Back in the ’90s, Land Rover briefly sold the Defender in the United States. It wore the “NAS” moniker and is still highly desirable today. In fact, the Defender NAS is actually more valuable that many other versions of the car, due to the specific spec it came in and its rarity. However, after a few years, Land Rover pulled the plug and has yet to offer its rugged off-roader in America since. Until now, that is, as the Land Rover Defender is back in America.
At the 2019 IAA Frankfurt Motor Show, the all-new 2020 Land Rover Defender finally made its long-awaited debut and it looks fantastic. It’s retro-funky in all the right ways, with just enough of the classic car’s styling to make it instantly recognizable but also enough new elements to make it look fresh.
The new Land Rover Defender comes in two flavors; 90 and 110; just like the original. Though, unlike the original, those numbers don’t reflect the car’s wheelbase. Instead, they’re just the small three-door one and the big five-door one, respectively. Personally, I actually like the look of the new Defender 110, which is odd because I like the classic Defender 90 better.
On the inside, it gets a very spartan but cool looking interior, very fitting of a Land Rover Defender. Though, it still gets the brand’s digital instrument panel and touchscreen infotainment system, the latter of which is said to be all new. There’s even an option for a third jump seat in the front, which is kind of cool.
It’s under the skin where the Defender really shines, though. In America, there will be two engine options, a turbocharged four-cylinder and a turbocharged six-cylinder. Engine specs don’t really matter because who cares how powerful or fast a Defender is? Instead, it’s all about the off-roading gear.
Those engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic gearbox and all-wheel drive as-standard. It gets a center-locking differential as-standard, as well as a two-speed transfer case. So even the base model can properly off-road. Then, there’s an additional locking rear differential as an option and brake-torque-vectoring. It also gets Land Rover’s impressive Terrain Response system as-standard, with an improved one as an option.
This new Land Rover Defender is likely to be a hit in America. It’s boxy, rugged and tough with classic cool looks and a cabin that looks rugged but feels premium. Plus, it’s relatively inexpensive. The Land Rover Defender 110 will start at $50k in America, making it a relative bargain when compared to some of its rivals, when you consider its as-standard equipment.
In the ‘States, it gets LED headlights, air-suspension, wade-depth sensors and even a 3D surround-view camera system, all included in its base price. Combine its impressive value with its awesome looks, rugged off-road ability and icy-coolness and the Land Rover Defender is going to be an incredibly tough competitors when it finally hits the road. I’m so happy it’s back.
I wish it wasn’t but this is a defender in name only. All of the virtues that made the Defender a great off-road vehicle cannot be found here. This is just another lifestyle vehicle like the Toyota FJ.
Find another name for this. It’s trashing the Defender name and values of the original iconic and much loved vehicle. It’s an insult. And for goodness sake keep all those electronics and fancy computers and gizmos away from water with this wannebe.
I’m curious what you would have done differently for this car to be a modern-day Defender? Or do you simply believe they shouldn’t have modernized it at all? Frankly, if it’s the latter, you might as well just be labeled a hater.
Full floating solid axles would be a good start.
I would have approached it very similar to the way Mercedes updated its iconic Gelandewagen/G Wagen. Bit by bit over time while still retaining that classic rather square retro tough feel. And the precious Defender DNA. Another example are the Toyota Landcruiser 76 series tough as hell vehicles. Floating front and rear axles. leaf springs (x2 x4 manual low range high range wheel drive gear section. Ditch delicate computer electronics, coil packs and nannies.. Manual windows aluminum body and suspension and ladder chassis.Just for starters. The Dodge Ram 3500 Series also offers some clues. And no. I’m not a hater. Just a major Defender fan and owner I was. Such a lost opportunity for Land Rover to do it properly.
the reason for the defender was to have a vehicle to go anywhere …now people criticize this one and im willing to bet it will go even where its predecessor would wish to go sorry to burst your stupid little pathetic bubbles
Please note real Defenders last an awful long time. Would be interesting to see what this excuse for a Defender looks like after 59 years of hard use. i think 80% of all Defenders made are still running and working in various parts of the world. Doubt this new one would be able to claim such and honour.. You used to be able to fix the original Defender when it broke down – that was quite often!! – with wire straps and a couple of tools and spanners and straps and hold it together until the next stop. I wouldn’t trust this new defender for one minute in a Trans Africa tour or rally. And it’s not fussy about the fuel you use.
Camel trophy 2003. The prize was a top-of-the-range Freelander or Range Rover. The winner Rudi Thoelen declined a Range Rover, and opted for two Defenders instead. Mmm.
so you want to judge its reliability even before it has a chance to prove it…
the fact that he chose the defender proves nothing we do off roading alot and now that those rangies are old and cheap we see more and more people using them for proper off roading and they go where the defender goes …just more comfortably …what makes a defender nice for off roading is the fact that one doesnt care if it gets scratched or not it looks tough when it has got scratches etc…whereas a range rover owner doesnt want to damage his car and that is the reality
And most land rovers are actually very reliable …if serviced with care…my dad has been driving land rover for more than 25 years only had problems in the beggining just to find out that the dealership didnt do services properly so he started doing it himself…no issues ever since
Well that’s a view. You may just be proved wrong. Time will tell.
I love the old defender dont get me wrong but by looking at how technology has improved the off road capability on their newer models is making me look forward to this car …and the design fits the car very well …everybody will still know this is a defender
I don’t doubt we’ll see a number of new vs old videos on YouTube.