Land Rover apparently wants to capitalize on the success of the Defender nameplate by reportedly more variants to its lineup. Besides the upcoming longer-body eigh-seater Defender 130 that is expected in 2022, the rumored performance-focused Defender SVO, and a possible Defender pickup, the company is said to be developing a more luxurious model based on the upcoming Range Rover platform.
The new MLA platform which will underpin the new-generation Range Rover and Range Rover Sport is a good base for a luxurious Defender thanks to its size, characteristics, and ability to host ICE, PHEV, and BEV powertrains. This model would retain the advertised off-road capabilities of the Defender, combined with improved on-road ride quality and a more premium less rugged interior, according to Autocar.
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Land Rover has three model families – Discovery (Discovery Sport, Discovery), Range Rover (Evoque, Velar, Range Rover Sport, Range Rover Classic), and Defender (90, 110, 130) – so it is natural for them to expand each one with new models aiming at higher profit margins.
The engine range would comprise the 3.0-liter six-cylinder petrol and diesel motors in combination with mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid technology, and possibly a V8-powered performance variant. Also, a fully electric version could rival the upcoming Mercedes-Benz EQG. Sharing the underpinnings with the Range Rover means lower production and development costs, while a Defender-inspired exterior and interior design would help differentiate the mechanically related models.
The interior of the current Land Rover Defender.
According to Autocar, the MLA-based Defender could have sporty seats, a high-mounted gear shifter, metallic and wooden trims for “naturally weathered” looks. A three-row version could be avoided in order to avoid competition with the Land Rover Discovery which is struggling in sales at the moment (probably due to the popularity of the normal Defender).
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It is reported that Land Rover was also considering a smaller entry-level Defender based on the EMA (Electric Modular Architecture) platform but those plans have been axed. This architecture is going to underpin the next-generation Range Rover Evoque and Land Rover Discovery Sport offered in both PHEV and BEV variants.
The MLA-based Defender is expected to hit the market in late 2024 or early 2025, selling alongside the current Defender that is soon going to be available in all 90, 110, and 130 guises. As for pricing, the entry spec could start from around £59,000 ($81,483).
