2021 Land Rover Defender gets new plug-in hybrid electric power and new X-Dynamic model
The Land Rover Defender is perhaps one of the most popular SUVs around. It has become an iconic nameplate in Land Rover’s heritage with the first model dating back to 1947. Now in 2020, Land Rover plans to take the Defender nameplate to even greater heights as they plan to introduce a new Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) or P400e model in 2021.
This will be key to the Defender 110’s expansion, this new model will combine a powerful 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that produces 221kW, and a 105kW electric motor, the P400e will provide a combined output of 297kW from its advanced PHEV powertrain. The Defender P400e has a 0-100km/h of 5.6 seconds and reaches a top speed of 191km/h. Alongside the new P400e, will be Land Rover’s powerful and efficient in-line six-cylinder Ingenium diesel engine that will also be joining the range. This new 3.0-litre D300 will deliver 221kW and 650Nmof torque, it has a 0-100km/h time of 6.7 seconds for the Defender 90 and 7 seconds for the Defender 110.
In terms of the exterior of the Defender P400e models, it will ride on 20-inch alloy wheels. There will be an Electronic Air Suspension and a charging port located on the left-hand side of the vehicle. All PHEV variants will come with a Mode 3 charging cable as standard, while an optional Mode 2 cable will also be available.
The Mode 3 charging cable is capable of charging to 80 percent in just two hours while charging through a Mode 2 cable will take a bit longer, as it only reaches 80 percent in seven hours. If you are using a rapid charger, the P400e charges to 80 percent in just 30 minutes. The Defender P400e will come available with the option of either five or six seats, standard three-zone climate control, Privacy Glass, and Solar Attenuating Glass.
The PHEV powertrain also brings some impressive off-road capabilities too. Land Rover has claimed that the advanced systems will make the Defender the toughest and most durable Land Rover. The P400e can also tow up to 3,000kg and can carry a roof load of 168kg (dynamic) or 300kg (static).
Land Rover has further expanded the Defender with the all-new X-Dynamic trim. The X-Dynamic will come with several enhancements to deliver a tougher look and feel than before. It features some unique exterior accents such as a Silicon Satin front and rear skid pans, a matching grille bar and badging plus Rear Recovery Loops in Satin Black. The alloy wheels will come in Satin Dark Grey/Gloss Black finish, alongside Narvik Black mirror caps, window decals and lower sill and wheel arch cladding.
The inside comes with illuminated metal treadplates has a Robustek seat material in Duotone colour finish with Robustek ribbon accent and Console Finishers. Robustek material is a highly robust and protective material that is inspired by the material used in extreme outdoor situations, it will come standard on all X-Dynamic models in a range of colourways dependent on the specification pack. X-Dynamic interior badging and centre console finishers are also distinguishable to the new addition, it comes alongside a Light Grey Cross-Car Beam Powder Coat, Ebony Morzine headlining and Eiger Grey satin door handles.
Alongside the Defender 110, is the Defender 90 which will also be available for customers to choose from. The Defender 90 is available with up to six seats when fitted with the jump seat in the front row. With the exception of a P400e plug-in-hybrid (PHEV), the Defender 90 is powered by the same range of powerful petrol and diesel Ingenium engines, including a 3.0-litre turbocharged P400 with MHEV technology and the 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol P300, alongside the new in-line six-cylinder D300 and the 2.0-litre turbodiesel D240. The Defender 90 models will come with an eight-speed automatic gearbox, with all-wheel drive.
The inside of the 90 will feature the same interior design as the 110, with a range of models to choose from across S, X-Dynamic SE, X-Dynamic HSE, X, and First Edition models depending on engine choice. The Defender 90 is also available with a choice of four Accessory Packs such as Adventure, Country, Explorer and Urban.
The individual options and packs have also changed in the Defender line-up, including a broader selection of exterior colour options, ranging from new colours such as Yulong White, Silicon Silver, Hakuba Silver, and Carpathian Grey. The individual options available to the Defender include the Folding Fabric Roof for Defender 110, Premium LED headlights with Signature DRL, Meridian Sound System, Head-Up Display, and Front Fog Lights.
The updated 2021 Model Year Defender 110 and 90 will hit the shores of South Africa in the first half of next year.
Pricing for the Land Rover Defender 90 ranges from R1 095 600 to R1 575 000, depending on which derivative you choose. While the Land Rover Defender 110 does start at a higher price point, ranging from R1 143 900 all way to R1 726 600.
