The Land Rover Defender 2020

It’s back again, the iconic Land Rover Defender in 2020. While it doesn’t even try to look like an old Defender, it does great at being itself and being a whole lot better than the previous Defender. It’s made to let you choose how much control you want, and you can really see that with its numerous options, some of which we will discuss below.

It’s not the old Defender

There are 2 options with this car, the three-door 90 and the bigger 5-door 110. Both have the same design with the 110 being longer and a few extra features, like standard air suspension that can get you a clearance of 291 mm.

The overall look is simple with a few small unique details like circular headlights inside a rectangular shell. Even though it’s simple, the soft curves that still make this car look strong really make this a good-looking car.

Up to 168 kg can be carried on the roof rack while driving, but when stationary it can take up to 300 kg which will allow you to camp up there. One thing that is a bit disappointing on the outside is there are no size options below 18-inch. Which for a car that has so many options, it is rather odd. But there are other things you can choose like the winch pack that can be remotely controlled for when you get stuck. Right around back you can also choose to get an electric tow bar what can allow you to pull up to 3.5 tons.

Inside this Land Rover is much cleaner

Compared to the previous Land Rover Defender, this one is like getting a breath of fresh air. The design is so clean. There’s a very nice use of quality feeling materials and exposed screws and metal that give it a rugged look. One thing that I find particularly impressive is the grab handles. Integrated into the design of the dash, you wouldn’t even tell it’s a grab handle until a rogue rock has you grabbing it.

If you want space, the 110 has you covered with plenty of room for everyone, front and back. The 90, not so much but it works. On both models, there is a lot of mobile connectivity with many USB ports and 12 vault sockets. As an option, you can choose from a plastic floor with rubber mats or carpet, all on whether you intend to do serious off-roading.

The infotainment system is solid with a 10-inch touch screen as standard and an easy to use digital driver’s display. They don’t replace the physical buttons but they do show some really good to know the information. This includes measurements on slopes and how deep you are wading, which can be up to 0.9 metres for this Defender. Some more technology comes into the seats where they come electric as standard too, very nice Land Rover.

It can do more than before

Two options for engines, a 2-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine that gives 177 kW and 430 Nm of torque. The other option is a 3-litre 6-cylinder turbocharged petrol that gives 294 kW and 550 Nm of torque. This Land Rover Defender also has the stiffest chassis any other Land Rover has had. It comes attached to the independent suspension which together makes a much smoother ride, even on rough roads.

With breakover angle of 28 degrees, it beats the old Defender. The approach angle is even bigger with 38 degrees. When using them on tricky downhills, there is Hill Decent Control that you can turn on to aid you. If you want this Land Rover to do even more for you, you can. Turn on the All-Terrain Progress Control and it will drive for you. It’s cruise control for the off-road.

Models

There are 4 other trim options, each with more luxury features, it is important to note that even on the standard defender that we have discussed above, you can still add the additional options like the winch pack or the off-road pack that moves the air intakes higher up to avoid dust and sand.

S
One above the standard defender is the S and it comes with more leather and a centre console with armrest. It also gets 19-inch wheels and Auto High Beam Assist.

SE
the next option, the SE, gets keyless entry, better sound system and a clear sight mirror. What that does is allow you to display a camera view of what’s behind you where the mirror is for when you can’t see. The wheels go up to 20-inches and it also gets Blind Spot Assist and a Rear Traffic Monitor.

HSE
This model has ebony Windsor leather seats, adaptive cruise control with Lane Keeping Assist. The roof also changes, the 11o gets a panoramic sunroof and the 90 gets a fabric roof.

X
This final model gets more luxury items like heated rear seats and wooden trims. With that is also gets Land Rover’s Terrain Response 2 system.

Pricing

If you are looking for a new off-roader with tons of new tech, look no further. This Defender has it all and does the job well. The only set back is the very high price. With so many options that change the price, we will just give the starting prices.

R910 400 for the Defender 110
R830 300 for the defender 90.

Source & images: Cars | Carwow