The long-awaited return of a British motoring icon has arrived, as Land Rover has unveiled the new Defender.
After the original legend was dropped from sale in 2016, the new model comes with an all-new design, architecture and technology – although the boxy silhouette remains.
Sitting on a new aluminium monocoque, the Defender’s chassis is said to be three times stiffer than before – and with all the new clever tech from the Land Rover equipment line-up, this new version is set to be as capable as its predecessor.
But here, Land Rover adds LED lights with a distinctive signature, a ‘Configurable Terrain Response’ multi-terrain drive system and the ClearSight technology that debuted on the latest Evoque – including the digital rear view mirror and the under-bonnet camera system.
Customers can choose from four engines from launch – two mild-hybrid petrol units and two diesel engines. Land Rover will be introducing a plug-in hybrid version in 2020.
Offered in the 110 body style from launch, the Defender can have up to seven seats and when all the seats in the rear are folded down, allowing for 2,380 litres of load space. A short-wheelbase 90 version will be added in 2020.
Five trims will be offered on the Defender – S, SE, HSE, First Edition and Defender X – with prices for the model starting from £45,240 for the 110 variant.
Order books for the Defender 110 are set to open imminently, while orders for the 90 are due to begin in December.
