Land Rover Defender range expanded

The Land Rover Defender is already the best-selling Land Rover in South Africa and it is about to gain new powertrains and new model specifications, making it even more attractive to a broader range of customers. The new Defender delivers transformational breadth of capability, using advanced all-terrain technologies to redefine adventure for the 21^st century,  while remaining true to the pioneering spirit that has been a Land Rover hallmark for more than 70 years.

 

New engines

Land Rover’s powerful and efficient in-line six-cylinder Ingenium diesel engine joins the range. Strong performance, smooth responses and refinement combine to deliver a package that is world-class on-road and off. The 3.0-litre D300 delivers 221kW and 650Nm allowing the Defender 90 to reach 100km/h in 6,7 seconds while the 110 will reach that mark in 7,0 seconds.

 

Plugging in

The new P400e Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) variant is key to the Defender’s latest enhancements. Available with the 110-body design, it delivers a blend of performance and economy.

Combining a powerful 2.0-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine and 105kW electric motor, the P400e delivers substantial torque alongside low running costs, with C02 emissions of just 74g/km and a claimed fuel economy of 2.8 litres/100km. It will run in all-electric mode with zero tailpipe emissions for up to 43km, including off-road where the immediate torque from the electric motor makes the Defender even more capable.

Powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine producing 221kW and 105kW electric motor powered by a 19.2kWh battery, the P400e provides a combined output of 297kW from its advanced PHEV powertrain, delivering refined performance and responses, but with an all-electric range of 43km.

Using a Mode 3 charging cable allows charging up to 80 percent in two hours, while charging via a Mode 2 cable will take around seven hours to charge to 80 percent. Using a rapid charger, the P400e charges to 80 percent in 30 minutes.

 

X-Dynamic specification

X-Dynamic specification is available on both the Defender 90 and 110, offering a selection of exterior and interior design elements.

Personalisation options have grown too, with new colours including Yulong White, Silicon Silver, Carpathian Grey available in combination with a choice of contrast roof finishes. Individual options are now also available for the first time, including the Folding Fabric Roof for Defender 110 and the choice of a suspension pack on Defender 90 while premium LED headlights, Meridian Sound System, Head-Up display and front fog lights can be added individually.

Inside, unique elements include illuminated metal treadplates and Robustek seat material, which is a highly robust and protective material inspired by textiles used in extreme outdoor situations.

 

Greater personalisation

Individual options and packs have changed across the Defender line-up, including a broader selection of exterior colour options.

Expanding the number of bundled option packs, Defender can now be specified with a Blind Spot Assist Pack and a choice of a Family Pack or Family Comfort Pack which adds third-row seating with three-zone climate, rear cooler and cabin air ionisation or heated seats respectively.

 

Defender 90

The Defender 90 gives customers even more scope to choose the perfect model as it is available with up to six seats when fitted with the jump seat in the front row.

With the exception of a P400e plug-in hybrid (PHEV), the Defender 90 is powered by the same range of powerful and capable petrol and diesel Ingenium engines including a 3.0-litre turbocharged P400 with MHEV technology and the 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol P300, alongside the new in-line six-cylinder D300 and 2.0-litre turbodiesel D240. Like the 110, all Defender models use a smooth eight-speed automatic gearbox, with permanent all-wheel drive.

 

When will it be available?

The updated 2021 model year Defender 110 and 90 will be available in South Africa in the first half of next year.