Jaguar Land Rover has announced that its iconic new Defender SUV will be launched in India on 15th October 2020 through a digital event. The company has also started taking its pre-bookings.
About New Land Rover Defender
The new Land Rover Defender was first showcased at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show. Its modern robust look with traditional boxy layout, high ground clearance, upright front, and solid shoulders gives it an aggressive stance. It will continue to carry some elements from its predecessor such as the squared-off wheel arches, floating pillars, alpine windows, and raised bonnet.
The rear design too looks very smart and unique with a side-opening tailgate, externally mounted full-size spare wheel, square LED taillights. Overall, the design of this SUV shouts its strength and durability.
The 2020 Defender is based on the D7x architecture which is basically the same platform that underpins the Range Rover Sport. However, the JLR has done some modifications. The British maker claims that its unique monocoque architecture has triple the torsional rigidity than the body-on-frame design.
Like before, the 2020 Defender will be available in two different wheelbase sizes: 90 (3-Door) and 110 (5-Door). The 3 door model will get up to 6 seats whereas the 5 door model will get the option of the third row with a 5+2 seating arrangement.
There will be a total of five variants across the two wheelbase sizes: Defender, S, SE, HSE, and First Edition. It will also get four accessory packs: Explorer, Adventure, Country, and Urban, to suit your lifestyle.
As far as the features are concerned, the new Defender gets some prominent modern features such as round automatic Matrix LED headlights with integrated DRLs, 20-inch alloy wheels, off-roading tires, option of sliding panoramic sunroof or a folding fabric roof, 360° surround camera with 3D exterior perspectives, wade sensing (provide real-time pictorial information about the water depth when wading), 12.3-inch instrument cluster, head-up display, 10-inch touchscreen PIVI PRO infotainment system with OTA support, connected car technology with remote control, 700W Meridian sound system, heated and cooled seats, heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated rear seats, connected navigation pro, wireless device charging, driver condition monitor, cruise control, speed limiter, 6 airbags, rear pre-collision monitor, blind spot assist and many more.
Its off-roading characteristics are as follows:-
| Groud Clearance | 291mm |
| Approach Angle | 38 degree |
| Departure Angle | 40 degree |
| Brake Over Angle | up to 31 degree |
| Water Wadding Capacity | 900mm |
| Towing Capability | up to 3500 kg |
The off-roading ability is further heightened by the addition of electronic air suspension (height adjustable), terrain response system, hill descent control, all-terrain progress control (ATPC), and active differentials with torque vectoring to drive on the most extreme territories.
The 2020 Defender will get a P300 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine (300PS/400Nm), paired to an automatic gearbox and all-wheel-drive system. Land Rover will also introduce a plug-in hybrid version of Defender in near future.
The new Defender will make its way to our shores via the CBU (Completely built unit) route. It is expected to carry a starting price tag of around Rs 70 lakh (ex-showroom).
Official Comment on the launch
Rohit Suri, President & Managing Director, Jaguar Land Rover India Ltd (JLRIL), said:-
“It will be a proud moment for Land Rover to bring the iconic New Defender for the first time in India since we entered the country in 2009. It will also be a significant milestone for the overall auto industry in India to witness the launch of a vehicle which enjoys legendary cult status across the globe. In line with its status, an immersive and highly engaging digital launch event has been planned to mark its arrival in India”
