Land Rover’s All New Defender Debuts at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

Land Rover’s much awaited new Defender 4x4 has made its first appearance at the Frankfurt Motor Show. It promises to be the most capable and durable Land Rover ever made and completes the Land Rover dynasty, joining the luxury and refinement of the Range Rover family and the Discovery SUVs.

The new Defender will be available in 90 and 110 body designs, with up to six seats in the 90 and the option of five, six or 5+2 seating in the 110.

The range comprises Defender, S, SE, HSE, First Edition and top-of-the-range Defender X. Customers will be able to personalise their choice with four Accessory Packs. The Explorer, Adventure, Country and Urban packs. Exclusive First Edition models featuring unique specification will be available throughout the first year of production.

First Impressions and Intent

A distinctive silhouette makes the new Defender instantly recognisable, with minimal front and rear overhangs providing excellent approach and departure angles.

Land Rover’s new purpose-engineered D7x (for extreme) architecture is based on a lightweight aluminium monoque construction to create the stiffest body structure the brand has ever produced.

Three times stiffer than traditional body-on-frame designs, it has been engineered to withstand Land Rover’s Extreme Event Test procedures and provides the perfect foundations for the fully independent air or coil sprung suspension while supporting the latest electrified powertrains.

Engines

A choice of advanced petrol and cleaner diesel engines ensure New Defender has the power, control and efficiency for any environment, while a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) powertrain will join the range next year providing the prospect of silent EV-only progress.

New Defender features permanent four-wheel drive, a twin-speed automatic gearbox, a maximum towing capability of 3,500kg and a maximum static roof load of 300kg, making it the perfect companion for overland adventures.

Configurable Terrain Response

Defender is also the first Land Rover to feature Configurable Terrain Response, which allows drivers to fine-tune a range of settings to suit the conditions more precisely than ever before. A new Wade programme optimises the vehicle for fording – giving customers even more confidence when tackling flooded roads and tracks. Defender has a maximum wading depth of up to 900mm.

Inside, the highly functional cabin design is marked out by exposed structural elements and 21st century technologies, including the state-of-the-art new Pivi Pro infotainment system. The next-generation touchscreen is more intuitive and user-friendly, requiring fewer inputs to perform frequently used tasks, while its always-on design guarantees almost instant responses. In addition, Software-Over-The-Air technology, with 14 individual modules capable of receiving remote updates, ensures Defender customers always benefit from the latest software, wherever they are in the world.

To explore the new Land Rover Defender ahead of its arrival in Ireland next Spring, go to: www.landrover.ie/Defender