The legend in off-road motoring in the good old British tradition, the Land Rover Defender, was declared “dead” in 2015. After mourning its demise, we just forget about it. Only picking up news about some delightful restoration examples here and there between then and now. Then, all of sudden, we heard our favorite TV personality, Richard Hammond, unveiling it. “It” as in the all-new 2020 Land Rover Defender.
You freaking heard that right. The Land Rover Defender lives again. But I will be honest with you. I am only so much excited by the namesake and not so much over the Discovery-ish aesthetic. The designers may beg to differ, but for someone who have meddle with this legend vehicle for a year and a half, this is not the Defender I have learn to respect and love. It will never be, but can it become an icon like its forebears? I can’t answer that.
At this point, there’s much to be processed and so, in the interest of your well being, we rather not make you endure more words (from us) than you really should. Therefore, here’s a list of things that Land Rover wants you know about the all-new Land Rover Defender:
- Incomparable, unstoppable: An icon reimagined for the 21st century
- Designed with purpose, engineered to excite: Clever and characterful with an instantly recognizable silhouette that features signature Defender elements including short front and rear overhangs
- Looks tough, is tough: Durable New D7x architecture engineered to withstand the Extreme Event Test procedure, above and beyond the normal standard for an SUV
- World-class expert off and on-road: New Land Rover Defender redefines breadth of capability, all-terrain ability is beyond question, on-road comfort adds to its character
- Expedition-ready: A maximum payload of up to 900kg, static roof load of up to 300kg, dynamic roof load of 168kg, towing capacity of 3,720kg* and wading depth of up to 900mm combine to make New Defender the ultimate 4×4 for overland adventures
- Intelligent off-road tech: Land Rover’s pioneering Terrain Response 2 technology moves the game on again with new Wade programme and world-first off-road Configurable Terrain Response allowing experts and novices to optimise traction no matter the conditions
- On-road comfort: New Defender is composed on any road surface with supreme comfort ensuring long journeys are covered with ease
- Efficiency at its heart: Electrified powertrains introduced to Defender with advanced mild-hybrid and plug-in electric vehicle options, as well as powerful and efficient petrol and diesel engines
- 21st Century technology: Debuts new Pivi Pro infotainment featuring an intuitive interface while Software-Over-The-Air updates provide the latest software at all times, anywhere in the world
- Reductionist, purposeful interior: The functional, durable and flexible interior is unique with exposed structural elements and a centre front jump seat – perfect for sharing adventures with the family
- Meet the family: Defender 110 available with 5+2 seating in four distinct Accessory Packs (Explorer, Adventure, Country and Urban) and with 170 individual accessories, will be joined by a smaller Defender 90 and versatile and durable commercial models
- Capable of great things: Defender has the inner strength necessary to make great things happen. The champion of those with the courage to provide help where others dare not, or cannot go
- Global partners: Land Rover to continue long-term humanitarian partnership with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) with Defender at the heart of if it
Those are just words. If you are really keen, then only seeing it in person and perhaps, getting behind the wheel of one, is the only fair and sound way to judge. The 2020 Land Rover Defender 90 commercial will be priced starting £35,000 (plus VAT), 90 body style indicative price of £40,000 and 110 starts at £45,240 in the U.K. Over at the stateside, the 2020 Land Rover Defender will have a base MSRP of $49,900.
All images courtesy of Jaguar Land Rover.