Land Rover Defender SUV Launched In India From Rs 73.98 Lakh

The latest generation of the premium off-roader is now available here in both three-door and five-door avatars

• New-gen Land Rover Defender made its global debut in 2019 and is now available in India too.

• Features all-new design, engines and modern tech compared to the much-loved previous-generation old-school model.

• It’ll be offered in both three-door (Defender 90) and five-door (Defender 110) body types in India.

• Only one engine on offer at launch - a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol unit making 300PS and 400Nm with AWD as standard.

• The new Defender costs between Rs 73.98 lakh and Rs 90.46 lakh (ex-showroom India).

• It also gets modern comforts like digital displays, sat-nav, smartphone connectivity and premium upholstery.

• Land Rover will start delivering the Defender 110 models immediately while deliveries for the Defender 90 models are expected to start from April 2021.

The Land Rover Defender is synonymous with the expression of a ‘go-anywhere-vehicle’. While the original Defender had become too outdated for the modern world and the ever-increasing list of compliance regulations, Land Rover had to build an all-new version from the ground up. This version made its global debut in 2019 and has now been launched in India as well with prices as listed below (ex-showroom India):

The Defender retains its boxy, rugged design but now features smoother edges and muscular arches. It is offered in two body styles: 90 and 110. The Defender 90 is the more traditional three-door version with up to six seats while the 110 has the conventional five-door layout and gets the option of a third row of seats for a total capacity of seven. Both versions of the Defender are available with the same 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine that makes 300PS of power and 400Nm. Power is distributed to all four wheels via Land Rover’s AWD system and an 8-speed automatic transmission. More engine choices are expected to be offered later on including the possibility of a hybrid as well.

In terms of off-roading capabilities, the Defenders boasts of many. It has a twin-speed transfer gearbox for driving up/down steep surfaces and an active electronic differential for managing traction across various surfaces. The Defender has the brand’s iconic Terrain Response system that optimises traction, power delivery and chassis systems depending on the terrain in front and offers various modes such as grass, gravel, snow, sand, rock crawl and mud and ruts. It can also be had with the optional all-terrain progress control functionality for added convenience when driving over tricky surfaces.

The Defender gets coiled suspension as standard which offers 225mm of ground clearance while the optional air suspension (standard on the Defender 110) setup gives the SUV a default ride height of 216mm. However, it can go up to 291mm in off-road mode. With the electronic air suspension set up for off-road mode, the Defender has an approach angle of 38 degrees, breakover angle of up to 31 degrees (110 has a breakover angle of 28 degrees), and a departure angle of 40 degrees. It even has a wading depth of 900mm and claims a towing capacity of up to 3,500kg. 

As the new Defender is built from the ground up on a monocoque chassis to meet modern day needs, its cabin offers a lot more tech and comforts than the older models. The interior feels premium but not too fancy and the dashboard features a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation as well as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity and a 6-speaker audio system as standard. The 12.3-inch digital driver’s instrument cluster, driver assistance packs, and leather upholstery are offered on the higher trims.

The Land Rover Defender is still a premium offering and as such it offers personalisation options in terms of upholstery and even cabin seating configuration. It also gets a host of accessories so you can equip it for the exact adventure you have in mind. Land Rover also offers four accessory packs: Explorer, Adventure, Country and Urban. The Defender sits as the adventurer’s alternative to the Discovery Sport in the Land Rover lineup and rivals the likes of the Jeep Wrangler when it comes to off-roading. Land Rover will begin deliveries of the Defender 110 models immediately and of the Defender 90 from April 2021 onwards.

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