Monday was well spent at the Land Rover Experience Centre London, where myself and my colleague Ellie, had the chance to put the Defender 110 through its paces in a true off-road environment. This purpose-built centre, set in the grounds of the historic Luton Hoo Estate, is designed to showcase the full capability of Land Rover vehicles, offering a range of challenging terrains that push both the driver and the car to their limits. For the ultimate off-roading experience, the obvious pick was the Land Rover Defender.

From the moment we set off, the Defender 110, the ultimate version of luxury off-road vehicles, showed why it’s one of the best-rated off-road vehicles globally. Its performance underscores the capabilities of Land Rover Defender models, known for their unmatched power and control. We navigated muddy tracks, steep climbs, side slopes, and complex rock crawls, each obstacle testing various features of the vehicle, including its latest protection options. The experience emphasizes the Defender's robustness and limited production that ensures excellence.

Terrain Response System

Offered with multiple seat options and innovative design, every Rover Defender 110 vehicle is fitted with state-of-the-art protection features ensuring a safe adventure. A standout feature was the Terrain Response 2 system, which automatically adjusted the car's settings to meet different terrain challenges, making the drive feel smooth and controlled. Switching between different modes, such as Mud & Ruts and Rock Crawl, allowed us to experience how the Defender optimizes traction and stability, adapting to the terrain ahead.

Hill Descent Control

Hill Descent Control was particularly useful when tackling steep declines. Letting go of the pedals and allowing the car to manage its own controlled descent was an impressive demonstration of how technology can enhance off-road confidence.

Electronic Air Suspension

On the more technical sections, including rock crawls and deep ruts, we tested the adjustable air suspension, which increased the ride height for better ground clearance. It was incredible to see how effortlessly the Defender adapted to rough terrain while keeping us comfortable inside the cabin.

All-Terrain Progress Control (ATPC)

Many Defenders come with fitted accessories and advanced technologies that ensure both safety and comfort across any road. Often described as “off-road cruise control,” this system was a game-changer when navigating uneven ground. Once engaged, it maintained a steady, controlled pace, allowing us to focus on steering rather than throttle control with manual and auto settings available.

Experiencing these features firsthand gave us an even greater appreciation for the engineering and features behind the Land Rover Defender. The way it effortlessly tackled challenging terrain while keeping us in complete control was nothing short of impressive, thanks to its advanced systems and protections. What stood out most was how user-friendly and confidence-inspiring the systems were, making off-roading accessible even for those without extensive experience.

A Land Rover Experience is an unforgettable way to truly understand what the Defender, Discovery and Range Rover models are capable of beyond the road. Whether you’re a seasoned off-roader or a complete beginner, the centre provides the perfect environment to learn, test, and enjoy these vehicles to their full potential. We had an amazing time, and after pushing the Defender 110 to its limits, we left loving it even more than before!

For anyone wanting to experience this for themselves, book a session at the Land Rover Experience Centre – it’s the ultimate adventure for any Land Rover enthusiast.