Land Rover Defender in India: How JLR’s Local Assembly Could Make It More Affordable in 2025
The Indian luxury SUV market is buzzing with news from Jaguar Land Rover (JLR). In a strategic move to expand its footprint and offer more competitive pricing, JLR has commenced local assembly of some of its flagship models in India. While this move currently includes the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport, it has stirred anticipation among enthusiasts and potential buyers of the rugged yet luxurious Land Rover Defender. Could the Defender be the next in line for local assembly? And if so, what would it mean for pricing and accessibility?
Let’s take a closer look at the developments and what they could mean for Indian customers.
JLR’s Local Assembly Strategy
Jaguar Land Rover, a subsidiary of Tata Motors, has been importing vehicles into India as Completely Built Units (CBUs). These imports have traditionally carried high customs duties, pushing prices of luxury SUVs well beyond the reach of many aspirants. Recognizing the growing appetite for premium SUVs in India, JLR has now started assembling select models at its facility in Pune.
In May 2025, JLR officially began local assembly of the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport. These vehicles, known for their opulence, off-road capabilities, and brand prestige, have received significant price cuts thanks to this shift. For example:
- Range Rover 3.0 Diesel HSE LWB: Reduced from approx. ₹3.3 crore to ₹2.36 crore
- Range Rover Sport 3.0 Diesel Dynamic SE: Reduced from approx. ₹1.8 crore to ₹1.4 crore
This strategy is not just about pricing. Local assembly also helps JLR reduce delivery times, increase localisation of components over time, and compete better with German rivals like Mercedes-Benz and BMW.
What About the Land Rover Defender?
The Land Rover Defender is one of JLR’s most iconic and best-selling models worldwide. In India, it enjoys a strong fan base thanks to its blend of rugged off-roading capability and modern luxury. Available in three variants — Defender 90 (3-door), Defender 110 (5-door), and Defender 130 (extended wheelbase) — the SUV offers a range of engine options:
- 2.0-litre turbo petrol
- 3.0-litre mild-hybrid diesel
- 5.0-litre V8 petrol (producing up to 518 hp)
While JLR has not yet confirmed local assembly for the Defender, market trends suggest it could be a strong candidate in the near future. Given its growing sales and increasing popularity in India, local production could further boost its competitiveness.
In FY2025 so far, Defender sales have grown significantly, thanks to updated trims, new comfort packages like the Captain Chairs Pack for the Defender 130, and increasing demand for lifestyle SUVs in India.
Why Local Assembly Matters
Bringing the Defender into local production would result in several consumer benefits:
- Lower Prices: Similar to the Range Rover lineup, Defender prices could see a reduction of 15-22%, depending on variant.
- Shorter Wait Times: Locally assembled units typically arrive faster than CBUs, improving delivery times for Indian customers.
- Greater Availability: More production volume could mean more vehicles allocated to India.
- Cost Competitiveness: It would allow JLR to better compete with rivals such as the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, Toyota Land Cruiser, and BMW X7.
Currently, the Defender 110 starts around ₹1 crore (ex-showroom). With local assembly, this could drop to the ₹80–85 lakh range, making it much more appealing to a broader base of buyers.
The Road Ahead for JLR in India
JLR’s decision to invest in local manufacturing demonstrates strong confidence in the Indian market. It aligns well with Tata Motors’ broader goal of transforming India into a hub for luxury vehicle production. It also speaks to the increasing demand for premium SUVs in the country, driven by rising income levels, changing lifestyle aspirations, and improved road infrastructure.
While the Defender is still imported as a CBU as of May 2025, JLR has not ruled out the possibility of expanding local production further. The success of the Range Rover’s local assembly program may well set the stage for future models, including the Defender.
Conclusion
The Land Rover Defender is already a top contender in the premium SUV segment in India. If JLR extends its local assembly initiative to this model, it could revolutionize its market position. With reduced costs, faster deliveries, and the same legendary capability and luxury, the Defender could soon become a more common sight on Indian roads.
For those considering a luxury SUV that blends toughness with technology, the Defender remains a standout choice. And if local assembly becomes a reality, 2025 might just be the best time to bring one home.
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