademark Land Rover style. The County Edition has its unique graphics, of course, like two-tone paint and steelie-style 20-inch alloys. Its rugged exterior is complete with a rear-mounted spare tire. One look at it and anybody would think you are off on an adventure. No stones have been left unturned in terms of technology in the interiors.

The unibody construction is unlike the traditional body-on-frame designs. The Defender’s structural integrity maintains a car-like feel on the road. The vehicle’s ruggedness is not compromised with this approach. In fact, it can accommodate a 10,000-pound winch installation.

Step inside the Defender County Edition, and you are greeted by a cabin that seamlessly blends luxury with durability. The County package features a combination of hard-wearing materials and soft-touch points. This makes the environment feel both premium and robust. The leather seats sport powered adjustments for an ergonomically-minded driving experience. The electric tilt-telescope steering wheel allows for a personalized driving position, while the excellent visibility provided by the forward windshield, squared-off mirrors, and low beltline enhances overall driving confidence.

The Defender’s interior is spacious and thoughtfully designed. The second-row bench seat offers ample room for passengers. So long journeys are not too tiring. The 34.0 cubic feet of cargo space, combined with a wide cargo door, makes loading and unloading a breeze. The trunk-positioned air suspension height adjustment button is a practical addition. Heavy loads can be accessed without hassle. However, the side-hinged trunk door, a nod to traditional design, can be cumbersome in tight urban spaces, highlighting a minor inconvenience in an otherwise well-crafted vehicle.

Land Rover Defender County Edition Engine and Features

At the heart of the Defender County Edition is a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine, enhanced with mild-hybrid technology. The powerplant can deliver a combination of 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. This is ample muscle for both on-road and off-road escapades. The electrically supercharged engine allows a seamless surge of power. The transmission is an eight-speed automatic and the gear shifts are smooth and confident in operation.

The Defender County Edition’s off-road prowess is nothing short of legendary. If you want to go the whole hog, equip the model with the Advanced Off-Road Capability Pack, Off-Road Pack, and Air Suspension Pack. With these packages, even the most challenging landscapes can be tamed. With an astonishing 11.5 inches of ground clearance, a 38.0-degree approach angle, and a wading depth of 35.5 inches, the Defender effortlessly outperforms rivals such as the Jeep Wrangler and the Ineos Grenadier.

The Defender County Edition is equipped with a suite of advanced technologies that enhance both convenience and connectivity. The centerpiece of the dashboard is the 11.4-inch touchscreen. Hosts on the system’s interface are an array of features and drive modes. Standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto ensure seamless integration with smartphones, allowing for easy access to navigation, music, and communication.

Physical buttons, while welcome in theory, can be frustrating in practice. Adjusting seat heaters or fan speeds requires multiple interactions. This invariably proves to be a small distraction while driving. The 400-watt 10-speaker Meridian sound system, though competent, falls short of expectations in an $80,000 vehicle, especially when compared to the superior audio systems found in competitors like the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Land Rover Defender County Edition Price

Excellence comes at a cost, and the Defender County Edition is no exception. With a base price of $67,900, plus destination fees and optional packages, the as-tested price can exceed $81,000. This places the Defender in a competitive landscape. Here it comes up against the likes of the Lexus GX 550 Overtrail+ and the Porsche Cayenne.

The fuel efficiency of the Land Rover Defender County Edition, however, does not top the charts. The mild-hybrid engine, despite its technological advancements, achieves an EPA-rated 17 miles per gallon in the city and 20 on the highway. Real-world driving conditions may yield even lower numbers. This is one thirsty car. For those who prioritize fuel economy, the Defender may require a trade-off in performance for practicality.

Overall, the Land Rover Defender County Edition is a great vehicle with the best of the world of off-roading and that of the urban dwelling. However, the features installed for the former purpose might seem necessary and overpowering in a city setting. But of course, with its luxurious interiors and advanced technologies, the Defender is not a vehicle its competitors in the SUV market can neglect with the wave of a hand. There are some quirks here and there. For instance, the side-hinged trunk door and less-than-stellar fuel efficiency are areas where improvement can be a boon.

If you’ve got the green in your wallet, you will not regret purchasing the Land Rover Defender County Edition in any serious manner.