The first plug-in hybrid Land Rover Defender will go on sale next year with a 398 hp powertrain capable of traveling 40 kilometers on electric drive, and promises to be the "best and most durable" version of the SUV.
The new plug-in hybrid variant is part of a range of upgrades and new options that will be introduced in the Defender 2020 model lineup. Meanwhile, the short-wheelbase Defender 90 variant, which was delayed due to Covid-19, has gone on sale.
The new Defender P400e will initially be offered only in the long-wheelbase 110 variant and uses the same powertrain as the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport. It combines a 296 hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder petrol engine with a 139 hp electric motor.
Land Rover claims the model will offer "substantial torque" that will add to the car's off-road capability. The powertrain can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 5.4 seconds, with a top speed of 210 km/h. Ian Gray, chief engineer of powertrains at Jaguar Land Rover, said the new plug-in hybrid "balances performance with fuel economy and the ability to operate off-road on fully electric drive."
Standard equipment on the Defender P400e includes 20-inch wheels and electronic air suspension, and the powertrain is tuned to operate in "electric-only" mode at low speeds both on-road and off-road. It can tow up to 3000 kg.
Charging the 19.2 kWh battery is done via a Mode 3 connection using a charging port located on the left side of the vehicle, while a Mode 2 connector is available as an option. Charging the battery at 50 kW to 80% takes about half an hour. Regenerative braking is also used. The P400e comes with five or six seats, and standard equipment includes privacy glass and climate control.
Alongside the plug-in hybrid, Land Rover has updated the 6-cylinder Ingenium diesel engine for the Defender lineup. It will be offered in three variants. Starting with the D200 (197 hp) and D250 (245 hp), as well as the D200 and D240, which were previously offered in the range.
The new D300 variant will be fitted to the most expensive Defender trims, producing 296 hp, and on the Defender 90, the 0-100 km/h sprint will take 6.3 seconds.
The new all-wheel-drive diesel engine is equipped with a new intelligent drive system that varies torque distribution between axles based on driver inputs and data from sensors on the vehicle. Land Rover claims it can optimize power delivery for traction and efficiency, improving both fuel economy and CO2 emissions.
Defender 90 goes on sale
It will be offered with the same mild-hybrid petrol and diesel engines as the 110 model, with petrol units P300 and P400, as well as diesel units D200, D250, and D300. Like the 110, all Defender 90 models use an eight-speed automatic transmission. Petrol versions are all-wheel drive, while the Ingenium diesel engines use the new intelligent all-wheel-drive system.
Land Rover says the Defender 90 range will start at £43,625 in the UK compared to $55,000 for the 110 model.
Defender gets new rugged trim, new tech features
The Defender lineup also gains a new X-Dynamic trim, which includes a range of rugged styling enhancements. These include front and rear skid plates in satin silicon, a radiator grille and badging, and black satin on the rear recovery loops. The alloy wheels have received a new black finish among other changes. Inside, X-Dynamic models have unique illuminated metal treadplates, and the seats are upholstered in durable protective Robustek fabric, which Land Rover says is wear-resistant and abrasion-resistant. X-Dynamic S, SE, and HSE models come with leather upholstery.
Further updates for the 2021 model year include a new range of exterior colors and other personalization features, as well as new driver assistance packages. A new blind spot assist package is offered, as well as a new Family Pack that adds a third row of seats with three-zone climate control. The Family Pack Plus adds heating to the third-row seats.
