Background
Few vehicles are as instantly recognisable or as globally respected as the Land Rover Defender. Born from the post-war ingenuity of the original Series I Land Rover of 1948, the Defender’s ancestry is one of robust utility and unstoppable off-road capability. For over six decades, it evolved from a farmer’s tool into a military mainstay, expedition icon, and latterly, a sought-after lifestyle vehicle with near-mythical status.
The Land Rover Defender name was formally introduced in 1990 to distinguish it from the newly launched Discovery. Though the platform dated back to the Series vehicles and the coil-sprung Land Rover Ninety and One Ten of the early 1980s, the Defender brought updated engines, interior refinements and, eventually, a broader market appeal. Despite its agricultural roots, the Defender gained a cult following for its go-anywhere attitude, charismatic driving experience and deeply functional design.
Throughout its 25-year production run, the Defender remained faithful to its original concept: aluminium bodywork on a ladder-frame chassis, solid axles, permanent four-wheel drive and an emphasis on durability over luxury. But as the end of production loomed, Land Rover began introducing more refined variants aimed at both collectors and enthusiasts. Chief among these was the Defender 110 XS, one of the most desirable factory specifications offered in the final years.
The XS trim level, available on both 90 and 110 wheelbase variants, brought with it a welcome blend of practicality and comfort. It was aimed at buyers who appreciated the Defender’s rugged character but wanted a touch more civility for daily driving. As such, the 110 XS came with a higher level of standard equipment: heated front seats, air conditioning, heated windscreen, remote central locking, ABS, traction control, electric windows, part-leather seats, and a premium Alpine sound system. Crucially, it retained the Defender’s mechanical purity and all-terrain prowess, with the same heavy-duty underpinnings and drivetrain.
By 2015 production of the traditional Defender was nearing its end. Stricter emissions and safety regulations meant that the ancient platform could no longer be updated economically, and Land Rover confirmed that production would cease in early 2016. This triggered a spike in demand for ‘last of the line’ Defenders, especially in high-spec forms like the 110 XS. Buyers recognised these vehicles as the final chapter in a unique automotive story—a hand-built, analogue 4x4 in an increasingly digital world.
The 2015 Defender 110 XS was powered by the 2.2-litre Puma diesel engine, introduced in 2012 to replace the previous 2.4-litre unit. With 120bhp and 265 lb ft of torque, it wasn’t quick by modern standards but delivered strong low-end pulling power and effortless cruising thanks to a six-speed manual gearbox. Refinement remained relative – it was still noisy, bouncy and full of character – but by Defender standards, this generation was the most useable ever built.
Inside the XS offered a spartan but thoughtfully upgraded cabin. While it never matched the plushness of a modern SUV, it had the key features that made it tolerable for long journeys, including proper ventilation, heated seats and improved sound insulation over earlier models. Seating for up to nine was possible in the 110, with rear jump seats or benches depending on configuration.
Today the 2015 Defender 110 XS represents a sweet spot for collectors and enthusiasts. It is one of the most desirable Defender variants ever made: old enough to retain the classic looks and analogue driving feel, but modern enough to be practical and dependable. As Land Rover moved toward the new Defender in 2020 – completely reimagined as a high-tech monocoque SUV – these last-of-the-line models have only grown in appeal.
