After almost a quarter-century absence, the brand new 2020 Land Rover Defender has made its triumphant return to North America as a totally modern luxury SUV with a serious off-road pedigree.
Debuting at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the brawny British utility vehicle is built on a purpose-engineered, lightweight aluminum chassis dubbed “D7x.” Land Rover claims this is the stiffest body structure it has ever offered.
As Maxim previously reported, the platform was put through over 750,000 miles of real-world testing in some of the harshest environments imaginable, including sub-zero temps in the Arctic and 10,000 foot-high treks Rocky Mountains.
The Defender will be offered in two body styles, according to Road & Track. The two-door Defender 90 will seat either five or six with an optional foldable front middle seat. The four-door Defender 110 also has an available “5+2” configuration with a cargo-area jump seat.
U.S. buyers have the choice of two power plants: a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 296 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, or a heftier 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six that’s boosted by a “mild” hybrid system with an electric supercharger and 48-volt battery. It cranks out 395 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque.
The former is good for a 7.7-second zero-to-60 mph time, the latter does the same in 5.7 seconds, and both are mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with permanent four-wheel drive.
With the larger engine, the Defender’s maximum towing capacity is a formidable 8,201 pounds, which is competitive with light-duty pickup trucks. It can also carry up to 661 pounds on the roof.
This is also the first-ever Land Rover offering to feature what’s been dubbed “Configurable Terrain Response,” allowing drivers to fine-tune settings for virtually any surface. One of the system’s most impressive programs is “Wade,” which gives the Defender the ability to safely cross water as deep as 35.5 inches.
The cockpit is loaded with technology and luxe finishes. A state-of-the-art infotainment system, 10-inch touchscreen, support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 12.3-inch interactive display all come standard.
R&T has further details on the interior:
The dashboard is designed around a structural magnesium beam spanning the width of the interior, housing the instrument panel and the necessary touchscreen controls for climate and infotainment. A durable rubberized floor is standard, though you can fancy it up with optional luxurious carpeting, and upholstery is available in rugged textile, a textile/leather combination, or full leather. Open-pore wood trim, either walnut or dark oak, is available.
The Defender’s digital systems are now capable of over-the-air software updates, and the automaker claims the infotainment and navigation systems have quicker response times and activate nearly immediately on vehicle start-up. An optional wrist-worn, waterproof Activity Key takes the place of the traditional key fob, with an LCD touchscreen that allows remote locking, unlocking, and keyless entry and start-up.
Land Rover also offers four different “accessory packs,” each of which is tailored toward conquering different environments.
The Explorer Pack is ideal for off-road adventures, equipped with a
lightweight roof rack, side-mounted gear carrier, wheel arch protection. The Adventure Pack is for the outdoorsman and features a portable rinse system with a 1.7 gallon (6.5-liter) pressurized water reservoir, integrated air compressor and side-mounted gear carrier.
The Country Pack is similar to the Adventure Pack, but also has a rear scuff plate, while the Urban Pack gets stylish metalized pedals and large-diameter wheels.
The 2020 Land Rover 110 arrives stateside in the spring of 2020 with a $49,900 base price. The Defender 90 hits dealerships later in the year.
Head to Land Rover’s online configurator to start building your dream machine.
