Skip to main content
Sister Publication Links
  • Automotive News
  • Automobilwoche
  • Automotive News Canada
  • Automotive News China
Subscribe
  • Subscribe
  • Newsletters
  • Login
  • HOME
    • Latest news
    • Automakers
    • Suppliers
    • New Product
    • Environment/Emissions
    • Sales By Market
    • On The Move
    • Auto Shows
    • Renault committed to stronger alliance with Nissan, chairman says
      Stellantis has positive stock market debut after FCA-PSA merger
      Audi idles 10,000 staff on chip shortage
      Spotlight will find low-key Tavares as he takes over new empire at Stellantis
    • Stellantis has positive stock market debut after FCA-PSA merger
      Audi idles 10,000 staff on chip shortage
      Fiat Chrysler and PSA complete merger to become Stellantis
      Dacia-Lada business unit will unleash brands' power, Renault execs say
    • Ford, Audi, Daimler reduce German output on chip supply shortages
      Airline chief to head Swedish bearings maker SKF
      Nvidia CEO says software will soon define the car, drive profit
      LG Magna-MAIN_i.jpg
      At CES, Magna touts new deal with LG
    • Dacia-Lada business unit will unleash brands' power, Renault execs say
      Renault to follow Peugeot, VW in seeking higher transaction prices
      Renault to boost low-volume Alpine brand with 3 EVs
      view gallery
      8 photos
      Dacia Bigster
    • Mercedes badge_1.jpg
      Mercedes meets European CO2 target with late-year surge in EV sales
      EV-only future looks closer than ever in Europe
      VW to link bonuses to social targets
      New EU 'green-washing' rules will force automakers to be transparent
    • Stellantis seeking new joint venture in China, reports say
      Russia's new-car sales fall 2% in December
      FCA-PSA merger adds uncertainty to Peugeot's return to U.S., brand chief says
      Benz plant in Beijing.jpg
      Mercedes, Audi, BMW post record China deliveries
    • Renault names motorcycle team boss Brivio to lead Alpine F1 team
      Airline chief to head Swedish bearings maker SKF
      Renault names former Google exec to run Alpine brand
      Bentley's top designer, Sielaff, to leave; may join Geely
    • Geneva Auto Show
    • Frankfurt Auto Show
    • Paris Auto Show
    • Beijing Auto Show
    • Shanghai Auto Show
  • Features
    • Long Read
    • Interview of the Month
    • Supplier Spotlight
    • Focus on Electrification
    • Latest Launches
    • Analyst's View
    • Segment Analysis
    • Europe By The Numbers
    • EV-only future looks closer than ever in Europe
      European car retailing poised for shake-up as 'agency' model gains support
      How Europe will become an EV battery powerhouse
      VW, Ford stumbles force rethink of how to best use social media
    • Nvidia CEO says software will soon define the car, drive profit
      Tavares: Keeping PSA, FCA merger on track an 'incredible' achievement
      Renault CEO outlines ambitious revival plan
      Why Rolls-Royce boss expects to be profitable despite COVID
    • Veoneer boss expects to reach key milestone this quarter
      How Faurecia aims to become a hydrogen leader
      How Yanfeng gave the car interior a brain
      FCA suppliers in Europe at risk from switch to PSA platform, experts say
    • Chinese EV maker Xpeng outlines Europe rollout plan
      Arrival Van.jpg
      How Arrival intends to disrupt the delivery van market
      Polestar 2's performance, convenience offset range anxiety
      Nio ET7-MAIN.jpg
      Nio debuts first electric sedan
    • BENTAYGAHYBRID-MAIN_i.jpg
      Bentley freshens Bentayga Hybrid
      BMW 4-Series Coupe breaks free from sedan sibling
      Hyundai counts on new Tucson to become its Europe top-seller
      Dacia turns to familiar playbook for all-new Sandero
    • Pandemic forces automakers to focus on brand, conserve cash
      Why prospects for dealer mergers have improved
      Dacia-level price discipline needed to end margin slump in Europe, expert says
      How infotainment systems are taking over the vehicle cockpit
    • Wagons hold market share, but costly EV shift looms
      Electrification gains speed in Europe's key compact segment
      Hybrids beat the market; sales expected to top 1 million in 2022
      Plug-in hybrids set for rapid rise but trouble looms
    • Russia's new-car sales fall 2% in December
      Europe sales by model, Nov. and 11 months: Audi A3, Jeep Compass rise; Toyota Yaris surprises
      Top 10 sellers by market, 11 months: Skoda a top 5-seller in 13 countries
      Russia's new-car sales rise for second straight month
  • Opinion
    • Blogs
    • Commentary
    • Guest columnists
    • Polestar 2's performance, convenience offset range anxiety
      Bosch, Continental battle to supply the brain of the connected car
      Why the ID5 is VW's true rival to the Tesla Model Y
      Volvo, Daimler CEOs praised for leading push to computerize cars
    • Understanding the impact of design on marketing, brand and user experience
      Ex-Aston Martin CEO Palmer calls on UK to intensify battery commitment
      Why Apple must target the $230B luxury car market
      Apple car: Who will build it? Magna Steyr possible candidate
  • Photos
    • Photo Galleries
    • Geneva Photo Gallery
    • Beijing Photo Gallery
    • Frankfurt Photo Gallery
    • Paris Photo Gallery
    • Shanghai Photo Gallery
    • view gallery
      8 photos
      Dacia Bigster
      view gallery
      8 photos
      Renault 5 concept
      view gallery
      15 photos
      Toyota Mirai 2021
      view gallery
      10 photos
      Fiat Tipo Cross
    • koenigsegg-gemera-front-quarter-passenger-01.jpg
      view gallery
      14 photos
      Koenigsegg Gemera
      view gallery
      21 photos
      Fiat New 500
      view gallery
      11 photos
      Aston Martin V12 Speedster
      view gallery
      13 photos
      Audi A3 Sportback 2020
    • At the Beijing show, sales rebound and EV boom mix with murky outlook
      3BEIJING-MAIN_i.jpg
      Beijing show to highlight competition for local EV makers
      Beijing auto show delayed due to coronavirus
      Maserati will unveil Ghibli hybrid at Beijing show
    • view gallery
      11 photos
      Mercedes-Benz Vision EQS
      view gallery
      11 photos
      Renault Captur
      view gallery
      5 photos
      Mercedes-Benz AMG GLB 53
      view gallery
      10 photos
      Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe
    • view gallery
      8 photos
      VinFast Lux SA2.0 SUV
      view gallery
      8 photos
      VinFast Lux A2.0 sedan
      view gallery
      9 photos
      Seat Tarraco
      view gallery
      7 photos
      Toyota Corolla station wagon
    • view gallery
      4 photos
      Nio ET Preview
      view gallery
      7 photos
      Infiniti Qs Inspiration concept
      view gallery
      5 photos
      BMW 3-series LWB
      view gallery
      9 photos
      Mini Clubman
  • Maps
    • E-Car & Component Map of Europe
    • Powertrain Map of Europe
    • Assembly Plant Map of Europe
  • Car Cutaways
  • EVENTS
    • ANE Congress Conversations
    • ANE Shift
    • ANE Rising Stars
    • ANE Eurostars
    • ANE Leading Women
    • Watch Again
      • July 9: EU green deal in the COVID-19 new normal
      • July 16: Assisted or Autonomous Driving
      • July 23: Challenges in Electrification
      • July 30: The Road Ahead for Europe
    • Meet the 2020 winners
    • Watch the 2020 Rising Stars awards again
  • More
    • Publishing Partners
    • Social Media
    • Contact Us
    • Media Kit
    • About Us
    • Toyota Europe
    • UFI Filters
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Twitter
MENU
Breadcrumb
  1. Home
  2. Frankfurt Auto Show
September 10, 2019 04:05 AM

Land Rover takes the Defender upmarket

Luca Ciferri
Nick Gibbs
  • Tweet
  • Share
  • Share
  • Email
  • More
    Print
    2020_lr_defender_passenger_side_climbing_05.jpg

    Land Rover envisages owners will use it for off-road adventures as they did with its predecessor.

    FRANKFURT -- Land Rover has transformed its Defender off-roader into a far more luxurious, roomier and high-tech vehicle, but for a price substantially above the long-running model it replaces.

    The second-generation Defender made its debut at the Frankfurt auto show on Sept. 10 ahead of sales next year, starting with the 110 five-door model with five, six or seven seats at the beginning of next year and continuing in the second half of 2020 with the three-door short-wheelbase version with five or six seats badged 90.

    A van version of the 90 will also join next year.

    The lineup will be completed by a longer 130 version of the 110 with a choice of seven or eight seats in 2021.

    The 90 will start from around 40,000 pounds (44,500 euros, $49,200) in its home market of the UK, Land Rover said, with the 110 starting at 45,240 pounds.

    The passenger version of the previous generation 90 started at 25,265 pounds just before it was discontinued in 2016, while the 110 started at 27,620 pounds, meaning a 58 percent increase in price for the 90 and a 64 percent increase for the 110.

    Land Rover has included plenty of references to the original model, which launched the brand and ran with minimal updates for 67 years, during which around two million were built.

    Despite switching from a ladder-frame chassis to a unibody platform based on that used by the Discovery large SUV, the Defender retains the same boxy proportions.

    Land Rover envisages owners will use it for similar off-road adventures as the original car, so it comes with a spare wheel mounted on the rear while inside the special rubberized flooring can be cleaned with a mop.

    Like the original, it comes with a side hinged door to the trunk and is available with a 'jump seat' -- a third seat between the driver and passenger seats that doubles up as storage.

    A folding fabric roof will available on the 110 to enable a "safari experience" while optional extras include an "expedition" roof-rack with access ladder, roof-tent and a waterproof storage box mounted on the side of the car.

    "We've embraced Defender's stunning capability and minimalistic, functional interior to reinvent the icon for the 21st century," head of engineering, Nick Rogers, said in a statement.

    At launch, the new Defender will come with a four-cylinder 2.0-liter diesel engine offered in 197 hp and 237 hp configurations, as well as two gasoline units, a four-cylinder 2.0-liter delivering 296 hp and a 6-cylinder 3.0-liter mild-hybrid unit delivering 394 hp. A 6-cylinder diesel will arrive later, according to a leaked marketing document.

    A plug-in hybrid model will join the range after its launch, JLR said.

    The new model will be built at Jaguar Land Rover's new plant in Nitra, Slovakia, alongside the Discovery. It is underpinned by an adapted version of the Discovery's aluminum D7u platform, called D7x.

    Land Rover said the changes to the platform are so great the body-in-white is built on a separate line to that of the Discovery at Nitra.

    Considerably bigger

    The new Defender is considerably longer and wider than the previous generation model, which was originally born as an agricultural vehicle after the end of World War II.

    The Defender's 90, 110 and 130 naming system originally referred to the wheelbase length of the various versions in inches. It is kept in the new generation, despite much longer wheelbases.

    The three-door Defender 90 is closer to the length of the previous generation five-door 110 model. The new 90 is 4583mm long (including the spare tire on the tailgate), 1996mm wide and 1974mm high, with a wheelbase of 2587mm (101 inches). The previous generation was 3894mm long, 1476mm wide and 2079mm high, with a 2360mm wheelbase.

    The five-door Defender 110 has grown by almost half a meter to 5018mm in length with a 3022mm (118 inch) wheelbase.

    The Defender 130 is expected to measure 5300 mm long with the spare tire. Previously the Defender 130 was sold only as a double-cab pickup. No pickup version of the Defender has been discussed.

    Emissions reduction

    The 90 diesel emits 199 gram/km of CO2 under the NECD-correlated cycle and 248 g/km on the new WLTP cycle. The previous Defender with a 2.2-liter diesel emitted 266 g/km under the traditional NEDC cycle.

    The 90 2.0-liter gasoline emits from 224 g/km NEDC-correlated and 277 g/km under WLTP, while the 90 3.0-liter gasoline mild-hybrid emits from 219 g/km NEDC-correlated and 271 g/km under WLTP.

    The new Defender 110 has emissions very similar to the new 90 model. The new 2.0-liter diesel Defender 110 is rated at 199 g/km under NEDC-correlated, while the previous Defender 110 with a 2.2-liter diesel emitted 295 g/km under the traditional NEDC cycle.

    True off-roader

    Land Rover said it tried to incorporate as much of the enjoyment customers felt driving the old vehicle with its replacement. "The old Defender was fun to drive, but flawed. New Defender is fun, but without the flaws," JLR's head of vehicle dynamics, Mike Cross, said in a statement.

    The result is a car that will leave you "refreshed" after a long drive but still wade through water up to 900mm deep and tow 3,500kg, Cross said.

    Drivers can configure individual off-road vehicle settings via the touchscreen, including locking the center differential to improve off-road grip. The car features a camera-based technology that shows the area usually hidden by the engine hood, directly ahead of the front wheels, on the central touchscreen. Meanwhile the car's trailer can be steered while reversing via a rotary dial on the console.

    The Defender 90 was described in a leaked marketing presentation as the "halo" model that remains closest to the Defender's original iconic boxy shape. It will be aimed at customers who are "young, affluent, fun-seeking and individual."

    The 110 is the "definitive Defender" aimed at adventurers, couples and self-employed people. The range-topping "Premium Explorer" 130 will be pitched at families with an "active lifestyle."

    Not so boxy

    The Defender exterior design, while still boxy, has subtly altered to improve both the design and the aerodynamics.

    The front grille remains almost vertical, but the windshield is more inclined than in the original model.

    The front of the car is described by the brand as "tough but approachable" using geometric forms and the latest headlight technology.

    "This is our vision of a modern Defender. The clean body side contrasts dramatically against the sheer verticality of its front and particularly its rear to create a reassuringly purposeful stance," Land Rover head of design, Gerry McGovern, said in a statement.

    A design feature of the new Defender 90 is the "floating pillar," a square piece of plastic painted in the body color to cover most of the rear passenger side windows. The floating pillar comes as an option and was added to make the new three-door look boxier, Land Rover said. The floating pillar is standard on the Defender 110.

    The Defender is far more upscale and high-tech inside, despite nods to the original car. The utilitarian nature of the car is demonstrated by the exposed beam that runs across the width of the cabin and features grab handles to allow passengers to steady themselves while off-road driving.

    The model introduces a new Pivi Pro infotainment system touchscreen, that JLR says addresses weakness of its previous systems by being more intuitive and user-friendly, requiring fewer inputs to perform frequently used tasks.

    The Defender takes Software Over The Air (SOTA) updates to a new level for the company, with 14 individual modules capable of receiving remote updates.

    More personalities

    To reach a broader customer base, the new Defender will have different personalization lines.

    These will include:

    Country Pack with wheel arch protection, 'classic' mud flaps and a portable rinse system, for washing items like muddy bikes.

    Explorer Pack, for more extreme off-roading. This features a raised air intake, roof-rack, a side-mounted storage pod, and matt-back decals for the hood.

    Urban Pack for cities and the suburbs, including a spare wheel cover, and the option of 22in wheels. It is expected that this option will be popular for the three-door 90 model.

    The packs are expected to win back business lost to vehicle modifiers who offer many options for Land Rover vehicles, particularly the previous generation Defender.

    Customers can also option a 'satin' wrap to the car protect the paintwork and vary the color options.

    Truly global

    Besides Europe, the new Defender will also be offered in the United States and China, two regions where the previous generation was not officially distributed.

    The U.S. is Jaguar Land Rover's largest single market. JLR's U.S. sales rose 8.1 percent to 139,800 vehicles in its fiscal year that ended March 31, according to company data.

    China sales fell 34 percent to 98,900.

    Sales in Europe, excluding JLR's UK home market, declined by 4.5 percent to 127,600 units. UK sales rose by 8.4 percent to 117,900.

    Share
    Share
    Share
    2020_lr_defender_front_quarter_moving_01.jpg
    Share
    2020_lr_defender_front_snow_still_14.jpg
    Share
    2020_lr_defender_front_tilt_13.jpg
    Share
    2020_lr_defender_passenger_quarter_still_03.jpg
    Share
    2020_lr_defender_passenger_side_still_04.jpg
    Share
    2020_lr_defender_passenger_side_climbing_05.jpg
    Share
    2020_lr_defender_passenger_side_moving_02.jpg
    Share
    2020_lr_defender_two_trim_levels_06.jpg
    Share
    2020_lr_defender_rear_07.jpg
    Share
    2020_lr_defender_interior_driver_cockpit_08.jpg
    Share
    2020_lr_defender_interior_dark_12.jpg
    Share
    2020_lr_defender_interior_passenger_back_09.jpg
    Share
    2020_lr_defender_interior_center_console_charging_16.jpg
    Share
    2020_lr_defender_interior_passenger_11.jpg
    Share
    2020_lr_defender_interior_telematic_screen_10.jpg
    Share
    2020_lr_defender_side_storage_18.jpg
    Share
    2020_lr_defender_camping_17.jpg
    Share
    2020_lr_defender_rear_moving_snow_15.jpg
    Share
    2020_lr_defender_rear_detail_19.jpg
    Share
    2020_lr_defender_front_headlamp_detail_20.jpg
    2020_lr_defender_front_quarter_moving_01.jpg
    2020_lr_defender_front_snow_still_14.jpg
    2020_lr_defender_front_tilt_13.jpg
    2020_lr_defender_passenger_quarter_still_03.jpg
    2020_lr_defender_passenger_side_still_04.jpg
    2020_lr_defender_passenger_side_climbing_05.jpg
    2020_lr_defender_passenger_side_moving_02.jpg
    2020_lr_defender_two_trim_levels_06.jpg
    2020_lr_defender_rear_07.jpg
    2020_lr_defender_interior_driver_cockpit_08.jpg
    2020_lr_defender_interior_dark_12.jpg
    2020_lr_defender_interior_passenger_back_09.jpg
    2020_lr_defender_interior_center_console_charging_16.jpg
    2020_lr_defender_interior_passenger_11.jpg
    2020_lr_defender_interior_telematic_screen_10.jpg
    2020_lr_defender_side_storage_18.jpg
    2020_lr_defender_camping_17.jpg
    2020_lr_defender_rear_moving_snow_15.jpg
    2020_lr_defender_rear_detail_19.jpg
    2020_lr_defender_front_headlamp_detail_20.jpg
    RECOMMENDED FOR YOU
    German automakers aim to transform former Frankfurt show into Davos of mobility
    Recommended for You
    German automakers aim to transform former Frankfurt show into Davos of mobility
    German automakers aim to transform former Frankfurt show into Davos of mobility
    Frankfurt show will move to Munich
    Frankfurt show will move to Munich
    Frankfurt's no-shows, darkened halls signal an industry in flux
    Frankfurt's no-shows, darkened halls signal an industry in flux
    Sign up for free newsletters
    EMAIL ADDRESS

    Please enter a valid email address.

    Please enter your email address.

    Please verify captcha.

    Please select at least one newsletter to subscribe.

    You can unsubscribe at any time through links in these emails. For more information, see our Privacy Policy.

    Get Free Newsletters

    Sign up and get the best of Automotive News Europe delivered straight to your email inbox, free of charge. Choose your news – we will deliver.

    You can unsubscribe at any time through links in these emails. For more information, see our Privacy Policy.

    SUBSCRIBE TODAY

    Get 24/7 access to in-depth, authoritative coverage of the auto industry from a global team of reporters and editors covering the news that’s vital to your business.

    SUBSCRIBE NOW
    Connect with Us
    • Twitter
    • Facebook
    • LinkedIn
    • Instagram

    Founded in 1996, Automotive News Europe is the preferred information source for decision-makers and opinion leaders operating in Europe.

    Contact Us

    1155 Gratiot Avenue
    Detroit MI  48207-2997
    Tel: +1 877-812-1584

    Email Us

    ISSN 2643-6590 (print)
    ISSN 2643-6604 (online)

     

    Resources
    • About us
    • Contact Us
    • 2020 Media Kit
    • Advertise with Us
    • Ad Choices Ad Choices
    • Sitemap
    Awards
    • Rising Stars
    • Eurostars
    • Leading Women
    Legal
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Privacy Policy
    • Privacy Request
    Automotive News Europe
    Copyright © 1996-2021. Crain Communications, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
    • HOME
      • Latest news
      • Automakers
      • Suppliers
      • New Product
      • Environment/Emissions
      • Sales By Market
      • On The Move
      • Auto Shows
        • Geneva Auto Show
        • Frankfurt Auto Show
        • Paris Auto Show
        • Beijing Auto Show
        • Shanghai Auto Show
    • Features
      • Long Read
      • Interview of the Month
      • Supplier Spotlight
      • Focus on Electrification
      • Latest Launches
      • Analyst's View
      • Segment Analysis
      • Europe By The Numbers
    • Opinion
      • Blogs
      • Commentary
      • Guest columnists
    • Photos
      • Photo Galleries
      • Geneva Photo Gallery
      • Beijing Photo Gallery
      • Frankfurt Photo Gallery
      • Paris Photo Gallery
      • Shanghai Photo Gallery
    • Maps
      • E-Car & Component Map of Europe
      • Powertrain Map of Europe
      • Assembly Plant Map of Europe
    • Car Cutaways
    • EVENTS
      • ANE Congress Conversations
        • Watch Again
          • July 9: EU green deal in the COVID-19 new normal
          • July 16: Assisted or Autonomous Driving
          • July 23: Challenges in Electrification
          • July 30: The Road Ahead for Europe
      • ANE Shift
      • ANE Rising Stars
        • Meet the 2020 winners
        • Watch the 2020 Rising Stars awards again
      • ANE Eurostars
      • ANE Leading Women
    • More
      • Publishing Partners
        • Toyota Europe
        • UFI Filters
      • Social Media
        • Facebook
        • Instagram
        • LinkedIn
        • Twitter
      • Contact Us
      • Media Kit
      • About Us