Land Rover Defender launched at Rs 73.98 lakh

The all-new Land Rover Defender has been launched in India, with prices starting at Rs 73.98 lakh (ex-showroom, India). Although Land Rover had announced prices for the Defender and had opened bookings for the SUV earlier this year, this marks the model’s official market launch.Those who had booked the Defender earlier will avail of the lower, introductory price tag (nearly Rs 4 lakh lower) while these higher prices apply to fresh bookings made from today onwards. The SUV is available in two body styles, the 90 (3-door) and the 110 (5-door), and in five trim levels to choose from. Deliveries for the Defender 90 will begin in April-June 2021. Given below are the full variant-wise prices of the new Land Rover Defender.

• Powered by a 300hp, 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine

• Available with multiple optional extras and accessory packs

• Larger 110 models to arrive first, with the smaller 90 models set to follow later

• Defender plug-in hybrid variants to follow in the future as well

Land Rover Defender dimensions

Dimensions-wise, the Land Rover Defender 90 measures 4,583mm in length, 1,974mm in height and has a 2,587mm-long wheelbase. The Defender 110, meanwhile, measures 5,018mm in length, 1,967mm in height and has a 3,022mm-long wheelbase. Both versions of the new Defender, however, are 2,008mm wide and have a maximum wading depth of 900mm. The 3-door 90 comes as a 5-seater while the larger 5-door 110 can be had as a 5+2 seater.

Land Rover Defender engine and gearbox

For the Indian market, the Land Rover Defender is powered by a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, turbo-petrol engine from JLR’s Ingenium family, putting out 300hp and 400Nm of torque. 0-100kph takes a claimed 8.0sec in the 90 and 8.1sec in the 110. An 8-speed automatic gearbox is standard. The new Defender gets a permanent four-wheel drive system with a locking centre differential and active rear-locking differential. It also features Land Rover’s Terrain Response System, which employs electronic aids based on a range of conditions.

Internationally, the new Defender is also available with a four-cylinder diesel, and six-cylinder petrol and diesel engine options. Recently, Land Rover also introduced the Defender P400e plug-in hybrid to the range. The brand confirmed that plug-in hybrid variants will be offered in India at a later stage.   

Land Rover Defender features

In the top-spec First Edition trim, the Land Rover Defender features a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, heads-up display, automatic climate control, connected car tech, wireless charging, a Meridian audio system, 12-way electrically adjustable and heated front seats, a 360-degree surround camera, LED headlights and Electronic Air Suspension (Standard on 110).

Standard safety kit includes six airbags, ABS, traction control, a driver condition monitor, blind spot assist and front and rear parking sensors. The Defender comes with grained leather and woven textile seats, and it features rubber flooring, making the interior easier to wash down when it gets dirty. The Defender is also available with optional extras and accessory packs in order to personalise the SUV as per the buyer’s taste.  

Land Rover Defender rivals 

The Land Rover Defender doesn’t have any direct rivals but will compete with the Jeep Wrangler in India as a niche 4x4 offering. The Land Rover Defender is being brought to India via the CBU route under the relaxed import norms. The larger 5-door 110 models will make their way here first, with the 3-door 90 set to follow at a later stage due to COVID-19-enforced delays.