Frankfurt Motor Show 2019: Land Rover Defender unveiled

The next-generation Land Rover Defender has been unveiled at the ongoing 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show in Germany. To begin with, the new Defender will be available in the 110 wheelbase format, followed by the Defender 90. These would be followed by the debut of a plug-in hybrid variant sometime later in 2020.

The Defender 110 offers five, six or 5+2 seating configurations while the Defender 90 will be able to accommodate six occupants in a vehicle the length of a compact family hatchback. Feature wise, an optional full-length folding fabric roof provides an open-top feel. It also allows passengers in the second-row seats of the Defender 110 to stand up when parked to provide the full safari experience. Another feature highlight of the model includes a dash-mounted gear shifter to accommodate an optional central front jump seat, which provides three-abreast seating across the front.

The new body architecture of the 2020 Land Rover Defender provides ground clearance of 291 mm, giving the 110 approach, break-over and departure angles of 38, 28 and 40 degrees respectively. Its maximum wading depth of 900 mm is supported by a new Wade programme in the Terrain Response 2 system, which ensures that drivers can ford deep water with complete confidence. On dry land, the ClearSight Ground View technology helps drivers by showing the area usually hidden by the bonnet, directly ahead of the front wheels, on the central touchscreen.

The new Land Rover Defender offers permanent all-wheel drive and a twin-speed automatic gearbox, centre differential and optional Active Locking Rear Differential. The Configurable Terrain Response debuts on the model, allowing experienced off-roaders to fine-tune individual vehicle settings to suit the conditions, while inexperienced drivers can let the system detect the most appropriate vehicle settings for the terrain, using the intelligent Auto function. The 2020 Defender features the new Pivi Pro infotainment system. In addition to that, the model offers Software-Over-The-Air (SOTA) technology, with 14 individual modules capable of receiving remote updates.

Powertrain options on the new Land Rover Defender will include a range of petrol and diesel engines, while a Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) unit will join the range next year. The petrol line-up comprises a four-cylinder P300 and a six-cylinder P400, featuring efficient Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle technology. Also on offer are a pair of four-cylinder diesels including the D200 and D240.

In addition to the accessory packs, the 2020 Defender is available with the widest choice of individual accessories ever assembled for a new Land Rover, with everything from a remote control electric winch, rooftop tent and inflatable waterproof awnings to more conventional tow bar systems and roof racks.