After an agonisingly long build-up, the all-new Land Rover Defender has finally been revealed ahead of an Australian release in mid-2020.
Reimagined for 21st century buyers, Land Rover will initially offer the Defender in the larger 110 five-door body with the option of five-, six- or seven-seat (5+2) interior configurations with up to 2380L of cargo space.
A shorter wheelbase Defender 90 is set to join the range in 2020 and be capable of accommodating six occupants.
The Defender has done away with the body-on-frame chassis, it’s now built on Land Rover’s new purpose-engineered D7x architecture (a lightweight aluminium monocoque construction). It maintains plenty of Defender DNA with short front and rear overhangs, side-hinged rear tailgate and an externally-mounted spare wheel.
As for the off-road credentials, the ground clearance is 291mm with an approach angle of 38 degrees, a breakover angle of 28 degrees and a departure angle of 40 degrees. A maximum wading depth of 900mm is supported by a new Wade programme in the Terrain Response 2 system. There is also a maximum payload of 900kg with a towing capacity of 3500kg.
Internally the Defender 110 features exposed structural elements and fixings, a dash-mounted gear shifter, rubberised flooring and the option of a central front ‘jump’ seat which allows three-abreast seating across the front.
The Defender will also debut Land Rover’s new Pivi Pro infotainment system with software-over-the-air updates to keep the system updated.
Engine choices will include the D200 and D240 turbo-diesel units offering 147kW and 177kW respectively. Both offer 430Nm of torque.
There’s also the P400 MHEV, which comprises an inline six turbocharged petrol augmented by 48V mild-hybrid technology. The system outputs 297kW and 550Nm. Land Rover reckons it will hit 100km/h from a standstill in 6.1 seconds. A PHEV powertrain (most likely from the Range Rover) will be available sometime in 2020.
All engine options will be mated with an eight-speed automatic transmission that sends power to a permanent all-wheel drive system. A two-speed transfer case locking centre differential will be standard while an active locking rear differential can be optioned.
Land Rover will offer the new Defender in six trim levels: Defender, S, SE, HSE, Defender X and First Edition.
Explorer, Adventure, Country and Urban accessory packs will also be available for additional personalisation. These packs are in addition to the numerous individual accessories available including a remote control electric winch, rooftop tent, inflatable waterproof awnings, tow bar systems and roof racks.
The 2020 Land Rover Defender 110 will be available in Australia from June 2020 priced from $70,000 plus on-road costs. The 90 models will join the line-up later in 2020 with pricing to be announced closer to its arrival.
A full rundown of specs and pricing for the new Defender can be found here.
More: All News
