If your MY23+ New Defender came without an overhead sunglasses holder, you're not alone. Here's what happened, where owners are stashing their shades, and every retrofit option available right now.
It's one of those small details that you don't appreciate until it's gone. Early New Defender (L663) models shipped with a tidy fold-down sunglasses compartment integrated into the overhead console — right where you'd expect it, just ahead of the rearview mirror. Then, starting with many 2023 model-year builds, owners began taking delivery of their brand-new Defenders only to discover a blank plastic panel where the holder used to be.
The topic has been a steady source of frustration across Defender communities, and for good reason. On a vehicle that can easily crest six figures when optioned up, deleting a small plastic compartment feels like a strange place to cut corners.
What Actually Happened?
The sunglasses holder disappeared as part of a broader wave of de-contenting that hit many JLR models during the global supply-chain disruptions. While chip shortages get the most headlines, the reality is that a range of smaller components were also affected — or simply trimmed from the spec sheet under cost-reduction pressures. Other features that some MY23 owners found missing include second-row USB ports, soft-close tailgate functionality, and the Click & Go seat-back system.What makes the sunglasses holder removal particularly irksome is that the overhead console remains in place. It's all there — the housing, the dome lights, the mounting points — just without the actual drop-down compartment. A blank plastic insert sits in its place. The online configurator, confusingly, continued to list "Overhead Storage for Sunglasses" in some trim-level specifications even after vehicles began shipping without it, adding to owner frustration.
Where Are Owners Stashing Their Shades?
Without the overhead holder, Defender owners have gotten creative. The community has converged on a handful of go-to spots, each with its own trade-offs.- The cubby to the left of the steering wheelA narrow ledge that fits most sunglasses snugly. Easy to reach while driving, though some owners worry about them sliding on spirited drives.
- The shelf to the left of the Pivi Pro screenA small recess that's surprisingly good for aviator-style frames. Accessible and keeps them visible so you don't forget them.
- Centre armrest cubbyThe default choice for many owners — plenty of room, but the compartment is deep and not easy to access while on the move. Only works if you haven't opted for the refrigerator.
- Front console storage binRoomy, but items sink down out of reach. Several owners note that once something goes in there, it's "waaay in there" — not ideal for quick grabs at a traffic light.
Retrofit Options: Getting the Holder Back
Several suppliers now offer kits that let you add the overhead sunglasses compartment to any New Defender that shipped without one. Here's an overview of the main options the community has tested.Powerful UK Retrofit Kit
Uses genuine Land Rover components for the holder assembly and friction clip, paired with an aftermarket damper cog and a custom laser-cut brace. The most discussed option in enthusiast forums. Available in Ebony Black and Oyster. Fits 90, 110, and 130 models. Note: the company reports roughly an 85% success rate due to vehicle-to-vehicle variation in the overhead console.Shop at Powerful UK
Hunters Prestige Retrofit
Marketed as a genuine Land Rover part that replaces the blank panel. Reviews praise easy installation and good colour matching. Some owners have noted the compartment itself is compact — a limitation of the original Land Rover design rather than the retrofit — so larger sunglasses may be a tight fit.Shop at Hunters Prestige
Lucky8 Off-Road Sunglass Holder Kit
A clip-in solution designed for seamless integration. Fits all L663 variants — 90, 110, and 130. Aimed at owners who want a clean, hassle-free install without sourcing individual OEM part numbers.Shop at Lucky8 Off-Road
Amazon / AliExpress Kits
Third-party ABS kits available at a lower price point. Build quality and fitment can vary, but several Defender owners have reported satisfactory results. Worth reading reviews carefully and verifying part-number compatibility before purchasing.Browse on Amazon
Before You BuyIf your Defender has the rear entertainment system with wireless headphones, there may be a module mounted in the space where the sunglasses holder would go. You may need to remove or relocate it to fit a retrofit kit. Check your overhead console before ordering.
Installation: What to Expect
Most owners report the retrofit taking somewhere between 10 and 30 minutes. The general process involves removing the overhead console trim panel (usually held in by clips), swapping the blank insert for the sunglasses holder assembly, fitting the damper mechanism, and clicking everything back into place. Video walkthroughs are available from Powerful UK and other suppliers.The install can be a bit finicky. The damper cog needs to be positioned precisely for the holder to stay closed, and some vehicles require minor adjustment due to manufacturing tolerance differences. A few owners have noted that the white retaining clip is the key component that keeps the tray latched shut, and getting it seated correctly is the trickiest part of the job. That said, no special tools are required, and the consensus is that it's well within reach of any reasonably handy Defender owner.
Is It Worth It?
If you wear sunglasses regularly — and if you own a Defender, chances are you do — the overhead holder is one of those small quality-of-life features that you'll use every single drive. It keeps your shades protected, accessible, and out of the way. No more fishing around in a deep centre console or worrying about them sliding off a dashboard ledge.The OEM-based retrofit kits typically run between £40–80 (plus shipping and any applicable import duties for US buyers), which is a modest outlay relative to the overall cost of the vehicle. Community reception has been overwhelmingly positive, with many owners describing it as one of the simplest and most satisfying upgrades they've done.