Co-worker just spec’d a X-dynamic (USA) and with the fridge so it’s 100% still an option. Might be a regulatory thing for Aus maybe?

 

Totally agree, it's wild that the 2023/24 Defenders dropped the center console fridge option. For a vehicle in this price range, you’d think these little luxuries would be standard, right? I actually helped a buddy retrofit one into his older model Defender. We found a decent aftermarket option, though it took some effort to fit it right. If anyone's thinking about doing it themselves, make sure you have good instructions or a trusted local repair place. I came across these folks at musiccityappliance.services recently—they mainly do appliances but might know local techs who could help out! Just a thought if you're near Nashville.

 

When I saw that mine came with the fridge I thought it was a gimmick. It might be my favorite feature now though since on a road trip it’s very nice to have a place to keep a few drinks cold. I hadn’t realized it is a real fridge and not a thermoelectric setup until I started reading this forum. With that in mind I try to remember to keep it shut off when I am not using it since I would hate to have it wear out as I know I would end up replacing it if it broke.

 

I wouldn't worry about it going bad. I leave mine on all the time, as the compressor automatically reduces its output once the refrigerator reaches temperature, and I have only heard of one failure of the console fridge. *IF* they go bad, its usually the compressor that goes bad. Variable-speed compressors like the one in our Defenders are designed to run 100% of the time and are extremely robust and energy efficient, and it is rare that you see them go bad.

A friend of mine has a fridge in his 2017 Range Rover that went bad, and I was able to get a replacement compressor. My dad owns a company (I work for him, too) and we manufacturer laboratory-grade freezers & refrigerators. Turns out the compressor used in JLR console fridges is a Secop/Danfoss compressor specifically designed for automotive applications. I was able to source a replacement for my friend's Range Rover, but its not readily available. Since we buy thousands of compressors for our products every year from Secop/Danfoss, I was able to get a replacement one for my friend.

 

2023 D90 X, refrigerator replaced by dealer under warranty. About three weeks from diagnosis to order to install. (Was told refrig came from CA). Of course defender was usable the entire time less one day install.